September

Environmental Sciences Association of Ireland: 2010 Photography Competition

28/09/2010

The Environmental Science Association of Ireland (ESAI) is now accepting entries for the fifth ESAI photography competition.  The theme for this year’s competition is “The Energy of Nature”. The ESAI welcomes entries from all amateur photographers and entries will be assessed on the basis of picture quality, composition and the appropriateness of the caption.

Entry Forms and Terms & Conditions can be downloaded from the ESAI website www.esaiweb.org . Closing date is Friday December 31^st 2010.

2010 RDS Energy Lecture Series: The Future of Transport in Dublin

28/09/2010

The next RDS Energy Lecture will take place on Thursday, September 30 at 7.00pm in the RDS Minerva Suite, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. The subject of the lecture is The Future of Transport in Dublin and will be given by Michael Philips, Dublin City Engineer and Director of Traffic. Attendance is free, but advance booking is essential.

The RDS Energy Lectures are also available for viewing on the webcast section of the RDS website at http://www.rds.ie/webcasts

Cuffe Welcomes Status Report on North East Atlantic

27/09/2010

Mr. Ciarán Cuffe T.D, Minister of State for Planning, Sustainable Transport and Horticulture, last Friday (24 September 2010) welcomed the publication of a major report by OSPAR on the status of the marine environment in the North-East Atlantic.  The Quality Status Report (QSR) 2010 is a holistic assessment of the environmental status of the diverse waters of this region and represents the results of 10 years of monitoring and cooperation by the OSPAR Governments. 

The Report shows that there are multiple pressures on the marine environment and that many are increasing.  The Minister made specific reference to the growing evidence presented in the Report of climate change effects, the accumulation of persistent organic pollutants in marine life and the exploitation of fish stocks beyond sustainable levels.  

The Report also shows that there has been progress in some areas.  For example, discharges from nuclear installations are falling and pollution from oil and gas production has also fallen since the last report was published in 2000.  Minister Cuffe remarked:  “The evidence is there that concerted and coordinated action by the OSPAR parties can yield improvements in the marine environment”.  

The Report is available on http://qsr2010.ospar.org.


Source: Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Senator Dan Boyle Launches ENFOpoint at Midleton Library

24/09/2010

The ENFOpoint at Midleton Library was launched on Monday by Senator Dan Boyle on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley T.D. The development of ENFOpoints is a key part of the Minister’s strategy to make environmental information services available locally to all, throughout the country. In 2009 Minster Gormley launched an enhanced ENFO environmental information service in public libraries. Central to this is the www.enfo.ie website and an enhanced role for public libraries in supporting local communities in greener living. Demand for environmental information is increasing all of the time and libraries are uniquely placed in the heart of the community as the recognised and trusted providers of knowledge and information. 

• access to www.enfo.ie with its vast collection of information, posters, leaflets, exhibitions and audio and video material,
• access to a wide range of books on environmental topics from the library’s own collection and through www.borrowbooks.ie to the collections of all the public libraries in Ireland,
• exhibitions and talks with local and national experts on topics from how climate change will affect your area to learning about the wildlife in your hedgerows
• information for primary and secondary students to support the curriculum and project work with talks in schools and class visits to the library.

Midleton Library is one of four pilot libraries developing an ENFOpoint service in 2010. The Central Library, Waterford City, Clara Library, Co. Offaly and the County Library, Tallaght are the other libraries taking part in the pilot and each will be launched over the coming weeks. It is intended that, during the next year, all public library branches will develop an ENFOpoint, bringing environmental information to all 350 library locations throughout the country. 

Minister Ryan announces funding of €9m to 43 companies under the Energy Efficiency Fund

16/09/2010

The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan TD, today announced that funding of €9 million has been granted to 43 organisations involving capital investment projects of approximately €25 million, under the national Energy Efficiency Fund (EEF) for public and private sector businesses.

The projects, 20 of which are public sector, and 23 private and voluntary sectors, will be completed by the end of 2010, and the energy efficiency actions taken will create lifetime savings of over €70 million.  50,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions will also be avoided each year as a result.

Galway Beaches Clean-up this Week-end

16/09/2010

This week-end local volunteers will help to make a practical difference to their local beach by removing rubbish from Grattan and Salthill beaches.

The annual Marine Conservation Society Beach Clean and Survey, organised by Galway Atlantaquaria and supported by Glan Suas Gaillimh will take place on Saturday 18th September at 12 noon. The litter collected will also be recorded, so that the main sources of the litter can be identified. Beach litter is more than just an eyesore for thousands of beach visitors across the country; it is a global
issue that represents a major threat to many vulnerable marine species. It is estimated that, globally, over a million birds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles die every year from entanglement,
or ingestion of plastics.

MCS will use the survey results from this and the hundreds of other surveys that were carried out over the same weekend, to tackle the sources of beach litter. All materials, survey sheets, pickers, bags
and gloves will be provided and distributed at Atlantaquaria on the morning of the clean-up.

The organisers would love to hear from interested volunteers and can be contacted on 091-585100 or email info@nationalaquarium.ie.

Source: Irish Press Releases

EPA report: Focus on Landfilling in Ireland

15/09/2010

A new report examining the operation and management of landfills in Ireland over the past 15 years has been published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Focus on Landfilling in Ireland shows a fall in the number of municipal waste landfills from almost 100 in 1995 to just 30 today, and also addresses the challenges facing Ireland today to divert enough biodegradable waste from landfills to meet with EU targets.

Focus on Landfilling in Ireland is available to download from the EPA website.

Climate Change Lecture

15/09/2010

Professor Mike Lockwood will present a lecture on Solar Variability and Influences on Climate on September 23^rd at the Emmet Theatre, Trinity College Dublin. This lecture will be part of the two day international conference The Transient Universe: from Exoplanets to Hypernovae. The event is open to the public and is free to attend, however tickets must be booked in advanced.

Further information is available on the Royal Irish Academy website.

2010 RDS Science Live Demonstration Lecture Series

10/09/2010

The RDS has launched the 2010 RDS Science Live Demonstration Lecture Series . Taking science out of the classroom and focusing on the interactive, practical elements of a subject, the 2010 schedule of events includes opportunities for students to get hands on with a wide range of subjects. Topics covered in the 2010 series include species adaptation, earthquakes, nanotechnology, friction & forces, maths, human genetics and mechanics. Taking place in the RDS throughout October and November, those interested in attending are advised to contact Karen Sheeran, Email: karen.sheeran@rds.ie; Tel: 01 2407289 or visit www.rds.ie/sciencelive.

Irish National Radon Forum

09/09/2010

The 8^th Irish National Radon Forum will be held on Wednesday the 24^th November 2010 in Cork City. The Forum provides an opportunity for those with a role to play in reducing the risk from radon in Ireland to meet and discuss radon activities and concerns. Further details of the theme and venue for this year’s forum will be available on the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland’s website at http://www.rpii.ie/.

Irish Wildlife Matters: new website launched

07/09/2010

The new website www.irishwildlifematters.ie has been launched to promote rescue and first aid of Irish wildlife. Useful, easy to follow information is provided on what you can do to help an animal in distress and the basic equipment needed for an animal rescue. Details on helping the following animals is provided:
 

• Fox
• Badger
• Otter
• Deer
• Hare & Rabbit
• Hedgehog
• Squirrel
• Adult Bird
• Baby Bird
• Bat
• Marine Mammal

Unspent EU money to fund clean and efficient energy projects

EPA National Information Day: FP7-Environment

06/09/2010

On 6th October 2010, the EPA will host a National Information Day in Dublin to promote the publication of FP7-Environment calls. The event will also act as a networking opportunity with the aim of increasing cooperation between European research teams.

It is proposed that the following areas will be covered during the event:

• FP7-Environment Overview & Update
• How to involve new researchers
• Parallel Sessions:
• Climate Change & Earth Observations
• Cultural Heritage
• Water & Technologies
• Future calls & Research Gaps

For further information on the event and registration details, please see the event website. For information on giving a poster presentation, please contact Alice Wemaere at fp7@epa.ie.

UNEP unveils masterplan to cut in-house emissions

Study on the Common Lizard in the South Dublin/North Wicklow Uplands

03/09/2010

A zoology student from Trinity College Dublin is currently conducting a study on the distribution and habitat of the common lizard (lacerta vivipara) in the Dublin/North Wicklow Mountains. Details of lizard sightings in the south Dublin/north Wicklow area can be sent to costelcp@tcd.ie by the 31st of October.

Search begins for the 2011 Champions of the Earth

03/09/2010

Nominations are now officially open for the 2011 Champions of the Earth - the United Nations' flagship environmental award.

The award seeks to recognise the achievements of inspirational leaders, thinkers and, most importantly, 'doers' who have shown determination and enduring commitment towards achieving a cleaner, greener and more prosperous future.

Previous winners of the award range from Prime Ministers and Presidents to scientists, NGO leaders and photographers.

Members of the public from across the world can nominate their own environmental heroes for the prize. Nominations will be accepted until 31 October 2010 and can be made via the awards website: www.unep.org/champions.

UNEP will select a laureate for each of the following categories:

• Policy Leadership
• Science and Innovation
• Entrepreneurial Vision
• Inspiration and Action

rx3 e-newsletter: issue 2 September 2010

02/09/2010

The rx3 rethink, recycle, remake e-newsletter for September 2010 is now available. This issue includes the following articles:

• Working groups
• Calls for grant aided funding
• Public Consultation of Green Procurement
• Seminar for Irish plastics
• Irish Recycled Plastic Waste Arising Study
• Crop Trials
• Organic Stakeholder Study 2010
• Recovered paper quality
• Rx3 Sustainable Innovation Forum
• The recycled products corner
• An interview with Tom McDonnell, Thorntons Recycling

PDF rx3 e-newsletter

Ministerial Meeting of the Bonn Agreement, 24 November 2010, Dublin

02/09/2010

The Greater North Sea and its approaches is one of the world’s busiest international shipping areas. Although pollution from shipping and other maritime activities has been reduced, the danger of pollution incidents is ever present. The Dublin Ministerial Meeting of the Bonn Agreement will offer the opportunity to acknowledge the successful work, of more than 40 years, of this early multilateral environmental agreement on pollution prevention, preparedness and response, whilst at the same time re-invigorating cooperation for the protection of the Greater North Sea and its approaches. The accession of Ireland, which took place last year, has considerably enlarged the Bonn Agreement area and will stimulate us to continue our efforts.

The Ministerial Meeting will agree and adopt the Bonn Agreement Action Plan, providing an important strategic framework for future work. This will be accompanied by the signing of a Ministerial Declaration providing high level commitment to working towards the Bonn Agreement vision - a Greater North Sea and its approaches free from accidental and illegal pollution from shipping and other maritime activities.

Source: OSPAR E-newsletter issue 4

National Organic Week: 13-19 September

01/09/2010

National Organic Week will take place from 13^th-19^th September 2010. This event has been held annually since 2005 and is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Bord Bia is co-ordinating the event on behalf of Forás Orgánach. The aim of National Organic Week is to raise consumer awareness of the health benefits of organic produce as well as promote locally produces organic food.

A full list of events by county and an application form for the National Organic Awards is available on the Bord Bia website.

Training 4 Transition

01/09/2010

Transition Ireland & Northern Ireland (T.I.N.I) will host a Training 4 Transition weekend on Saturday 2^nd and Sunday 3^rd October at Glenhordial Permaculture Farm in Omagh.

The Transition Initiative is a local level response to the imminent pressures of climate change and peak oil . The principle of 'think globally, act locally' is central to the Transition Initiative. The aim is to support communities that want to take positive environmental action, as well as increase their ability to endure the inevitability of peak oil through decreasing energy usage.

Anyone interested in starting or participating in a Transition Initiative will find lots of good information and helpful running techniques at this weekend course. For further information, please contact Alex at 086-3855333 or email traing4transition@gmail.com.

PDF of the course outline

New eco-centre in Co. Clare

01/09/2010

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 this evening (September 1^st) at 8pm.

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