2010

January 2010

Water conservation plan for Ireland

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Mr. John Gormley T.D. has announced a large increase in investment for replacing water mains across the country. Over the next three years, the investment will increase five-fold to €300 million.

Details of the new water programme will be outlined next month. Mr Gormley is also expected to propose installation of water metres to homes that are connected to the public water supply.

Proposed Wind Farm at Templetouhy

Bord na Móna has proposed to build a wind farm one of its cutaway peatland sites at Templetouhy and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is currently being prepared as part of the application process. The area overlies parts of Counties Kilkenny, Laois and Tipperary .

The proposed wind farm would consist of sixteen wind turbines and would generate enough electricity to supply 20,000 homes. This would save an estimated 55,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emission each year.

Traditionally an industry based on peat, Bord na Móna is seeking to expand its business to include more sustainable, renewable energy sources such as wind farms and flexible gas fired generation. The proposed wind farm at Templetouhy would help Ireland to reach its target of generating 40% of the state’s electricity needs from renewable sources by 2020.

Energy from Waste plant for Dublin

A new joint project to build an Energy from Waste plant was initiated in December between Dublin City Council and Dublin Waste to Energy Limited.

It is estimated that the plant will take three years to complete and will then be able to process up to 600,000 tonnes of waste each year. This waste will be used to produce enough clean, renewable electricity to supply at least 50,000 homes.

Humpback whale show off the Wexford coast

Humpback Whale

This image depicts the fluke of a diving humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in dark grey sea. The fluke is dark grey/black colour, with a white edge. The distinctive scars on the fluke can be used to aide in the identification of an individual whale. The technique, known as photo-identification has been used by the IWDG to positively ID a humpback whale which has returned to the same area of West Cork at the same time of year, three years running. The tip of the fluke is covered with barnacles. Adult humpbacks can range in length from 11-16m. Scientists believe that humpbacks use the deep waters of the Rockall trench as a migration corridor, but individuals have been spotted in Irish waters of the south and west coasts. In addition humpbacks have been observed inshore in the Autumn/winter period in recent years along the south coast. Due to over exploitation of this species humpbacks are considered an endangered species in the Atlantic. A single calf is born very 2-3 years.

Copyright Pádraig Whooley; Courtesy of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group

Humpback Whale
Copyright Pádraig Whooley; Courtesy of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group

Humpback Whale

This image depicts the fluke of a diving humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in dark grey sea. The fluke is dark grey/black colour, with a white edge. The distinctive scars on the fluke can be used to aide in the identification of an individual whale. The technique, known as photo-identification has been used by the IWDG to positively ID a humpback whale which has returned to the same area of West Cork at the same time of year, three years running. The tip of the fluke is covered with barnacles. Adult humpbacks can range in length from 11-16m. Scientists believe that humpbacks use the deep waters of the Rockall trench as a migration corridor, but individuals have been spotted in Irish waters of the south and west coasts. In addition humpbacks have been observed inshore in the Autumn/winter period in recent years along the south coast. Due to over exploitation of this species humpbacks are considered an endangered species in the Atlantic. A single calf is born very 2-3 years.

Copyright Pádraig Whooley; Courtesy of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group

Enlarge image

Members of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) were treated to a 45 minute unique wildlife display by a humpback whale near Hook Head, off the Wexford coast, on Tuesday 26^th January. This male humpback whale, which has been nicknamed ‘Hook’, breached clear of the water 11 times during the 45 minutes.

‘Hook’ was first spotted on Friday 22^nd January and has not previously been sighted in Irish waters. He brings to eleven the number of humpback whales that have been recorded here, a good indication for whales that have suffered from declining numbers. Fin whales, common dolphins and harbour porpoises were also recorded by the IWDG over the weekend.

New waste converting facilities for Ireland

A new refuse derived fuel (RDF) facility was opened last week in Navan, Co Meath. This facility will convert plastic, paper, cardboard and other calorific materials from household black bins into a coal substitute for the production of cement.

It is also expected that Ireland’s first mechanical biological treatment (MBT) plant, located in Co. Meath, will be completed before the end of 2010. As well as converting household organic waste to compost, it is expected that the plant will be able to convert the gases released into enough electricity to supply 5,000 homes.

Warning: hazardous waste washed up along coastline

The public are being warned by the Irish Coast Guard not to use firelogs that have washed up along the coastline as they contain the hazardous material sodium bromate. The Coast Guard warned people that handling the logs may cause skin irritation, and that they may explode if added to a fire.

Members of the public are being asked to contact the coast guard or the gardaí if they come across any of this hazardous debris.

Sustainable Building Design Award for Waterford IT building

The Tourism and Leisure Education building at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) has won a Sustainable Building Services Design Award which was given by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).

The building makes the most of solar shading, natural ventilation and daylight, and also employs automatic lights to conserve energy. It was designed by A&D Wejchert & Partners Architects with the aim of minimising the impact on the environment.

New Wexford Community Allotment Scheme

A New Year, a new beginning! The Wexford Community Allotment Scheme began in January 2010, allowing many people with little garden space in Wexford the opportunity to grow their own vegetables and fruit for the first time.

The allotments have been created in a one acre walled garden area of Brookville Park , which are available for a small fee. It is hoped that the scheme will encourage people to get involved in the local community as well as to grow their own produce. So far, 20 plots have already been rented.

For further information, please see the Wexford Community Allotment Scheme website or contact Jane Cloney at 086 - 336 7325.

Student competition: rx3, rethink, recycle, remake

A competition is being run by rx3 (rethink, recycle, remake) for Irish students who are being asked to develop ways in which the country can build new markets for old waste materials. The aim is to draw attention to the potential opportunities for working with waste materials and to improve the attitude towards waste in Ireland.

There are two competitions that may be entered: Trash to Cash and 60 Green Minutes. Entries must be submitted by Thursday 4th February. A cash prize will be given to the winner, and all shortlisted entrants will be able to showcase their ideas at the Sustainable Innovation Forum that will take place on 27th April at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

All details for the competition are available on the rx3 website.

A long way from home...

On Sunday 17^th January, a tiny semi-aquatic turtle know as a Yellow-bellied Slider was found creeping along the beach near Rosslare Harbour in Co. Wexford. The unusual thing is that it should have been enjoying the warm river waters of Florida and Virginia rather than the definitively cooler waters of Ireland !

The Yellow-bellied Slider can grow up to 11inches. It is identified by its distinctive olive green skin with yellow stripes along its legs and neck, as well as its yellow lower shell with green spots along the edges.

Although native to the United States , Ireland ’s changing climate may make it possible for some such invasive species to adapt and survive here.

Course: Education for Sustainable Development

Eco-UNESCO is running a 10-week course on Education for Sustainable Development beginning on January 22^nd. The course will take place from 6.30-9pm each Friday at the Greenhouse on Andrew Street , Dublin 2, and will run until April 1^st.

For further information on booking, please see the Eco-UNESCO website.

Satellite images could help protect against flooding

As part of the new initiative on Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES), images and data from a rapid mapping service called SERIT could be invaluable in planning for flood prevention in the future. It could also be used to monitor other areas of environmental concern, such as ocean activity, urban planning, wildfires and other emergency responses.

GMES is being developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Union (EU). Further information on this initiative is available on the Technology Ireland January/February 2010 Newsletter.

Free Download: New Atlas on Marine Fisheries Activities

A new Atlas of the most up to date commercial activities in Irish waters has been launched by the Marine Institute and is now available to download for free.

The information in this new Atlas is presented using non-technical language and concentrates on fish stocks that are regulated by Total Allowable Catches (TAC's) under the European Union (EU) Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

The full PDF of the Atlas is available on the Marine Institute's website.

CER Open Day 2010

The Commission for Energy (CER) Open Day 2010 will be held on February 4th at Griffith Conference Centre, Griffith Campus, South Circular Road, Dublin 8. The CER Strategic Plan 2010-2014 will be launched at the Open Day. A number of speakers from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Irish Climate Analysis and Research Units (ICARUS) will also give presentations on Climate Change and itsimpact on Ireland.

The event will take place at 9am will run until 1.30pm. Attendance is free but those interested should register with Sandra Morgan (info@cer.ie).

Richard O’Shea wins BT Young Scientist Award 2010

On Friday 15^th January, Richard O’Shea (18) from Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal in Co. Cork was named as winner of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2010 for his project entitled “A biomass fired cooking stove for developing countries”.

BirdWatch Ireland looking for volunteers

BirdWatch Ireland is looking for volunteers to help with the Shannon Callows Breeding Wader Project, Banagher Co. Offaly, in February 2010. It will involved carrying out maintenance work on a predator proof fence that was erected around this important wader breeding area early last year.

Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of one week, and the project itself will run for two to four weeks. Full training will be provided, as will accommodation.

Further details are available on the BirdWatch Ireland website

BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition

The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will take place from January 12th - 16th at the RDS, Dublin. An experience of a lifetime for all those involved, over 500 student projects will be on display this week and open to the general public.

As well as the student projects, there are four other exhibition halls with more science, technology and environmental displays.

Further information is available on the BT Young Scientist website.

New ISO standard for bioenergy

A new international standard to make bioenergy sustainable will be developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

A special ISO committee will research aspects of bioenergy production, delivery and use in order to identify ways in which to prevent bioenergy from damaging the environment.

Read more about this new standard on the ISO website.

Biodiversity: 10 messages for 2010

To mark the United Nations (UN) International Year of Biodiversity, the European Environmental Agency (EEA) will issue a series of publications - Biodiversity: 10 messages for 2010. Through this series, the EEA will highlight one issue on biodiversity each month until the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This meeting will take place in October.

The first of these publications is entitled Climate Change and Biodiversity, and is available for download from the EEA website.

Driving in icy conditions

The severe weather in recent weeks has resulted in very icy driving conditions in many parts of the country. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for at least another week and although local authorities are doing their best to grit the roads, people are advised not to drive unless absolutely necessary.

If you do need to make a journey, please take time to read through the AA Roadwatch tips on driving in icy conditions that they have published on their website.

Zero carbon shipping for the future

B9 Shipping, a Northern Irish company, is helping to pave the way towards a low carbon economy. The company plans to build eco-ships, powered by sails and biogas, to facilitate zero carbon shipping. These ships will be used to import biomass energy products such as pellets and woodchips. It is expected that the first ship will be ready for operation in 2012.

Details of the project are available on the B9 Shipping website.

European Green Capital Award

The European Green Capital Award is a new initiative of the European Commission (EC). It is given in recognition of a commitment to sustainable urban development in order to attain a better quality living environment.

Stockholm and Hamburg were named as the European Green Capitals of 2010 and 2011, and now the EC are searching for cities that most deserve the title for 2012 and 2013.

Further information about the award is available on the EC website.

Temporary suspension of hunting season for waterfowl

On 6^th January, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DoEHLG) issued a temporary suspension of the hunting season, specifically for waterfowl, until Friday 15^th January.

This decision was made in light of the severe cold and icy weather conditions over the recent weeks, which has made it difficult for waterfowl to find food and shelter. This temporary measure will help to protect waterfowl populations and allow them to conserve energy during the cold weather spell.

The decision will be reviewed on Friday 15^th January. For a list of species affected, please see the DoEHLG website.

Paper bags and the environment

Cities across the United States (US) have been introducing a levy for paper as well as plastic bags, most recently in Washington DC .   The move to impose this new levy comes as international studies indicate that in certain respects paper bags can have a more serious effect on the environment than plastic bags.

One such study was commissioned by the Waste Strategy Team in the Environment and Rural Affairs Department at the Scottish Executive. The research shows that manufacturing of paper bags results in greater water consumption and atmospheric acidification (affecting health and eco-systems) than plastic bags, takes up ten times more storage space and weighs almost six times more.

2010: International Biodiversity Year

The United Nations (UN) is marking 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity.

Eco-systems and species are disappearing at a rate 100 times greater than 50 years ago. This unsustainable trend has serious consequences for the huge myriad of life on Earth, including climate change.

Much of this has been caused by human behaviour and lifestyles. Let’s make 2010 the year to make positive environmental changes in our lives by living sustainably, conserving our natural resources, protecting biodiversity and reducing our global footprint.

To find out more about biodiversity in Ireland , please see our biodiversity section.

Billion Tree Campaign in 2009

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced a huge success for the Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign in 2009. The initial aim for 2009 to reach the target 7 billion trees has been surpassed and some 7.4 billion trees have now been planted.

How do plants and trees cope with urban emissions?

Over the next five years, scientists from Dublin , New York and Tokyo will be conducting tests to determine the ability of trees and other vegetation to absorb carbon emissions from urban areas. It is anticipated that this research will contribute to planning carbon neutral urban developments in the future.

2009 Litter League Table published

On January 4th 2010, Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) published the 2009 litter league tables. Almost two-thirds of towns surveyed (36 out of 55) were given ‘litter-free’ status. This is a dramatic improvement on the first survey carried out in 2002, when only 2 towns were deemed to be ‘litter-free’. However, despite the positive results for Irish towns the survey showed that our cities are getting dirtier.

Bray was named as the IBAL 'Cleanest Town in Ireland', closely followed by Cavan and Drogheda. This is a vast improvement for Bray on last year's results when it was named one of the dirtiest towns in the country.

Annual Garden Bird Survey

The 2009/10 Bird Watch Ireland Garden Bird Survey (GBS) began on November 30^th 2009. However, the project runs until 28^th February 2010 so there is still plenty of time to take part. Observing the different birds in your garden can be a fun activity to start off the New Year!

Irish Renewable Energy Summit 2010

On Thursday 21^st January, the Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) Irish Renewable Energy Summit 2010 will take place at the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk, Co Louth. Key topics of focus will include:

·         Challenges in developing renewable energies

·         Renewable energy technologies

·         Ireland ’s renewable energy targets for 2020

·         Development of offshore renewable energy

SEI Energy Show registration

The 2010 Energy Show, hosted by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), will take place on 14^th and 15^th April at the RDS, Dublin . The event is an opportunity for people to learn about the latest renewable energy technologies.

Exhibition space at the show is now available for booking. For further information, please contact Paulette at energyshow@sei.ie.

Stay Green and Make Savings over Christmas!

Christmas and the new year offer an opportunity to make a fresh start at becoming more environmentally friendly and saving on costs by making a real effort to reduce our carbon emissions.

Green tips for Christmas 2009 and information on recycling are now available on the site.

Practical advice on how to make carbon savings can be found in the Lights! Cycle! Action! section.

COP15 Outcomes

The concluding agreement of the COP15 conference in Copenhagen involved the world leaders from five different countries: the United States, Brazil, South Africa, China and India. The main outcome has been that developing countries agree to provide $30 billion over the next three years for climate aid to developing countries and up to a potential $100 billion a year by 2020. However, no clear targets were agreed regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions nor a date by which a legally-binding agreement would be made.

The terms of the agreement reached in a three-page document, released on Saturday 19^th of December, were met with disappointment by many state representatives and the representatives of the environment organisations who attended the conference. The end agreement was considered to have fallen short of the much anticipated Copenhagen Accord.