Blog Category | Environment
Irish Environmental Pillar meet MEPs to discuss main policy concerns
Posted on April 05, 2013
Representatives from the Irish Environmental Pillar met a delegation from the European Parliament’s Environment and Public Health committee in the European Parliament headquarters in Dublin on Thursday 4th September. The IEP group included a variety of stakeholders across the Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and the Climate and Energy Sector.
There was a constructive briefing and debate that focused on what MEP’s, as European legislators, can do to strengthen Ireland’s position when it comes to sustainable, cost effective, environmental policy.
Nature creates prosperity
Posted on March 19, 2013
Nessal hosted BirdWatch Ireland's photo exhibition in the European Parliament, in Brussels, in March. The exhibition titled Nature Creates Prosperity' links care for nature with a strong national and local economy. The exhibition is being held during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
See here For more information on BirdWatch Ireland's Irish Presidency campaign.
BirdWatch Ireland’s Photography Exhibition - Speech delivered in European Parliament Brussels, 19 March 2013
Local Communities should share ownership of wind power
Posted on March 08, 2013
Irish wind energy has massive potential as a long-term sustainable energy source for our homes and businesses. Minister Rabbitte's plans to export this vital resource to expand the sector and create thousands of new green jobs is very welcome.
It could be a massive win for rural Ireland but we need greater public participation in the planning process for wind farms and local communities should financially benefit in the schemes. The local community ownership of wind farms model has worked well in Denmark for example.
Update on 'fracking' or extraction of shale gas
Posted on March 04, 2013
There are serious concerns about the risks associated with the extraction of this gas and how these risks may cause long-term damage to the environment and impact on human health. There is a large industry lobby behind shale gas, but the industry has failed to sustain its responsibility to ensure that its practices are safe and to examine the consequences for public health.
Nessa to host BirdWatch Ireland 'Nature Creates Prosperity' exhibition in Brussels next March
Posted on January 29, 2013
Nessa Childers MEP is pleased to announce that she will host BirdWatch Ireland's photo exhibition in the European Parliament, in Brussels, next March.
"The exhibition titled Nature Creates Prosperity' links care for nature with a strong national and local economy. The exhibition is being held during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
"The photographs are currently on show in European Union House on Dawson Street and I would encourage people to visit and see these wonderful photographs.
See here For more information on BirdWatch Ireland's Irish Presidency campaign.
Minister Hogan should follow Northern Ireland Climate Change example
Posted on October 12, 2011
Northern Ireland are finalising what has been described by campaigners as a ‘world class’ClimateChangeBill based on Scottish legislation. The Republic should follow suit, and aim to be on a par withclimatelaws introduced in the North. Climatechangedoes not recognise borders, it is an all-island concern and it would be nonsensical for the Republic to haveclimatelaws that fell short of standards north of the border.Scotland’sclimatechange bill improves on the UK bill in setting higher targets. While business and the farming sector have concerns about the impact of such legislation, if the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland agree that tacklingClimateChangeis compatible with a strong and healthy economy, Ireland should adopt the same approach.
More information:
Clarity needed on new septic tank assessment and inspection scheme
Posted on September 06, 2011
I welcome the news that householders with private waste systems will only have to pay a once off licence fee of €50, rather than the €300 originally suggested by his department, there are a number of outstanding issues. How will the risk assessments be carried out so that the same rules and opinions are reached by all local authorities? How will low income families afford to upgrade their systems if they are found to be faulty? The inspections may give rise to householders being advised to improve the maintenance of their systems or, in more serious situations, may require the upgrading or remediation of the treatment system. If the scheme is to be a success and ground water protected from pollution, low income families will require grant aid to install septic tank replacements.
The Government has to introduce legislation to complywith an important EU Waste Directive legislation to ensure waste disposal does not pose a threat to human health, or face substantial EU fines. We are facing these fines due to a complete lack of action by previous Governments. However it is not enough for the Minister to state that anyone found to have a faulty tank will be required to upgrade it. The Minister has to acknowledge that many households will simply not be able to find the money to change their sewage systems. There are approximately 400,000 septic tanks in the country and it is estimated that a third of these will be faulty and need to be replaced.
Packaging Waste Levy
Posted on August 03, 2011
Earlier this year the government opened a consultation process on its possible introduction of a packaging levy in Ireland. This levy, apart from aiming to prevent waste, hopes to raise between €60-80m towards Irish debt.
Today I submitted a response to the proposal to introduce a packaging levy which I hope will highlight the importance of reviewing our waste prevention programme. You can read the full proposal by clicking on the links below.
Water Quality & Tourism
Posted on April 14, 2009
One of the many factors affecting our attractiveness for tourists is our water quality. For years, the beaches of Brittas Bay, Courttown, Duncannon and Curracloe, among others, have brought tourists to the South East from other parts of Ireland and abroad.
But now, water quality in some areas is deteriorating, and unfortunately targets are being set far too low.
