Minister Ryan announces Long-term Strategy on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions
The government has approved Ireland’s updated Long-term Strategy on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction. The strategy provides a pathway to a whole-of-society transformation and serves as a vital link between shorter-term Climate Action Plans and Carbon Budgets and the longer-term objective of the European Climate Law and Ireland’s National Climate Objective. Welcoming the updated strategy, […]
Public drinking water fountain scheme announced
Scheme aims to reduce plastic bottle use and provide public access to drinking water. A public drinking water fountain scheme was launched today by the Minister of State with special responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth TD, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD. The aim of the […]
Cabinet told that climate is reaching tipping points
Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, today informed Government that the climate is already reaching key tipping points, defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as critical thresholds that, when exceeded, can lead to a cascading impact that results in irreversible climate breakdown. Climate Tipping Points pulls together information from […]
Ireland is projected to exceed its National and EU climate targets
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published its greenhouse gas emissions projections for the period 2023-2050. EPA analysis shows that planned climate policies and measures, if fully implemented, could deliver up to 29 per cent emissions reduction by 2030 compared to 2018, a reduction of 4 per cent each year from 2023 to 2030. […]
Bathing water quality remains high overall, but heavy summer rainfall is putting pressure on our beaches
· Bathing water quality in 2023 was high overall, with 97 per cent (143 of 148) of sites meeting or exceeding the minimum standard, the same number as in 2022. · 114 bathing sites (77 per cent) had excellent water quality, down from 117 in 2022. · The number of beaches with poor bathing water quality increased to […]
Record-Breaking Return Day: Irish Consumers Bring Back Three Million Plastic Bottles and Cans in One Day
Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme continues to achieve new record recycling figures with over 3 million drinks containers returned on Sunday May 12, demonstrating continued public support for the scheme. This record-breaking day pushed the total number of drinks containers collected past the 100 million mark since the Scheme’s launch on February 1. Speaking on the […]
Biodiversity Week 2024 – time to connect with nature
Ireland’s nature and wildlife will take centre stage from 17-26 May, with over 200 events scheduled across the country for National Biodiversity Week . As well as highlighting the importance of biodiversity, National Biodiversity Week is also about experiencing the fun, enjoyment and spectacle of the nature that surrounds us. The annual 10-day celebration of nature and wildlife offers […]
Climate Change Advisory Council Annual Review 2024 – Electricity Sectoral Review
The Climate Change Advisory Council has said that much more urgent action is required from Government if Ireland is to meet its 2030 electricity capacity targets and stay within the electricity sectoral ceiling. The Council, which published its Annual Review of the electricity sector today, has warned that Ireland’s renewable electricity generation remains significantly below […]
Ammonia emissions down one per cent in 2022, however further reductions needed to protect health and the environment
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today published its 2022 assessment of five key air pollutants which impact air quality, health and the environment. The pollutants are: Agriculture accounts for over 99% of ammonia emissions in Ireland. A decrease of one per cent in ammonia emissions was driven by: Commenting on the findings Dr Eimear Cotter, […]