97% of inspected beaches passed water quality checks last summer, many achieving 'excellent' status, yet swimmers were advised to stay away on 273 occasions because of pollution fears. A somewhat contradictory situation explained here:
m.independent.ie/irish-news/rev…

'The status quo option does not exist' Gabriel Makhlouf tells EPA Ireland conference all must change to adapt to the changing climate
m.independent.ie/irish-news/cli…

As the defective block grant scheme is extended to a 5th county with more to follow, the Oireachtas Housing Committee heard take up of grants is low & processing of applications slow
m.independent.ie/irish-news/onl…

The Deposit Return Scheme took back 3 million bottles & cans last Sunday, its best day yet, but that level needs to be maintained daily - and increased. Even then recycling is not the ultimate answer to plastic pollution
m.independent.ie/opinion/commen…

Apartment owners & owner management companies face particular difficulties with retrofitting. Senator Marie Sherlock has been raising the issue in the Dail & Seanad. She introduced us neighbours in one apartment block trying to access grants & support
m.independent.ie/irish-news/not…

Abandoning Nature Restoration Law would 'undermine ecosystems & democracy'. Can 11 EU environment ministers led by Eamon Ryan convince their 16 counterparts to salvage the embattled legislation?
m.independent.ie/irish-news/ire…

Climate Change Advisory Council Climate Change Advisory Council Ireland says more onshore wind & solar farms are urgently needed
Says planning delays must be tackled
Calls for State to zone lands for fast-tracked renewables projects
Urges curbs on data centres & more...
m.independent.ie/irish-news/mor…

A jubilant Lelia Doolan (90) after her successful parachute jump. What a woman!
#peacetakesbrains

How can we bridge the 'say-do' gap on climate action? This is the gap between what people say are priorities for them and what they actually do in real life. This gap was pointed up in this week's survey from Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). My take in today's Irish Independent independent.ie/opinion/commen…

Strong words from President of Ireland
Michael D Higgins at the Dóchas 50th anniversary conference.
Where is the social rage over injustice & inaction on its causes? he asked
m.independent.ie/irish-news/muc…

Why do people believe in the need for climate action but behave as if they don't? Shane Timmons Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) & EPA Ireland investigate. Their findings reveal much about gaps in understanding, especially regarding the emissions implications of eating meat
m.independent.ie/irish-news/hal…

Raw sewage in gardens, viruses in drinking water, pollution in rivers: there are 500,000 septic tanks in Ireland but councils are only required to inspect 1200 a year. Last year they didn't even manage that amount.
The failure rate was 45%
m.independent.ie/irish-news/dri…

Take a minute to enjoy this stunning drone footage of basking sharks swimming metres away from the shore in County Mayo. The footage of these harmless giants was captured by Shane Clarke near the village of Kilcummin last weekend.

(AL) Incredible teamwork between BirdWatch Ireland and Kildare Wildlife Rescue yesterday. Nine oiled Guillemots were carefully caught by BirdWatch Ireland staff on Killoughter Beach, Co. #Wicklow , before being transported by a KWR volunteer to the Kildare rehabilitation centre.

A lot of information here on the new DMAP & chosen sites for offshore wind farms - technical & environmental reports, details of public consultation & how to arrange viewing of more detailed material in the department
gov.ie/en/consultatio…

Details of the designated sites for offshore wind farms off Waterford & Wexford. Tonn Nua will be first to be developed. Auction to select developer pencilled in for autumn

4 sites designated for offshore wind farms on Waterford/Wexford coast. 1st will be an approx 60 turbine, 900MW array on site 12.2km from at closest point to shore. Other 3 much further out.
m.independent.ie/irish-news/fou…

Minister Eamon Ryan says coalition is committed to resolving current accommodation issues & says migration is one of the reasons climate action must remain on the agenda and the Green Party must remain in government
m.independent.ie/irish-news/min…