February

Science for Environment Policy, issue 230 available online

28/02/2011

The latest issue of Science for Environment Policy is now available online. Articles include:

• Current economic activity leaves an alien species ‘invasion debt’
• New proposals for simplifying REDD+ management
• Fatalities, hardship and environmental impacts caused by hazards
• Implementing the Noise Directive – lessons from Ireland
• What is the real role of national Forest Programmes?
• Abandoned mines can be used as geothermal energy source

Finneran & Ó Cuív announce grant allocations under the 2011 Rural Water Programme

28/02/2011

Mr. Éamon Ó Cuív, Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government & Mr. Michael Finneran, Minister for Housing and Local Services, & today (22 February 2011), announced their Department’s 2011 Rural Water Programme.

The total funding available for this year’s Rural Water Programme is €85m. Announcing details of capital block grant allocations, totalling over €71 million, to County Councils under the 2011 Rural Water Programme, Minister Finneran said he is confident that the block grant allocations for 2011 will play a major role in bringing rural water schemes up to standard and in completing any remaining schemes in the Rural Water Action Plan this year.

Minister Finneran praised the progress that has been made in upgrading sub-standard group water supplies around the country. However, he again reminded any schemes that are continuing to provide their members with poor quality water, and failing to engage with local authorities with a view to improving these supplies, that “local authorities had been given powers under the Drinking Water Regulations and the 2007 Water Services Act to take decisive action against schemes that are not compliant with drinking water standards.”

The €71.5 m allocation provides:

• over €45m for measures to improve water quality in group schemes with private sources, such as rivers, lakes and boreholes;
• €11.35m for upgrading of existing schemes and for new group water schemes;
• €15m for improvements to smaller public water and sewerage schemes;

Full details are available on the website of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Source: Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

EPA Report: Water Quality in Ireland 2007-2009

24/02/2011

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published its report Water Quality in Ireland 2007-2009. Improvements in water quality have been found, although the report advises that steps to improvements must continue across many sectors if Ireland is to meet its European water quality obligations.
 
The report is a comprehensive review which covers 13,118 km of river and stream channel (1,700 rivers), 222 lakes, 89 estuarine and coastal waterbodies and 211 groundwater monitoring stations.

Water Quality in Ireland 2007-2009 is available to download from the EPA webite.

Young Environmentalist Awards: submission deadline 25th February

24/02/2011

The project submission deadline for the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Award 2011 is Friday 25^th February. This all-Ireland environmental awards programme recognises and rewards young people who raise environmental awareness and improve the environment.

Young people can register their intent to carry out a project online on ECO-UNESCO’s website www.ecounesco.ie or by contacting ECO-UNESCO’s Young Environmentalist Awards Coordinator, Sandy McGraorty, on +353 1 6625491 or at yea@ecounesco.ie.

2011 RDS Augustine Henry Forestry Lecture: 10th March

24/02/2011

Professor John O’Halloran, Head of the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UCC, will present this year’s Augustine Henry Forestry Lecture entitled ‘The Environmental Challenge Facing the Irish Forestry Industry’.

Professor O’Halloran has been engaged in research on forest environmental issues for more than 20 years and has worked extensively in the UK and North America. He is a graduate of UCC and has published widely for which he was awarded his Doctorate of Science by the National University of Ireland in 2009.

Admission to this lecture is free and open to the public, but advanced booking is essential. Please contact Paul Farrelly at 01-240 7215 or email agriculture@rds.ie for details. The lecture will take place on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 7.30pm, in the RDS Dodder B.

UNEP Year Book 2011: Emerging Issues in our Global Environment

23/02/2011

The UNEP Year Book 2011 examines global emerging issues and the latest environmental developments and trends.

Scientists are concerned that plastic debris in the ocean can transport toxic substances which may end up in the food chain, causing potential harm to ecosystem and human health.

The Year Book also explores the wider impact of the use of phosphorus in food production.

Halting loss of forest biodiversity is essential if forests are to adapt to mounting pressures, including climate change and pest outbreaks.

The Year Book’s overview of events and developments during 2010 shows how cutting edge science reveals new opportunities and solutions.

Rapid growth in renewable energy supply and other developments are summarized in key environmental indicators.

More Information
Download Executive Summary [114kB]
Download UNEP Year Book 2011 Full Report [ 16.5MB]

Source: UNEP

ECO-UNESCO Youth For Development Seminar 2011

23/02/2011

ECO-UNESCO will host the Youth For Sustainable Development Seminar 2011 at the Greenhouse, Andrew St., Dublin on Wednesday 30^th March from 10am to 4pm. This meeting will include young people, policy experts, youth leaders and those working with young people. The seminar is free of charge, but those interested in attending should register by Friday 18^th March by contacting admin@ecounesco.ie. For further information, please contact Hedda on 01-662 5491/085-767 6089 or email ysd@ecounesco.ie.  

EPA Climate Change lecture series 2010/2011

23/02/2011

Mr. Alexandre Maybeck, Food & Agriculture Organisation, U.N. will present the fourth lecture of the EPA Climate Change lecture series on Tuesday, 15th March 2011. The topic will be Climate Change & Agriculture: ensuring food production is not threatened. The event will take place from 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm at The Round Room, The Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2. A pdf of the brochure is available for download from the EPA website.

Attendance is free, but advance booking is essential due to the demand. To book, please contact Clara Clark at: clara@claraclark.ie.

Secondary School Bike Week Challenge 2011

22/02/2011

The Secondary Schools cycle challenge will run between 7^th and 11^th March as a lead up event to National Bike Week 2011 (18-26 June). The event, organised by An Taisce Green Schools Travel Programme in conjunction with Bike Week 2011, aims to encourage students, staff and parents to cycle to school on their chosen day.

If you are interested in organising this cycle challenge in your secondary school, please contact Ally Menary, An Taisce EEu Cycling Development Officer, at 01-400 2215 or email amenary@eeu.antaisce.org. A promotional poster for the school is also available to download fromthe Green Schools website.

Green Flag application submission date: March 1st

22/02/2011

The deadline for applications for the Green Schools Litter and Waste Green Flag is 1^st March. Please see the Green Schools website for information on the application process.

Science for Environment Policy, issue 229

22/02/2011

The latest issue of Science for Environment Policy is now available online. Articles include:

• SWITCH – new tool to help sustainable urban water management
• Are waste LEDs hazardous?
• Best technologies for treating bad smells from wastewater identified
• Dismal messages about global warming may increase scepticism
• Assessing the impact of land use policies in developing countries
• Comparing the environmental impact of herbicides

Irish Wildlife Trust presents award-winning film ‘PLAY AGAIN’

21/02/2011

The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) will host the Irish Premier screening of ‘PLAY AGAIN’, the award winning film that investigates the consequences of a childhood without nature and encourages action for a sustainable future, at The Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield, Dublin at 6.30pm on 10^th March. This film launches the IWT Primary School Adventure Programme and there will be a reception before the film, and a discussion panel afterwards.

Please contact The Lighthouse Cinema Box Office at 01-8797601 to book a ticket.

Northern Ireland launches cross-border environment survey

21/02/2011

The Northern Ireland Government has launched a £4 million cross-border scheme to study the sustainable use of natural resources. The Tellus Border Project will be carried out by the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, Queen's University and Dundalk Institute of Technology.

The £4 million is funded by the European INTERREG IVA development programme. Researchers will monitor levels of carbon in soil and identify groundwater pollution.

The project is an extension of the Tellus Project in Northern Ireland, which produced new maps and digital data of soils, rocks and stream waters of the whole of Northern Ireland.

The DUP's enterprise minister Arlene Foster said:

"This project will provide high quality geological information to ensure sustainable use of Northern Ireland's natural resources.

"It will continue the analysis of the information gathered under the Tellus Project and help inform government development decisions including sustainable use of land in planning decisions, and enhance further private sector investment in areas such as mineral exploration."

The area covered by the project includes Northern Ireland, (excluding the Belfast Metropolitan Area) and the six northern counties of the Republic of Ireland (Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Monaghan, Cavan and Louth).

Source: Edie Ireland

Identifying and Recording Ireland's Biodiversity

18/02/2011

The National Biodiversity Data Centre and its partners are pleased to announce another exciting programme of training workshops and events for 2011. Last year’s programme was a resounding success with most workshops booked to capacity. The general workshop format will include an introduction to the group, a field element and an identification session. Beginners are welcome to attend all events. The aim of the workshops is to improve identification and field skills of biological groups and raise standards of data collection and management.

The Centre would like to express its appreciation to workshop leaders and partners who have kindly agreed to co-host events:

Ballycroy National Park, Clare County Council, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Killarney National Park, Mayo County Council, Raven Nature Reserve, South Dublin County Council, Teagasc, Wexford Wildfowl Reserve.

To download a brochure, visit the National Biodiversity Data Centre website.

For further information, phone 051-306 240 or email info@biodiversityireland.ie

Source: National Biodiversity Data Centre

Global Search For ‘Lost’ Frogs Yields Few Findings

Environmental Seminar: Growing Our Green Communities

17/02/2011

On Saturday, 5^th March, the Environmental Seminar Growing Our Green Communities will take place at The Greenhouse, Andrew Street, Dublin City Centre.

Six different environmental and social initiatives taking place within Dublin will be showcased. As well as improving the local environment and community development, these projects also have the potential to be extended across Dublin and improve the overall quality of the city’s environment for the inhabitants. One of the presentations will be on the ‘Planting for People Proposal’, which emphasises the need for licensed use of unused and derelict land within the city.

Please contact 01-222 3259 or email community.forum@dublincity.ie to reserve a place.

Climate Inspirations!

17/02/2011

‘Climate Inspirations’ is an international Challenge Europe event which aims to energise the climate debate and inspire action towards a low carbon future. The event will be held on the 25th of March in the The European Commission Representation in Ireland 18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

Full details are available on the event website.

Ireland Best in EU for Carbon Footprint of Milk, Pork, and Poultry Meat

16/02/2011

The carbon footprint of Irish food products have been rated as amongst the best in the EU according to a major study just published by the Joint Research Centre of the EU Commission.

The study entitled "Evaluation of the livestock sector contribution to the EU Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions" (GGELS) evaluated the full net carbon emissions of a range of livestock products, taking account of all on-farm emissions related to livestock rearing and the production of animal feed (even where this feed production takes place outside the EU), as well as emissions caused by providing input of mineral fertilizers, pesticides, energy, and land for the production of feed. This cradle-to-gate life cycle analysis gives a comprehensive assessment of different production systems.

Irish milk has the lowest (joint with Austria) carbon footprint in the EU at 1 kg CO₂-eq/kg milk, compared to the EU average of 1.4kg. According to the study, Irish pork also has the lowest carbon footprint in the EU (4.8 kg vs EU average of 7.5 CO₂-eq/kg pork) as does Irish chicken (3.3 kg vs EU average of 4.9 CO₂-eq/kg poultry). Other Irish animal products are also reported to have low carbon footprints. For example, Irish beef has a carbon footprint of 19 kg CO₂-eq/kg beef, well below the EU average of 22.1 kg CO₂-eq/kg beef, and it is the 5th lowest in the EU. In the report, the carbon footprint of Brazilian beef was estimated to be 80 kg CO₂-eq /kg beef when land use change is included (and 48 kg when land use change is not considered) due to a lower productivity of beef production.

Source: Teagasc

Green Light for Cleaner, More Fuel-efficient Vans

16/02/2011

The European Parliament has given a green light for cleaner, more fuel-efficient vans by voting to introduce CO2 limits in the EU for new vans and other light commercial goods vehicles. The rules, agreed with Member States, include incentives to make highly-efficient vehicles as well as penalties for manufacturers that miss the targets.

If endorsed by the Council of Ministers, the legislation will complement existing CO2 limits for passenger cars. Besides contributing towards better air quality and the EU’s climate targets, the rules should ensure that small firms that depend on these vans get more fuel-efficient ones. The upper weight limit for this category is 3.5 tonnes when loaded.

The rules aim to spur innovation in industry, setting an initial target of 175g CO2/km. Under the terms of an agreed phase-in, the average emissions of 70% of a manufacturer’s fleet must meet this limit in 2014 and the average of all its vehicles by 2017.

Read more

EPA Climate Change lecture series 2010/2011

15/02/2011

Mr. Alexandre Maybeck, Food & Agriculture Organisation, U.N. will present the fourth lecture of the EPA Climate Change lecture series on Tuesday, 15th March 2011. The topic will be Climate Change & Agriculture: ensuring food production is not threatened. The event will take place from 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm at The Round Room, The Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2. A pdf of the brochure is available for download from the EPA website.

Attendance is free, but advance booking is essential due to the demand. To book, please contact Clara Clark at: clara@claraclark.ie.

European Commission Launches Sustainable Growth Initiative

15/02/2011

The European Commission has launched "A resource-efficient Europe: Flagship initiative under the Europe 2020 Strategy," which set out its views on a strategic framework towards a more sustainable use of natural resources and the shift towards resource-efficient, low-carbon growth in Europe.

The sustainable growth strategy is the seventh and last of the Europe 2020 flagship initiatives, which aim at building smart, sustainable and inclusive growth for Europe. It establishes resource efficiency as the guiding principle for EU policies on energy, transport, climate change, industry, commodities, agriculture, fisheries, biodiversity and regional development. By using synergies across these policy areas, the strategy is expected to contribute to reaching EU objectives to reduce European greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80 to 95% by 2050, reform the agricultural and fisheries sectors, reduce food insecurity in developing countries, and make the EU more resilient to future rises in global energy and commodity prices.

The strategy lists a number of specific initiatives to be tabled in 2011, including: a low-carbon economy roadmap 2050; a 2020 energy efficiency plan; a white paper on the future of transport; an energy roadmap 2050; a roadmap for a resource-efficient Europe; reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy, the Common Fisheries Policy, Cohesion Policy, energy infrastructure and trans-European transport networks; a new EU biodiversity strategy for 2020; and measures regarding commodity markets and on raw materials. The strategy also notes the need for early action on adaptation to minimize threats to ecosystems and human health, support economic development and help adjust infrastructure to cope with unavoidable climate change.

A Resource-Efficient Europe: Flagship Initiative Under the Europe 2020 Strategy

Source: Climate Change Policy & Practice

Happy National Nestbox Day!

14/02/2011

Today, 14th February, is National Nestbox Day so why not show our feathered friends some love this Valentine's Day by building them a nestbox in your garden?! Many common bird species begin to scout for nesting sites in mid-February, plenty of time before the breeding season begins. Find out all you need to know on our How to Build a Bird Box page.









 

Science for Environment Policy: Issue 228 available online

14/02/2011

The latest issue of Science for Environment Policy is now available online. Articles include:

• Balancing fire risk precautions and income in forest management
• Seafood labelling needs stricter enforcement
• Could new risk analysis process increase confidence in GM?
• Climate-driven malaria is a future possibility in Germany
• Tropical land use change: more carbon lost for lower crop yield
• Filling in the gaps in Marine Protected Areas

Report into school food waste highlights carbon saving

14/02/2011

Insight into the reasons behind the estimated 80,000 tonnes of food wasted in schools each year is revealed in a new report launched by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).

The research, Food Waste in Schools, was undertaken to understand more about which types of food are wasted and the reasons why this happens. It is hoped the findings can identify opportunities for schools and caterers to reduce food waste in schools.

The study looked at both the detailed make-up of the waste and where in the process the waste arose. It also talked to schools and school meal providers to understand their views about why they thought food was being wasted. Wastage seemed to be higher in primary schools than secondary schools – estimated at 50,000 tonnes compared to 30,000.

The reasons food is wasted are wide ranging, but can be grouped as operational – relating to policies and practices around school food, situational - relating to the environment in which school meals are eaten rather than the food itself, and behavioural – relating to individual actions and preferences. As the specific combination of causes of food waste will vary from school to school, a one size fits all approach to minimising food waste is not available.

Further details are available on the WRAP website.

Source: WRAP

Launch of public consultation on New National Energy Efficiency Action Plan

10/02/2011

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, has launched a period of public consultation on the design and implementation of the second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan. The consultation paper seeks your views on our progress to date and on measures that may be considered in the context of completing our second action plan.

The consultation document can be accessed at www.dcenr.gov.ie/NEEAP2. The closing date for receipt of submissions is Monday, 7th March 2010 and should be addressed to eeap@dcenr.gov.ie. Any queries should be addressed to the same mailbox.

RHSI Wildlife Friendly Gardening Seminar: Registration Open

10/02/2011

The RHSI will host a Wildlife Friendly Gardening Seminar on Saturday 5^th March at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin. Niall Hatch, from BirdWatch Ireland, will be talking about gardening to encourage birds, Eanna Ní Lamhna will speak on beneficial insects, and Dermot O’Neill will talk on what to plant to attract wildlife to your garden. Registration begins at 10am, and includes tea or coffee and biscuits. The cost for the seminar is €65. For further details, please contact Brenda on 086-232 5721 or see http://www.rhsi.ie/.

Green Learning Day: 22nd February

09/02/2011

Green Works Dublin Hub is hosting an Open Day to celebrate Aontas Adult Learner's Festival.  Drop in for an afternoon of films and presentations exploring Ireland's green future and share ideas over tea, coffee and biscuits on Tuesday 22nd February from 11am-4pm. Presentations in building, business and permaculture will give participants an introduction to the range of learning available at Green Works.

Green Works is a nationwide education programme, offering free courses to jobseekers, with a focus on upskilling the workforce for the growing opportunities within Ireland's Green Economy. A schedule of short films and talks is available on the Cultivate website.

Source: Cultivate

Science for Environment Policy, issue 227

08/02/2011

The latest issue of Science for Environment Policy is now available online. Articles include:

• Possible solutions to local weather impacts of large wind farms
• Megacities need mega-models to assess their environmental impact
• Valuing biodiversity through multi-criteria analysis
• Evidence for negative carbon budgets for European croplands
• Partially converting fuels into ‘syngas’ increases energy efficiency
• Reducing the potential ‘ecological trap’ of solar panels

Launch of 2011 CDP Questionnaire in Ireland

08/02/2011

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), a non-profit organisation that collects data on how companies act to prevent hazardous climate change, has launched its 2011 Questionnaire in Ireland (pdf).

Ireland Director of CDP, Dick Budden encouraged Irish businesses to participate: “CDP has become the established and accepted global standard for examining the possible impacts on business of the many factors connected with climate change. Last year more than 3,000 companies around the world responded to the CDP request, recognising that carbon management has a strategic role to play in reducing energy costs, generating revenue and remaining competitive. We look forward to welcoming more Irish firms to the Carbon Disclosure Project this year.”

33 Irish companies participated in 2010, and it is expected that this number will increase greatly in 2011.

Questionnaires must be finished by the end of May 2011, and the Carbon Disclosure Project Ireland 2011 Report will be published later in the year.

ECO-UNESCO Awards Ceremony celebrates up skilling in the green economy

08/02/2011

Recent graduates of ECO-UNESCO’s FETAC training courses will be honored at an awarding ceremony on Tuesday the 8th of February in the Greenhouse. These awards celebrate participants up skilling for the green economy.

The Awarding Ceremony will include presentation with a FETAC Award in recognition of participants work on ECO-UNESCO’s Introduction to Sustainable Development FETAC L5 and ECO-UNESCO’s Community Development FETAC L3. Young people who completed the ECO-UNESCO’s Peer Education for Sustainable Development programme will also receive awards.

The evening will also include an ECO-UNESCO open evening for all those that wish to up skill in the future by taking a training course. ECO-UNESCO, as a specialist provider of accredited (FETAC) and non accredited training courses offers environmental, sustainability and youth training for personal and continuous professional development training courses on both an in-house and outreach basis.

The awards ceremony will commence at 6.30pm. Food and beverages will be provided at the event. For more information contact education@ecounesco.ie.

Source: Irish Press Releases

€3.1 million to protect Irish and Scottish waterways

07/02/2011

A €3.1 million EU funded project to protect the waterways of Ireland and Scotland has been launched at Queen’s University Belfast. The project aims to control invasive plants, such as the giant hogweed, which are taking over river banks; limiting their use for angling and recreation, destroying ecosystems, and causing health problems for those who come into contact with the aggressive plants.

Invasive species are the second biggest cause of biodiversity loss worldwide. Their economic impact in Europe has been estimated at over €12 billion per year.

The CIRB project will run until December 2014 and is part financed by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund through the INTERREG IVA Cross-border Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

Source: Queens University 

Ireland's link with a single EU energy market

07/02/2011

Ireland is to receive European Union funds to develop an energy infrastructure which will link the country to gas and electricity supplies from other EU countries. A single EU energy market would link Ireland into electricity grids from other parts of Europe thereby allowing Irish consumers to buy electricity and gas from companies outside Ireland. The move would significantly reduce the cost of importing fossil fuels.
 

Dutch grid project to connect offshore wind farms

04/02/2011

The European Investment Bank has agreed to provide a Eur450 million loan to TenneT Holding to finance construction and operation of an 83km 380kV transmission connection between the Hague and Rotterdam. This will close the ‘Randstad 380’ extra-high voltage electricity transmission ring.

The project will connect offshore wind farms and the UK interconnector to the Dutch high voltage grid, improve security of supply and cater for predicted increased electricity demand around Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht, the four largest Dutch cities and the surrounding Randstad region, one of the most populated parts of Europe. Completion of the high-voltage link will improve international electricity links between the Netherlands and France, Belgium, the UK and Germany and is essential for the proper functioning of both the electricity network and supply system.

Over the last five years the European Investment Bank, the European Union’s long-term lending institution, has lent Eur2 billion for energy schemes in the Netherlands, notably support for renewable energy, electricity transmission, gas and biomass projects.

Source: Environment and Energy Management

New study exposes failure of zoo regulation throughout Europe

04/02/2011

Initial findings of The EU Zoo Inquiry 2011, the most comprehensive investigation into the licensing and performance of zoos across the EU, has revealed the systemic failure of governments, competent authorities and enforcement agencies to ensure that European zoos meet their legal obligations to species conservation, education and animal welfare.

The EU Zoo Inquiry 2011 website (www.euzooinquiry.eu) launched on 2^nd February, will, over the coming months, reveal the details of this ground-breaking work which exposes failures, identifies the causes and provides a wealth of information on zoo regulation in 20 EU countries.

Produced by international wildlife NGO, the Born Free Foundation, on behalf of ENDCAP, The EU Zoo Inquiry 2011 is an independent study which evaluates the degree to which EC Directive 1999/22 – the Zoos Directive – has been implemented and enforced.

Further information is available on the Eu Zoo Inquiry 2011 website.

Source: EU Zoo Inquiry 2011

Minister Smith confirms dairy equipment and rainwater harvesting schemes

03/02/2011

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith, today confirmed that the €53 million Dairy Equipment and the Rainwater Harvesting Schemes will open for applications on Tuesday 1 March 2011.

Both schemes are provided for in Ireland's Rural Development Programme and are intended to remain open for applications until end-2013.

Under the terms of the Programme, €45 million is being made available for the Dairy Equipment Scheme with a further €8 million being provided for the Rainwater Harvesting Scheme.

Under the terms of the Programme, €45 million is being made available for the Dairy Equipment Scheme with a further €8 million being provided for the Rainwater Harvesting Scheme. The schemes are part of a €113 million targeted scheme for on-farm investment to support a number of specific categories of farmers and focused on supporting productive investment.

Please see the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for full details.

Source: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

Would Your Business Benefit From An Energy Intern?

03/02/2011

As part of the Louth Economic Forums - Sustainable Energy Action Plan, various stakeholders in Co. Louth seek to recruit 5-7 Energy Management Interns through the FAS WPP1, to support the implementation of the second phase of the Louth Energy Saving Pilot for SME’s in association with SEAI. This phase of the pilot includes a training programme to support interns in the delivery of intensively resourced, onsite energy management training and mentoring to 20 SME organisations within Co. Louth (Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee).

The Interns will be required to support a number of participating businesses, each on a part time basis over an approximate 4-9 month period, to establish a fully operational energy management programme in each business. The control of the energy management programme will be handed over to the participating business at the end of the pilot.

Applications on application form only, email louthenergysaving@seai.ie for an application form and further information. Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is, 11^th February 2011.

Source: SEAI

Renewable energy production must grow fast to reach the 2020 target

03/02/2011

Europe has committed to obtain 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. An analysis of the 27 EU Member State action plans shows that renewable energy output is projected to grow by 6% per year on average. Wind power, solar electricity and biofuels are foreseen to contribute with the highest growth rates. If all Member States follow the trajectory outlined in their plans, the EU will exceed its 20 % renewable energy target by 0.7 percentage points.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has supported the compilation of a database that holds key data from all the National Renewable Energy Action Plans (NREAPs). The database facilitates the comparison of figures across technologies and between Member States.

Key aggregate data from the 27 National Action Plans:

• Electricity will make up 42% of total renewable energy production, with wind power supplying 41% of renewable electricity;
• 46% of all renewable energy production will be used for heating and cooling, with biomass accounting for 78 % of renewable heating and cooling output;
• Transport will make up the smallest proportion of renewable energy production (12%), but is the fastest growing element between 2005 and 2020.
• Total renewable energy production is projected to increase from 99 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) in 2005 to 245 Mtoe in 2020 corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 6%.

The renewable energy projections are also presented in graphs and tables in a data report (2.03MB). Detailed data for all 27 EU Member States are displayed together with the aggregate EU-27 figures. Moreover, derived indicators allow a comparison of country projections on a per capita basis or relative to land area.

Background information on the NREAPs
The EU climate and energy package has three main goals for 2020: reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 %; improving energy efficiency by 20 %; and generating 20 % of energy consumption from renewable energy. In order to support the renewable energy objective, each Member State has been requested to submit plans (NREAPs) detailing how they will reach their individual targets.

Source: European Environment Agency

Belfast aims to be leading renewable energy hub in UK

02/02/2011

Belfast Harbour could benefit from becoming a leading hub of renewable energy in the UK if Danish company DONG Energy chooses the city as a location to assemble giant wind turbines. If the project goes ahead, up to 300 full time jobs and 150 construction posts could be created.

As part of the plans, Belfast Harbour would fund and build a £40m industrial park, including a 450m quay and 50 acre space where the wind turbines would be assembled.

Speaking at Belfast Harbour Office, Peter Gedbjerg, DONG Energy Vice President and UK Country Manager, Power, said:

"The United Kingdom has a very ambitious plan for expanding the production of renewable energy. We are very proud to be helping make this plan come alive and we hope to achieve a long and fruitful relationship with Belfast Harbour. The possibility of a tailor-made facility to make the installation of offshore wind turbines even more efficient fits perfectly with DONG Energy’s goal of bringing down the construction cost of renewable energy."

Statement on behalf of Co-ordinating Group regarding Kerdiffstown fire

02/02/2011

Firefighters from Dublin, Kildare, Laois and Wicklow, together with civil defence personnel, are continuing to suppress the fire at Kerdiffstown landfill near Naas. While further progress was made on 1st February, it is likely that the fire will not be fully extinguished before the end of the present week.

Emissions from the site are now less evident, but there is still a relatively narrow plume, or band, of smoke which will travel several miles from Kerdiffstown depending on wind and other weather conditions. The HSE has repeated its advice that people should avoid the plume and stay inside, with windows and doors shut, whenever the plume is passing over their houses or other premises. This advice is as important to schools as it is to households.

Some people may be sensitive to the effects of smoke. Those with existing respiratory or cardiac problems, young children and the elderly may experience symptoms. The HSE has advised that people with symptoms should reduce their level of activity, take medications as prescribed and consult their doctor.

The following are the contact numbers for the agencies dealing with situation at Kerdiffstown:
Health Service Executive, (Department of Public Health): 01 635 2151 (Office hours only)

Environmental Protection Agency:   01 268 0100 (Office hours only)
                                                                053 916 0600 (Message Service out of hours)

Kildare County Council:    045 980 200 (Office hours)
                                               1890 50 03 33 (Out of hours emergency)

More Bright Ideas: A Smarter Business Guide to Energy Efficiency

01/02/2011

Chambers Ireland and ESB have launched an updated guide on how businesses can reduce costs and improve their green credentials through increased energy efficiency. The Guide will help companies to identify areas where energy savings can be made, and offers practical advice on how consumption of energy can be reduced.

A PDF of ‘More Bright Ideas: A Smarter Business Guide to Energy Efficiency’ is available to download from Chambers Ireland website.

New report optimistic for long-term future of red squirrels in Ireland

01/02/2011

The west of Ireland could offer a long-term safe haven for red squirrels according to a new report published  by the National Parks & Wildlife Service. “This report provides hope for the long-term survival of red squirrels in Ireland”, so said Dr Ferdia Marnell of NPWS’s Scientific Unit today (31 January 2011)

The native red squirrel was listed as Near Threatened in Ireland’s most recent Red Data List of Mammals. It has suffered a 20% decline since the North American grey squirrel was introduced to Ireland in 1911, 100 years ago. The grey squirrel has expanded its range steadily since and can now be found throughout the eastern half of the island, from Derry and Antrim in the north to Wexford and Waterford on the south coast. However, the species has yet to establish itself in the south-west, or west of the Shannon, and a recent study by NUI Galway suggests that these counties may hold the key for the survival of the red squirrel in Ireland.

Source: Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government