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, […]
New low-cost loan scheme makes home energy upgrades more affordable and a key part of Ireland’s energy transformation – William Walsh, CEO of SEAI
Ireland is one of the most fossil-fuel dependant countries in Europe and this must change if we want a cleaner and healthier future. It means all of us across society, in communities, businesses, in how we travel and in our homes, playing our part in Ireland’s transition away from fossil fuels. Energy and climate action […]
EPA report shows low uptake of Green Public Procurement in government department contracts
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published its third report on Green Public Procurement (GPP) activity in government departments. GPP is a process where public authorities seek to source goods, services or works that have a reduced environmental impact throughout their life-cycle. The report details that out of the reported €922 million spend on contracts greater […]
New low-cost Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme launched
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, and Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for financial services, credit unions and insurance, Neale Richmond, have today (Wednesday, 24 April) launched a new low-cost Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme. The €500 million Scheme is the […]
Repak’s recycling research highlights a damaging gap in recycling knowledge among Irish residents
· Only 34% of Irish residents strongly agree they understand how to correctly recycle · Repak launches a new campaign, Don’t Waste Earth Day, to encourage everyone, from consumers to commercial businesses, to sort and separate their packaging properly this Earth Day Ahead of Earth Day, Repak has unveiled research* pointing to a critical gap […]
Communities across Ireland come together to celebrate the launch of the 25th #SpringClean24
As the National Spring Clean celebrates 25 years, An Taisce is calling on communities to come together and tackle Ireland’s litter problem to protect biodiversity and help fight climate change! April 2nd marks the official launch of The National Spring Clean 2024! To date there have been over 3,100 registrations nationally, but registrations will remain open throughout […]