August

New eco-centre in Co. Clare

31/08/2010

A new renewable-energy and eco-centre has been established in Co. Clare by Eddie Connors. Imecofarm is located on the Fergus Estuary, across from Dromoland and the Shannon. It is a place where people can relax while taking a walk through the different habitats of these areas, visit the renewable energy displays, or take an eco course on anything from renewable energy to rainwater harvesting. Tailored school tours are also available.

Imecofarm will feature on RTE’s Higher Ground programme that will be aired on RTE1 tomorrow evening (September 1^st) at 8pm.

To learn more about imecofarm, please visit www.imecofarm.com.

Public Consultation on Eleven Potential Substances of Very High Concern

31/08/2010

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has today published proposals to identify eleven chemicals as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) and possible candidates for authorisation. The detailed proposals are available on the ECHA website using the link at the end of this press release. Interested parties are invited to comment on the eleven proposals by 14 October 2010.

Three EU Member States – Austria, Germany and the Netherlands - have put forward proposals to identify eleven chemical substances as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). Anyone can comment on these proposals within the next 45 days. Comments should focus primarily on the hazardous properties that qualify the chemicals as SVHCs. In addition, interested parties can provide comments and further information on the uses, exposures and availability of safer alternative substances or techniques. They should be aware that these aspects will mainly be considered at the next stage of the process (i.e. selection of substances for authorisation), which includes a new round of public consultation.

The Member State Committee will review these comments when seeking agreement on the identification of the substances as SVHC before ECHA includes them in the Candidate List, from which substances are selected for authorisation. Substances on the Authorisation List (Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation) can, after a transition period, only be used if a specific
authorisation is granted.

There are already 38 substances on the Candidate List. Inclusion in that list means new information requirements for suppliers of products (mixtures and articles) containing the substances.The substances have been proposed because of their potentially serious effects on human health or the environment. Eight are carcinogenic, mutagenic and/or toxic for reproduction (CMR substances). The other three are proposed as being of equivalent concern than PBT substances (persistent, liable to bioaccumulate and toxic).

The full list of substances is available on the PDF of the complete press release.

Source: European Chemicals Agency

Details for Teagasc National Agri-environment Conference Announced

30/08/2010

The environmental challenges and opportunities facing Irish farming will be the focus of the Teagasc Agri-environment Conference, which will take place in the Ballykisteen Hotel, Co. Tipperary and afterwards at the Solohead Research Farm on Tuesday, 7 September.

Speaking in advance of the conference, Teagasc Environment Specialist, Mark Gibson said: “Environmental issues, such as climate change, maintaining our clean waterways and protecting our soils, are being addressed by Irish farmers to an ever increasing extent. It is now recognised that the Irish agri-food sector has a pivotal role to play in growing our economy. Both legislation and the market place demand that food is produced to the highest environmental standards and Irish farmers are responding positively to these demands.”

The Teagasc Agri-environment Conference (formerly known as REPS Conference) will be divided into a stimulating morning conference followed by a farm walk on the Solohead Dairy Research Farm in the afternoon.

The morning conference will hear from experts on agri-environmental research and policy. Duncan Stewart will provide the key note address. In the afternoon delegates will go outdoors to visit a circuit of stands on the Solohead Research Farm.

The Teagasc Agri-environment Conference will provide a comprehensive update on agri-environmental matters along with a unique insight into the work carried out by the Teagasc Environmental Programme. The conference will be of particular interest to agri-environmental consultants, policy makers, farmers and academics.

To register for the conference contact: Jane Neylon, Teagasc, Athenry, Co. Galway. Tel: 091 845211 Email: jane.neylon@teagasc.ie.

View more information and see the full conference programme.

Source: Teagasc

Environment Ireland 2010

27/08/2010

The Environment Ireland 2010 conference will take place in t he Croke Park Conference Centre on Tuesday 14th September 2010.

Environment Ireland, now in its sixth year, is Ireland’s largest conference on environmental policy and management. The conference is organised in association with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The theme of this year's conference is Environment and the green economy. Much has been made of realising the potential of the green economy. The conference will focus on key aspects of the green economy: the eco-efficient economy; a sustainable urban future; renewable energy; and investing in water, waste water and waste infrastructure.

Further details are available at http://www.epa.ie/news/events/.

See The Light Conference 2010

27/08/2010

SEAI's Renewable Energy Information Office in association with the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), are hosting the eighth See The Light Conference on Thursday, 9th September , at Croke Park, Dublin.

Highlights of the conference will include the launch of SEAI’s Design Guidelines for Non Domestic Passive House Projects. There will also be a policy round up with delegates being offered an in-depth insight in the key principles and techniques in developing low energy, carbon neutral, energy plus and passive house projects to provide healthy and ecological building solutions.

Further details on the event are available on the SEAI website.

IWT Wild Watch Walks happening near you!

26/08/2010

Join Irish Wildlife Trust’s Wild Watch Walks and discover the secrets of nature’s treasures. To coincide with heritage week at the end of August the IWT is celebrating our national biodiveristy with our second annual Wild Watch Walk. Nature walks and talks will be taking place in every county in Ireland over the weekends of August 21/22 and 28/29. There will be bat walks, a visit to the Burren, the Slieve Blooms and Carlingford lough, Conemeara National Park and much much more. Attendance is free but must be booked in advance by emailing enquiries@iwt.ie . See our website for further details of what’s happening in your area www.iwt.ie.

These events are part of the International Year of Biodiversity. The IWT would like to thank Notice Nature (www.noticenature.ie), National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government for supporting Irish Wildlife Trust’s Wild Watch Walks.

Source: Irish Environmental Network (IEN)

EPA: Current Funding Opportunities

26/08/2010

The Environmental Protection Agency provides funding to support science, technology, research and innovation projects through grant-aid to third level institutions, state agencies, government departments, local and regional authorities, the private sector and individuals. Proposals are invited periodically through calls advertised in the national press and on their website.

EPA STRIVE Research Programme and Cleaner Greener Production Programme Phase 5 (CGPP5)STRIVE Research Call

Currently the EPA are inviting applications on the following topics:

Environmental Technologies Supporting SMART Environmental Management
Water & the Aquatic Environment (Silt Flux in Rivers)
Biodiversity (Development of an integrated biodiversity impact assessment methodology)
Socio-Economics – Water Quality (Cost of Inaction)

Technical descriptions for these projects are available from the EPA website.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Europe's coasts: reconciling development and conservation

26/08/2010

Europe’s coastal zones are under increasing pressure from erosion, pollution, climate change, urbanisation and tourism. Such pressures threaten entire ecosystems — vital not only for wildlife but also for the economy and human well-being. The European Environment Agency (EEA) takes a closer look at the state of coastal ecosystems and policy responses to the pressures affecting them.

In some cases it was their sheer beauty that led to development, in others economic potential. Whatever the causes, coastal regions today host almost half of the inhabitants of EU countries with a sea border. They host homes and workplaces, industries, holiday destinations and recreation areas. With an immense variety of habitats, ranging from salt-adapted scrubs and grasslands, cliffs and rocky shores, sandy beaches and tidal areas, estuaries and lagoons, they are also home to numerous species, many a key source of food and economic prosperity for Europe.

Ninth in the series of '10 messages for 2010', the EEA’s new assessment on coastal ecosystems presents key findings on the state of biodiversity in coastal zones and explores the main causes of coastal ecosystem degradation.

As transition zones between land and marine environments, coastal zones are affected by changes and pressures from both sides. Truly sustainable coastal management can only be achieved using an integrated and ecosystem approach, with coordinated action at global, regional and local levels, taking into account the pressures and socio-economic realities both on land and at sea.

Key findings
Policy frameworks in place

Source: European Environmental Agency (EEA)

Planting a Bee-Friendly Garden

25/08/2010

A talk on planting a bee-friendly garden will take place on Wednesday 29th September at 7pm at The Greenhouse, 17 Andrew Street, Dublin.

Over the past few years, Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has ravaged bee hives throughout Europe and the United States. Honey bees are among nature's most effective pollinators; high and unsustainable losses of hives in Ireland will not only have immediate and costly effects on agriculture in the short term, but also unless checked will lead to enormous, potentially catastrophic effects on the biosphere in the long term. We should all be concerned about the fate of the bees, because so much life depends on them.

While nobody has yet been able to identify the precise cause of CCD, there is a strong argument being voiced that a hive succumbs because a combination of factors weaken the bees' natural defences. One way to help maintain a colony's strength is to encourage the bees to eat a varied diet, so planting and cultivating a mixture of bee-friendly flowers and fruits is something everyone with a garden can do.

Kathleen Clarke, a bee-keeper and a gardener, will deliver a talk on how to select and look after plants that thrive in our climate, are attractive to humans and are equally appreciated by honey bees.

Please call 01-674 5773 for bookings.

Source: Cultivate

Fingal Enterprise Week - Monday 27th September - Friday 1st October, 2010

25/08/2010

What is Fingal Enterprise Week?

It is a series of major enterprise events, taking place in a variety of locations throughout Fingal, including:

The Business Panel - meet the experts with John Bowman and key expert speakers
Business Information Seminars
One to one Business Advice / Mentoring
Locating Your Business - Open Day
Finance & Funding
New Opportunities - Green Business & Innovation and E-Business Ireland
Business Networking
3 Case Studies
Fingal Enterprise Awards

Don't miss this opportunity to visit some of the events during the major enterprise week of the year. There is something on offer for everyone including The Business Panel - Questions & Answers, Green Business & Innovation, E-business Ireland, Finance & Funding, Business Information Seminars, one to one Business Advice and Business Networking and Case Studies.

There will be key expert speakers, open discussion and questions & answer sessions in a variety of venues throughout Fingal.

All these events are geared at small business start-ups and existing businesses in the Fingal area and are free to attend.

Source: Fingal Enterprise Week

Comhar SDC Report- Creating Green Infrastructure for Ireland

25/08/2010

Comhar have launched a research report focusing on Green Infrastructure, entitled ‘Creating Green Infrastructure for Ireland’. The report sets out a broad definition of Green Infrastructure and explores and proposes an approach and a set of principles that should be followed in Green Infrastructure planning.

Download PDF: Creating Green Infrastructure for Ireland

Source: Comhar

WRAP reports positive outlook for recycled plastic industry

24/08/2010

The latest market situation report on plastics identifies the key developments in the UK markets for recovered plastic since 2007 and tracks trends in collections, existing and planned domestic reprocessing capacity, export markets, prices and legislative issues.

The report reveals increased UK demand for food-grade recovered polymers, and in some cases, demand is outstripping supply. This is a market opportunity which could support greater investment in UK reprocessing infrastructure. WRAP has already helped to demonstrate the technology for producing recycled food-grade polymers and is able to provide further support for investors through its Accelerating Growth Fund.

Attention is increasingly turning to the recycling of non-bottle household plastic packaging (popularly known as 'mixed plastics'). With the first WRAP funded mixed plastics reprocessing facility opening in 2011, the trend to recycle more plastics seems set to continue. WRAP recently launched Mixed Plastics Loan Facility will provide further growth in the industry.

Read more
Source: WRAP

GORMLEY WELCOMES FIVE SUCCESSFUL YEARS OF WEEE RECYCLING

24/08/2010

Since the implementation of the WEEE Directive in August 2005

o 41.95 million household WEEE items collected to date
o Over 180 thousand tonnes of household WEEE diverted from landfill
o 547,000 Fridges/Freezers recycled
o 3.8 million large household appliances recycled
o Over 1 million televisions recycled
o Almost 1 million computer monitors collected
o 11,968 tonnes / 9.6 million units of small consumer equipment collected
o A Collection rate of over 9kg/inhabitant achieved
o All WEEE is recyclable – it must not go in the bin – no matter how small

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley, T.D., today (August 13th 2010) marked the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive in Ireland and congratulated the Irish people in making the scheme such a success and demonstrating their willingness to tackle the problem of waste in a responsible manner.

Read more
Source: Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Businesses asked to clean up their act as survey shows fall-off in ‘litter free’ towns

23/08/2010

IBAL launches ‘Litter Twitter’ campaign to highlight local blackspots

The most recent study by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) has shown a fall in the number of towns deemed ‘litter free’. Of 53 towns surveyed, just over half received the accolade – down from two-thirds on a similar study last year. IBAL is calling on businesses to clean up outside their premises twice a day to improve our streetscapes.

Meanwhile, citizens are invited to submit photos by mobile phone of litter blackspots in their neighbourhood as part of a “litter twitter” campaign to alert local authorities to litter-ridden areas locally. “This is the perfect technology through which people can highlight areas that urgently need cleaning up,” explained Dr Tom Cavanagh, Chairman of IBAL. Photos can be emailed to litterspotter.2010@twitpic.com and IBAL can be followed at twitter.com/litterspotter*.

Wexford was judged Ireland’s cleanest town in the survey, which was conducted by An Taisce, who praised the town’s “consistently high standards of maintenance of the environment.” Sligo, Killarney and Letterkenny were the cleanest towns in their respective provinces, while Waterford emerged as the country’s cleanest city.

Tallaght, described as “showing signs of overall neglect, a big challenge that must be surmounted”, dropped to last place in the league, a ‘litter blackspot’ alongside Portlaoise. Naas and Midleton, both judged to be ‘seriously littered’, joined them at the foot of the table.

Read more
Source: Irish Business Against Litter

Mount Callan Wind Farm Project Is Approved

23/08/2010

A wind energy development co-operative in County Clare has received planning permission from Clare County Council to construct the largest community owned wind farm development in Ireland.

West Clare Renewable Energy Ltd. (WCRE) plans to construct 28 3MW wind turbines on the western slopes of Mount Callan, a 391-metre high mountain located between Ennis and Miltown Malbay.

The company says the EUR200 million project will be capable of generating enough electricity to power every home and business in County Clare, as well as meeting the Limerick Clare Energy Agency’s 2010 targets for emissions reductions and renewable energy production. .The Scheme is predicted to reduce carbon emissions over its life time by a massive 4,400,000 tonnes of carbon. The community-based scheme is also expected to provide up to 300 jobs during the construction phase.

Source: Dunphy Public Relations

ECO-UNESCO PHOTO COMPETITION

20/08/2010

Life, Camera, Action! – submission date approaching for photo & film competition

Celebrate the UN International Year of Biodiversity by taking part in ECO-UNESCO’s summer photo & film exhibition!

Taking part couldn’t be easier. Simply send ECO-UNESCO your photos or short films on the theme of Biodiversity and be in with the chance to WIN a masterclass in wildlife documentary making, and a host of other great prizes! Find out how to take part.

What’s more, ALL entries will be exhibited at The Greenhouse, Dublin city centre, in the run up to the ECO-UNESCO National Youth ECO-Forum 2010 World Wild Web: Young People Exploring Biodiversity.

Source: ECO-UNESCO

Dublin Community Growers Butterfly Project Garden Workshop –Tomorrow, August 21st

20/08/2010

A Garden Butterfly Workshop will take place tomorrow, Saturday August 21^st, at Robert Emmet CDP Garden in Dublin 8. It aims to provide hands-on experience and knowledge of butterflies in Dublin’s urban landscape. A talk and demonstration will address gardening methods that encourage and support butterflies. Both adults and children are welcome.

For more details please contact Robert Moss at 086-3579663 or see the Cultivate Centre website.

Forfás report on risks & opportunities of climate change

20/08/2010

A new report published by Forfás on 17^th August examines the impact of climate change on Ireland and assesses the associated risks and opportunities for Irish businesses. ‘Adaptation to Climate Change: Issues for Businesses’ identifies these risks and opportunities of eight different enterprise sectors in Ireland:

Food and drink
Chemicals, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies
ICT manufacturing and services
Financial services including insurance
Tourism
Construction and building materials
Environmental goods and services
Retails, wholesale and distribution

The full report is available for download from the Forfás website.

Low Carbon Entrepreneurs website launched

19/08/2010

Five members of the Challenge Europe Project from Ireland, Northern Ireland and the USA have launched www.lowcarbonentrepreneurs.com (August 13^th). This website is dedicated to providing information for entrepreneurs just starting a new business that takes advantage of the emerging green economy.

“This is an information portal that helps entrepreneurs explore the commercial possibilities of low carbon technologies. It provides an overview of the sector and provides links to more detailed information on funding and networking opportunities. Our goal is for the website to be a ‘one-stop-shop’ of information for would-be and existing entrepreneurs.” Andrea Carroll, one of the five founders explains.

Challenge Europe is a three year programme run by the British Council that encourages people from across Europe to develop projects that will make a difference to climate change.

Research finds Limerick to be one of Ireland's more sustainable settlements

18/08/2010

A study by researchers in the Centre for Environmental Research at the University of Limerick (UL) has identified Limerick as one of the more sustainable settlements in the country. The study involved in-depth examination of 79 Irish settlements varying from villages, towns to small cities, looking at water, transport, energy, food and waste management efficiencies.

Professor Richard Moles, Director of the University of Limerick Centre for Environmental Research and co-author of the study said; "The average Irish household's impact on the environment is greater than in many other countries in the EU. There is an urgent need to plan for a more sustainable future, in order to reduce our dependence on imported fuels and to allow us to reduce green house gas emissions."

Professor Moles said "Most previous studies on urban sustainability relate to cities alone. This is sometimes justified on the grounds that it is likely that by 2050 half the human population will be living in cities, but this also equally implies that the other half will not. Studies on sustainability of smaller settlements are needed to help the drive towards national and global scale sustainable development."

Settlements studied were located in three clusters; (midlands) Athlone and Mullingar, (north-west) Sligo and (mid west) Limerick. The goal was to benchmark the current sustainability achieved by Irish villages, towns and cities outside the Greater Dublin Region and to identify options for sustainable development of these settlements to counterbalance the recent rapid growth of the Dublin area.

Read more
Source: University of Limerick

Wild Child Day – 21st August

18/08/2010

In celebration of 2010 UN International Year of Biodiversity, the Heritage Council will host Wild Child Day on Saturday August 21^st to mark the beginning of National Heritage Week. The idea behind Wild Child Day is get families and kids outside connecting with nature and investigating the biodiversity all around us. There are lots of activities to choose from all around Ireland on the day, from a butterfly walk in Santry to a Bio Blitz with Dale Treadwell in Westmeath.

To find an event close to you, please see the full programme on the National Heritage Week website.

Wildlife Talk - Limerick, 22nd August

18/08/2010

Wildlife expert Ted Cook will host a wildlife talk on Sunday 22^nd August at the Broadford Wildlife Arboretum, Limerick, as part of Heritage Week. The talk will take place from 2pm to 6pm and the theme for the event will be ‘Creating Space For Biodiversity To Function’. Local natural historian Pete Beaumont will also take part. The event is free of charge and full details of other events for Heritage Week are available at www.heritageweek.ie.

Minister Hanafin launches Coillte exhibition in Dun Laoghaire

17/08/2010

The Healthy Forest Healthy People exhibition show-cases the best of the environmental and social benefits of Coillte's forests. The exhibition was officially opened by Minister Mary Hanafin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport and runs until 30th August in County Hall, Dun Laoghaire.

The exhibition features woodland recreation, nature conservation, habitat restoration and the work of the Dublin Mountains Partnership.

Please drop in and have a look around.

Source: Coillte

Launch of the Electric Vehicle and On Street Charge Point

17/08/2010

Cavan County Council’s newest addition to our fleet of vehicles will be launched on Thursday, 19 August 2010 at 5.30pm in Events Space, Johnston Central Library, Cavan Town.

It is the aim of Cavan County Council and the Fleadh Executive Committee that the Fleadh is carried out in an environmentally sustainable manner. As part of its environmental plans, the council will launch the newest addition to our fleet of vehicles, the Electric Vehicle.

According to Councillor Dessie Boylan, Cathaoirleach Cavan County Council “The provision of the Electric Vehicle as part of our fleet will improve our ability to carry out our functions and provide our many services with an environmentally conscious approach. The provision of the on street charging point, at the front of the Courthouse in Cavan Town, clearly proves our commitments to working towards environmental sustainability”.

The Official Launch of the Electric Vehicle and on street charge point will take place on Thursday, 19 August 2010 at 5.30pm in the Events Space, Johnston Central Library in Cavan Town.

Following the Official Launch of the Electric Vehicle on Thursday, 19 August, members of the public can not only view the on street charging point at the front of the Courthouse but they can sit back and relax, as they travel around Cavan Town in one of the Electric Vehicles which will be on display. You too can experience the electric journey, during the Fleadh 2010 on Friday, 20 August 2010.

So come along, have a look and take a trip, as Cavan County Council moves forward and helps lead the way to develop a sustainable transport system and reduce carbon emissions.

Source: Cavan County Council

Dublin Bikes records 1 millionth journey

16/08/2010

The one millionth journey of the Dublin Bikes Scheme was recorded at 7.25pm on Saturday 14^th August, just eleven months and one day after the scheme was launched. It is one of the most successful bike rental schemes in the world and Dublin City Council recently announced that extra bikes and stations would be added to meet with growing demand.

Dublin Bikes was first proposed by Councillor Andrew Montague, who remarked on the success of the scheme:

"In Melbourne, their bike scheme is averaging fewer than 70 trips per day, while in Dublin it is over 5,000 trips using the same number of bikes," he said.

"In Paris, 3,000 bikes were stolen in the first year, in Dublin we had two stolen and both of them were recovered.

"In London, annual membership costs more than €50, while it is only €10 in Dublin."

Bord Gáis launches report on Renewable Gas: Potential new source of natural gas announced

13/08/2010

Bord Gáis today (12 August 2010) launched a report on ‘The Future of Renewable Gas in Ireland’. Produced in association with UCC and Ernst & Young, the report outlines how grass and waste can be converted into natural gas that can then be used locally or piped into the national grid for distribution around Ireland. The report estimates that 7.5% of Ireland’s natural gas demand could be met by renewable gas, the equivalent of heating 300,000 homes each year.

John Mullins, Bord Gáis Chief Executive, said: “Capturing this renewable gas resource would be a considerable step in addressing Ireland’s challenging renewable energy and waste management objectives. It would also help reduce our dependence on energy imports, provide jobs in the construction and operation of biomethane plants, and create new business opportunities among the farming community in rural Ireland”.

Read more
Source: Bord Gáis

Ireland a Clean Energy World Leader?

13/08/2010

Ireland has more than 3 times its total energy requirements available from readily accessible renewable energy sources on its own doorstep. Yet despite access to such vast and plentiful clean energy resources, Ireland is still heavily dependent on volatile foreign fossil fuel, importing almost 90% of its energy needs.

As conventional energy sources run out Ireland has therefore an extraordinary opportunity to use its own natural resources, in a cost competitive way, to achieve energy independence and become a world leader in the use of clean energy. That was the key message delivered earlier today at NovaUCD by John Travers, author and CEO of Alternative Energy Resources, at the launch of his new book entitled Green & Gold – Ireland a Clean Energy World Leader?.

Conclusions outlined in the book include that 20% of total Irish energy needs can be met by renewable energy within the next ten years and 80% by 2050 and that 20% of Irish GDP can be derived from clean energy exports.

Read more
Source: NovaUCD - The Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre at University College Dublin

"My Environment, My Film": Competition & Workshop

12/08/2010

The EU Commission in Ireland, Cultivate and Darklight are inviting entries to a competition to make a short movie on “My Environment, My Film”. The movie can be based on any environmental theme of your choice, and should encourage people to become more aware of our environmental problem and how it can be overcome.

The competition is open to people of all ages and experience – it doesn’t matter if the film is shot on a mobile phone or a digital video camera. A free workshop will take place on Saturday 28^th August to demonstrate how to make your own movies online.

The winner will receive a top of the range HD digital camera worth €1,500 and their short movie will be screened at the 2010 Darklight Film Festival in October. The deadline for entries is October 15^th, and full details of how to take part are available at http://www.euireland.ie/darklight/.

Science for Environmental Policy: ‘Water and Biodiversity’ issue

11/08/2010

The latest in a series of special thematic issues of Science for Environmental Policy has been published. ‘Water and Biodiversity’ is the 22^nd in the series and provides overviews of the key studies within the field. The contents for this issue include:

The socioeconomics behind the ecosystem collapse: the case of the Black Sea
Marine reserve networks could benefit fishing and conservation
Impacts of commercial fishing may reach deep sea waters
Eutrophication: small-scale, targeted approach the way forward
Bringing social values into the economic value of water biodiversity
Assessing the status of riparian zones through satellite images
LIFE, water and biodiversity

‘Water and Biodiversity’ is available from the Science for Environmental Policy website.

Would Your Business Benefit From An Energy Intern?

10/08/2010

The Louth Economic Forum (LEF) and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) are calling out to 60 businesses in the Louth area to participate in Louth Energy Saving Pilot. Interns trained by SEAI in best practice energy management will be available, at no cost to the business, to support and help you reduce your energy costs. The LEF Sustainable Energy Action Plan will see 10 suitably qualified interns placed with a small number of host organisations through the FÁS Work Placement Programme. The 10 Interns will each support a number of smaller SME’s in the local area as well as their host organisation. The 60 places for business are currently being filled on a first come first served basis.

Building on SEAI’s Dundalk 2020 Strategic Framework, the Energy Management Action Programme from SEAI is a formal programme aimed at any business within the area who is committed to reducing their energy spend and is open to companies of all sizes. The 60 businesses will be supported in 2 phases; the first phase of 30 will begin at the end of August. The only criteria required for application is 12 months of energy bills and a positive attitude to supporting the Energy Manager Intern achieve significant energy savings, it is expected that all participating businesses will save 10% on their annual energy costs by implementation of no or low cost initiatives.

Read more
Source: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

Gormley publishes the draft European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2010 and invites comments from the public

09/08/2010

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local government today (9/8/2010) published for public consultation the draft European Communities (Birds and Habitats) Regulations 2010. These Regulations address judgments of the European Court of Justice that Irish transposition of the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive are inadequate and the consolidation and updating of the existing European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 – 2005.

Read more
Source: Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Old practices, new solutions: indigenous groups sign up for conservation

09/08/2010

Although thousands of miles apart, the lush Kaya Kinondo forest on Kenya's eastern coast and the sprawling Cerro Chango reserve in the hills of southern Mexico have more in common than one might think. Both are exceptionally diverse habitats, teeming with plant and animal species, but, more unusually, the two areas are also administered by indigenous communities (the Digo-Mijikenda and Chinanteco peoples), whose traditional practices dictate how these rich habitats are managed. In some cases, local customs take precedence over the laws of national governments.

These two remote communities are far from isolated cases. Indeed, it is estimated that 11% of the world's forests are under community ownership.

A new project run by UNEP's World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC), with support from the Global Environment Fund's Smalls Grants Programme, is now bringing greater attention to the links between indigenous communities, conservation and biodiversity.

Read more
Source: United Nations Environmental Programme

Environment Ireland 2010

06/08/2010

The Environment Ireland 2010 conference will take place on Tuesday 14^th September at the Croke Park Conference Centre, Dublin. This year’s theme is Environment and the green economy, with the conference focusing on developing an eco-efficient economy, a sustainable urban future, renewable energy, and investment in water, waste water, and waste infrastructure. For full details on the event programme, speakers and registration information please see the Environment Ireland 2010 brochure on the EPA website.

Where on earth is biodiversity?

05/08/2010

New biodiversity tool to encourage conservation-driven decision making

Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa has been renowned for its wide tableau of animal and plant life, from the bamboo zone with its dense stands of bamboo to the upland forest, laden with orchids, ferns, wildflowers and trees.

But according to a new United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) database, animal and plant species living on the 5,199 meter peak are globally threatened.

In collaboration with leading conservation organisations, the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) has devised Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) for governments, development banks and private sector organisations to access accurate and reliable information on biodiversity and critical natural habitats on a worldwide scale - to answer the seemingly simple question "Where on earth is biodiversity?"

Read more
Source: United Nations Environmental Programme

Minister Gormley makes Directions to control environmental damage by Quad Bikes.

04/08/2010

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr John Gormley, T.D., today announced (2/8/2010) he made Directions under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) (Control of Recreational Activities) Regulations 2010 to prohibit certain recreational activities in European nature sites and other areas where they are likely to disturb or damage species protected under EU law.

Directions have been made in relation to a first tranche of fourteen Natura 2000 sites across the State, including Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. The Directions address the increased pressures and instances of serious damage and disturbance being caused by the activities such as the use of recreational vehicles, including quad bikes and scramblers.

Read more
Source: Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

EU LIFE+ programme grants for Westmeath bog and Blackwater River

03/08/2010

The European Commission has approved grants towards the restoration of raised bogs in Co. Westmeath and to improve water quality in the Upper Blackwater in Co. Cork, a Special Area of Conservation, through the LIFE+ programme.

Coillte will be responsible for the raised bog restoration project in Westmeath and has a total budget of €2.2 million, €1.3 million of which has been granted from the EU. The water quality project in Cork has a total budget of €2 million, of which €940,000 has been granted by the EU. The grant for this project will be paid to ‘Integrated Resource Development’ in Cork.

Full details of these projects and the LIFE+ programme area available from the

European Commission Ireland

website.

Science for Environmental Policy

03/08/2010

The latest issue of the European Commission (EC) ‘Science for Environment Policy’ newsletter is now available on the EC website. The following articles appear in this issue: