March

Tracking Irish Mammals (MISE) – workshops, September 2012

30/03/2012

The National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) will host two workshops on 'Tracking Irish Mammals' on Saturday 1st and Saturday 8th September, 2012. A repeat of last year’s popular one day mammal detective workshop, these free events will take place from 10am-4pm at the NBDC in Waterford and will be lead by Dr Pete Turner. The events will be run this year as part of the MISE programme (Mammals in a Sustainable Environment). For more information on MISE visit http://www.miseproject.ie/.

Bookings can be made through info@biodiversityireland.ie or by phoning 051-306 240. There is a limit of 30 places on the course, so book early to avoid disappointment! Further information is available on the NBDC website.

Public Consultation – Guidance to Manage the Risk to Marine Mammals from Man-made Sound Sources in Irish Waters

30/03/2012

The National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has drafted guidance to manage the risk to marine mammals from man-made sound sources in Irish Waters.

This draft guidance has been prepared as part of Ireland's requirement under Article 12 of the 1992 EC Habitats Directive (92/43/EC) to establish a strict protection regime for all cetaceans in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service invites submissions from interested members of the public, industry and organisations concerning the contents of this document. Copies of the draft may be downloaded.

Draft Guidance to Manage the Risk to Marine Mammals from Man-made Sound Sources (pdf)

Submissions should be sent by email if possible to gearoid.o’connor@ahg.gov.ie or by post to:
Gearóid
O’ Connor,
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht,
3rd Floor, Custom House,
Flood Street,
Galway.

The deadine to submissions is 27th April, 2012.

Source: NPWS

Science for Environment Policy issue 279 now available online

30/03/2012

Science for Environment Policy issue 279 is now available online. Articles include:

  • Concentrating Solar Power's potential for Europe
     
  • What next for effective emission and air quality targets?
     
  • Crop yields largely unharmed in geoengineered climate
     
  • Antibiotic contamination of soils mapped across Europe
     
  • Ocean acidification pushes coral reefs into decline
     
  • How does drained peatland respond to wildfire?

Sustainable Energy Sector to Treble by 2020

29/03/2012

Analysis by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) of the economic and enterprise benefits of the sustainable energy sector, states that over 20,000 jobs can be created within the sector over the next eight years to 2020. The figures were announced by SEAI at its annual Energy Show in the RDS, which showcases the very best in sustainable energy products, services and innovations, as well as offering networking opportunities for professionals in the energy sector.

Currently 10,000 jobs are supported in the sector which has the potential to treble by 2020 by creating and supporting jobs, not only directly in renewable energy and energy efficiency (13,000 jobs), but also indirectly by enhancing business competitiveness (7,000 jobs).

A break out of the current levels of employment and potential levels by 2020 are available on the SEAI website.

Source: SEAI

BirdWatch Ireland Garden Bird Blog

29/03/2012

If you are a fan of garden birds, check out BirdWatch Ireland's dedicated garden bird blog , called Garden Bird Year. It is regularly updated with information about Ireland's garden birds, feeding tips, photographs, wildlife-gardening advice and lots more.

National Vascular Plant Database website launched

28/03/2012

A new National Vascular Plant Database website has been launched by the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

The aim of the National Vascular Plant Database is to centralise information on the distribution of Ireland’s plants.  Plants are the cornerstone of our ecosystem and the foundation on which many components of Irish biodiversity are reliant for food and/or shelter. Understanding the distribution and status of Irish plants is not only essential for plant conservation, but also for the effective conservation of many other elements of our biodiversity from mammals, to birds to pollinators.

Data is collected at considerable time, expense and expertise; often in a voluntary capacity.  In the current climate, more than ever before, we need to ensure that we use data effectively.  Data always belongs to the providers, but by collating and centrally managing Irish data we can all be better prepared to address the future challenges that Irish plants face.

Existing sources of plant data are currently being digitised. If you have data that you would like digitised for inclusion in the database please email info@biodiversityireland.ie. Information on submitting data is also available on the National Vascular Plant Database website.

Source: National Vascular Plant Database

Conference: World Heritage and Sustainable Development - the Role of Local Communities

28/03/2012

The Heritage Council and ICOMOS Ireland will celebrate World Heritage Day on 18th April by holding a conference examining the theme, World Heritage and Sustainable Development: the Role of Local Communities. It will take place on the 18th April at The Royal Irish Academy, Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

Speakers at the conference include:

·   Gustavo Araoz, President of ICOMOS International

·   Neil Silberman, Chair ISC on Interpretation & Presentation

·   Clare Tuffy, Bru na Boinne & Tomás Ó hOistín, Principal of Knockcommon National School

·   Loreto Guinan, Heritage Officer, Meath County Council

·   Ciaran Mackel, Ard Architect, Belfast, Director ‘+100’ - voluntary internship programme

·   Alison Harvey, Planning Officer, The Heritage Council

·   Colm Murray, Architecture Officer, The Heritage Council

·   John H. Jameson, Chair, ICOMOS United States

For more information on the conference content please contact Colm Murray at cmurray@heritagecouncil.ie / 056 777 0777. To book a place on the conference, please contact Geni Murphy at gmurphy@heritagecouncil.ie / 056 773 4568.

14 companies nominated for the 2012 European Business Awards for the Environment

27/03/2012

The shortlist for the 2012 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE) has been revealed, following a two-day jury meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark (22nd March). The 14 finalists come from Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Austria, Portugal, Slovakia, Finland and the United Kingdom. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Brussels on 24 May 2012, during Green Week, the European Commission’s annual conference on environment policy. The European Business Awards for the Environment are granted to innovative companies that successfully combine innovation, competitiveness and outstanding environmental performance.

European Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potočnik said: “ To prosper in resource-constrained world, our economies must become more efficient in their use of natural resources. The European Business Awards for the Environment show that this is possible. They reward companies that are making the best possible use of resources throughout their life cycle to create as much economic value and as little environmental impact as possible. ”

The finalists were selected from 156 submissions, originating from 24 European Member States and candidate countries. The high number of applications – a 10 % increase compared to the 2010 competition – highlights the increasing environmental commitment of European businesses and their willingness to adopt eco-innovative practices, despite the current economic climate.

More information on the awards, the selection procedure and the past EBAE competitions can be found on the EBAE website.

Source: European Commission Press Releases

 

Science for Environment Policy issue 278 now available online

27/03/2012

Science for Environment Policy issue 278 is now available online. Articles include:

  • Changes in rainfall a consequence of clean fossil fuel energy
     
  • Climate change impacts of aerosols may be underestimated
     
  • Online calculator measures consumers' 'nitrogen footprint'
     
  • Antibiotic resistance in Salmonella: animals may not be a major source
     
  • Titanium dioxide nanoparticles toxic to phytoplankton in sunlight
     
  • Risk of sleeping sickness in Africa spreads under climate change

Ireland launches Global Green Asset Management Network

26/03/2012

Ireland has launched a Global Green Asset Management Network at the Ireland Day Summit in the New York Stock Exchange on 19th March.

The move comes after green assets under management in Ireland doubled in the last year and tripled in the past four. Ireland now manages or services more than $10bn in green assets.

The Green IFSC’s Global Green Asset Management Network aims to accelerate the growth of Ireland’s green asset management cluster by developing a forum for all market practitioners in the industry through which a consensus on regulatory, legislative and educational needs can be addressed through engagement with government, state bodies and other industry groups both nationally and internationally.

“Irish green asset management and green enterprise firms are active all over the globe from China to Chile and Ireland to Africa and, with $10bn in green assets managed or serviced, Ireland is already emerging as a world leader in green finance. The establishment of this network can only serve to accelerate the continued growth and copper-fasten Ireland’s growing reputation in this sector,” said Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the launch.

Green asset management refers to capital markets, investment banking activities and related advisory services which support the development, finance and promotion of a low carbon economy.

It includes funding of renewable energy generation, energy efficiency measures, trading and management of carbon and cleantech/sustainable funds, and the sector is predicted to grow fourfold to over $1trn by 2020.

Source: Business & Leadership

Eurobarometer on Water

26/03/2012

In a Europe-wide survey of attitudes to water, including how to pay for it, 49% of Irish respondents agreed that water users should be charged but there should be measures in place to prevent negative social effects. A further 17% thought that all water users should be charged for the volume of water used in all cases.

Sixty-three per cent of Irish respondents agreed that the price of water should reflect the environmental impact of water use.

And the survey found that more Irish people drink tap water than the EU average; 68% of Irish people drink tap water only, compared to an EU average of 49%.

One thousand people in Ireland were interviewed for the survey between 5 and 8 March 2012 by IMS Millward Brown.

Summary PDF: Attitudes of Europeans Towards Water - Related Issues

Source: European Representation in Ireland

14 companies nominated for the 2012 European Business Awards for the Environment

23/03/2012

The shortlist for the 2012 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE) has been revealed, following a two-day jury meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark. The 14 finalists come from Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Austria, Portugal, Slovakia, Finland and the United Kingdom. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Brussels on 24 May 2012, during Green Week, the European Commission’s annual conference on environment policy. The European Business Awards for the Environment are granted to innovative companies that successfully combine innovation, competitiveness and outstanding environmental performance. T he finalists were selected from 156 submissions, originating from 24 European Member States and candidate countries.

This year’s entries represent a variety of business sectors, ranging from telecommunications to retail, eco-design, transport, food industry and construction. Although a number of large-scale companies and organisations are competing, the majority of companies participating are small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and micro-enterprises. The highest number of entries was in the newly introduced "biodiversity" category for companies that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in halting biodiversity loss and supporting natural ecosystems.

More information on the awards, the selection procedure and the past EBAE competitions can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/awards/


Source: Europa.eu

Risks posed by Illegal and Uncontrolled Land Burning

23/03/2012

Shane McEntee TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for forestry, has reminded landowners that it is illegal to burn vegetation on land at this time of year. The Minister was speaking in response to recent reports of illegal burning taking place in South Kerry and elsewhere.

Under the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) it is illegal to burn growing vegetation on land not then cultivated, between 1st March and 31st August in any year.  Minister McEntee said; "Setting fire to growing vegetation at this time of year is not only an extremely dangerous practice, it is also illegal. I am deeply concerned that the irresponsible and illegal actions of a minority of landowners could lead to the widespread devastation caused by illegal land burning as witnessed during the springs of 2010 and 2011. Uncontrolled land burning significantly increases the risk of forest fires and consequently risks the lives of rural dwellers, their property, and their livelihoods. Over the past two years, hundreds of hectares of forestry were destroyed due to illegal and careless land burning, while we continue to count the cost of damage to wildlife and natural habitats”.

Source: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Wind power is key to Irish energy future and Announcement of REFIT 2

23/03/2012

Addressing the spring conference of the Irish Wind Energy Association in Dublin yesterday morning, Energy Minister, Pat Rabbitte, highlighted the increasing importance of wind power in Ireland’s energy future. In a wider European context Minister Rabbitte noted that the European Commission has publicly identified the pivotal role renewable energy will play in decarbonising the European economy. Its Energy 2050 Roadmap shows the importance of a fundamental shift away from fossil fuels; and Ireland, with its abundant onshore and offshore wind resources, is well placed to feature prominently in the Euro-wide renewable energy sector.

Ireland’s renewable energy evolution has seen the country move from 5% in 2005 to 18% renewable electricity today, but the Minister is seeking to accelerate this progress. Yesterday he announced the opening of the new REFIT 2 support programme which will encourage investment in wind energy that will bring Ireland to its renewable electricity target of 40% by 2020.

Source: Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

World Water Day


22/03/2012

Today is International World Water Day and it aims to focus attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

The coordinating agency for this year's World Water Day, The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations  will be hosting the official ceremony of UN-Water World Water Day 2012 with a variety of speakers giving their perspectives on this year's topic of ‘Water and Food Security’. FAO Goodwill Ambassador Anggun will be present as well as renown journalist Rula Jebreal who will facilitate the morning discussions. The morning session will be webcast on the FAO's website.

Further information about World Water Day is on the UN-Water’s website.

Hogan marks the achievement of initial Batteries target of 25% and calls on public to continue recycling their old batteries

22/03/2012

Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan T.D. yesterday (21 March, 2012) announced that Ireland has exceeded the interim EU Directive target of 25 % for the recycling of batteries. In making this announcement of the collection of over 613 tonnes of batteries, the Minister congratulated the CEOs of WEEE Ireland and ERP Ireland, Mr. Leo Donovan and Mr. Martin Tobin, for the efforts of their organisations in collecting over 29% of the portable batteries sold in Ireland between 2009 and 2011.

Mr. Martin Tobin said that the aim of ERP has for the coming year is to continue to do more to divert batteries being unnecessarily sent to landfill. He added that: “This can be best achieved by encouraging the public to form battery recycling habits that mirror how they bring bottles to the bottle bank or bring reusable shopping bags to the grocery store, all in a bid to drive a sustainable culture and protect the environment”.

Source: Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government


Opening of the On-Line Mapping Facility 2012 INet

22/03/2012

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, has confirmed that the on-line mapping facility on the 2012 iNet, his Department's online application facility for the Single Payment Scheme, has now gone 'live'.

"In keeping with the practise of constantly improving the service and options provided by iNet, it is very encouraging to see that it has been technically possible to introduce this on-line mapping element for 2012"

the Minister said, adding

"this will now allow farmers or their agents, who need to submit maps to my Department, to do so through iNet, thereby dispensing with the need to submit paper maps.

Minister Coveney again urged anyone considering availing of the on-line facility to make enquiries via the website, www.agfood.ie or, alternatively, the dedicated Helpdesk at Lo-call 1890 252 118.

Source: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Housing Minister Jan O’Sullivan announces funding of over €250m to LAs from a total budget of €691m

21/03/2012

Minister for Housing and Planning Ms Jan O’Sullivan TD yesterday (20 March, 2012) announced details of housing capital allocations to local authorities worth some €251.5 million for 2012. The allocations will support investment under the national regeneration programme, works to improve the standard and energy efficiency of the national social housing stock as well as meeting commitments under existing contracts for delivering social and voluntary houses. A multi- annual capital investment programme for new housing construction projects will be outlined later in the year.

The Minister went on to note that she had some €691m available to her in capital and current funding to support a broad range of measures under the Social Housing Investment Programme for 2012. Of this, capital funding of €390m is being provided for housing construction, regeneration and improvement works this year, while the current budget will support flexible housing supply models based around the leasing of properties, including properties being made available by NAMA this year.

Source: Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

Stronger EU Action on "Unjustifiable and Unsustainable" Mackerel Fishing

21/03/2012

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr Simon Coveney T.D, has called on the EU to take further, stronger action against Iceland and the Faroe islands for their unsustainable fishing of mackerel.

Having put this issue on the agenda of the EU Fisheries Council taking place in Brussels on Monday (19 March), the Minister explained to EU counterparts that "This mackerel crisis is about four issues: jobs, economics, sustainability and fairness. The EU cannot accept the Faroe Islands’ and Iceland’s unjustifiable and unsustainable fishing of mackerel stocks."

The Minister received strong support from Commissioner Damanaki and other impacted Ministers for his call for the EU to fast track the adoption of effective trade sanctions against Iceland and the Faroe Islands for continuing unsustainable fishing practice.

Source:

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

€7.5m Better Energy Workplaces Scheme 2012

20/03/2012

Energy Minister, Pat Rabbitte, today announced the launch of a capital fund to support sustainable energy investments in 2012 in the public, commercial, industrial and community sectors.

The fund will make available €7.5 million for projects that support energy performance contracting; a key element of Ireland’s National Energy Efficiency Plan. Public sector projects are particularly encouraged in order to assist in meeting the 33% public sector energy efficiency improvement target in 2020.

Applications for funding will be evaluated on a competitive bid basis, with the scheme open now. Successful applicants will be notified in June. Interested parties are encouraged to visit www.seai.ie/grants for further information.

Source: Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Introduction to Green Business Workshop

20/03/2012

Greenbusiness.ie is currently running "Introduction to Green Business" morning workshops around the country, with a workshop taking place in Dublin on March 21st. The workshop will take place at the Red Cow Moran Hotel on the Naas Road between 10-1pm. The workshop is a morning session and gives companies an overview of ways that they can reduce costs to the company and also improve their environmental performance. There will be a 1/2 hour presentation on the following 3 topics:

  • Water Management
  • Energy Management
  • Waste Management

Environment: Act now or face costly consequences, warns OECD

20/03/2012

The OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050: The Consequences of Inaction has been published by the OECD and presents the latest projections of socio-economic trends over the next four decades, and their implications for four key areas of concern: climate change, biodiversity, water and the health impacts of environmental pollution.

“Greener sources of growth can help governments today as they tackle these pressing challenges. Greening agriculture, water and energy supply and manufacturing will be critical by 2050 to meet the needs of over 9 billion people.” said OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría.

For more information see: www.oecd.org/environment/outlookto2050

Source: OECD
 

Help LIFE celebrate its 20th anniversary, organise an open day and win a compact camera!

16/03/2012

The LIFE programme celebrates its 20th anniversary throughout May 2012 (the LIFE Regulation passed into law on 21 May 1992, to be precise). To mark this important milestone in the history of the EU's financial instrument for the environment, the LIFE units warmly invite all LIFE projects, past or present , to organise an open day in May and to take part in not one but TWO special competitions.

LIFE project events will take place across Europe throughout the month of May. If you are organising one we would very much like to know about it, please upload details here. You can later keep track of all events via the LIFE's 20th anniversary calendar. The closing date is 30th March 2012.

Source: LIFE At 20

LIFE+ 2012 call for proposals

16/03/2012

The sixth LIFE+ call for proposals was published on 13 March 2012, with up to €276 million available for co-financing of projects under three headings: Nature and biodiversity; Environment policy and governance; and Information and communication.

Project proposals should be sent to the relevant national authority no later than 26 September, 2012. National authorities will then send them to the European Commission by 2 October, 2012. The earliest possible starting date for 2012 projects is 1 July, 2013.

Please note that this year applicants must only use the eProposal tool to create and submit proposal(s) under the 2012 LIFE+ Call for Proposals.

Calendar of the LIFE+ 2012 selection procedure

13/03/2012
    Publication of the call in the Official Journal

26/09/2012    Deadline for applicants to send proposals to Member State authorities  

02/10/2012   
Deadline for the Member States to forward proposals to the European Commission

16/10/2012    Deadline for the Member States to enter comments on proposals   

01/07/2013 
  Earliest project start date

Source: EU LIFE


European Info Day 2012 - CIP Eco-innovation European Info Day - Brussels - Tuesday 8 May 2012

13/03/2012

The eco-innovation initiative bridges the gap between research and the market. It helps good ideas for innovative products, services and processes that protect the environment become fully-fledged commercial prospects, ready for use by business and industry. In doing so the initiative not only helps the EU meet its environmental objectives but also boosts economic growth.

Applying for Eco-Innovation funding is a competitive process, and only the best project proposals will be selected for funding. The European Info Day 2012 will give you essential information and advice on how to develop a good project proposal and apply successfully. It also offers the chance to find project partners from across Europe, exchange views and share expertise.

This event will be of interest to anyone who wants to set up a project and would like to know more about the application procedure. More than 350 participants are expected coming from SME associations, businesses, European and national trade associations, chambers of commerce, European institutions etc.

For details on the information day please visit the Eco-innovation website or contact Mark.Sweeney@enterprise-ireland.com. Those interested in attending can register online.

Source: EnviroCentre

Offaly County Council takes over National Waste Collection Permit operation

12/03/2012

Offaly County Council has been now been appointed to host the National Waste Collection Permit Office and will in due course take over all the responsibilities relationg to Waste Collection Permits from thr Nominated Authorities.

Following on from a recommendation by the Local Government Efficiency Review Group, the responsibility for issuing all waste collection permits is now being consolidated into a single body.

This move will generate substantial efficiencies for both the Local Authorities and for the waste industry at large. It will provide a streamlined quality service using considerable on-line functionality.

The office, called the National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO), will be operated by Offaly County Council, Aras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

Offaly County Council was awarded this role following a competitive process and their winning proposal involved the use of shared services with their neighbours Westmeath County Council.

From the 1st February 2012, the National Waste Collection Permit Office will accept all new applications and review applications for a waste collection permit. All current permits received or issued prior to the 1st February will remain with the existing Nominated Authorities until further notice. All those currently holding a waste collection permit will be notified in due course.

All queries in relation to the making of a new application should be made to the NWCPO. For further information, please visit www.nwcpo.ie.
Tel: 057 93 57428 or email: contactus@nwcpo.ie

Source: EnviroCentre

EU Joint Research Centre: March 2012 Newsletter

12/03/2012

The latest edition of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) Newsletter has been published and can be downloaded from the JRC website (pdf).

In this issue:

Editorial by Connie Hedegaard – European Commissioner for Climate Action.
Cover story: Mapping the potential of renewable energy in Africa.

Among the news:

  • JRC releases the first version of the INSPIRE Geoportal
  • EU Member States appear to be on track with 2020 renewable energy targets
  • Soil degradation accelerates in Europe and new model predicts whether chemicals accumulate in our bodies.

The newsletter also includes briefs on new data analysis software addressing anomalies, an innovative radar system monitoring of movements of Costa Concordia and a VideoZoom tool summarizing surveillance video images in support of nuclear safeguards video reviews.

Source: JRC

Science for Environment Policy issue 276 now available online

09/03/2012

Science for Environment Policy issue 276 is now available online. Articles include:

  • Comparing costs of estuary restoration with biodiversity benefits
     
  • Combined ecological and carbon footprints effective in regional policy
     
  • Oil shale is not a viable fuel source, study says
     
  • Sustainable tourism: new methods to aid planning
     
  • Shoppers in favour of carbon footprint labels on food
     
  • Green Infrastructure can promote economic development

SEAI Sustainable Energy Awards 2012: Call for Entries

09/03/2012

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is calling for innovative entries for the ninth annual all-island Sustainable Energy Awards. The 2011 Awards saw nominations for 105 pioneering projects, representing cumulative energy savings of over €23 million. Last year also saw a big jump in the number of smaller businesses entering the Awards, showing that organisations of all sizes are now taking energy management much more seriously.

Sponsored by Electric Ireland, the Awards reward excellence in business energy management amongst Irish organisations of all sizes, recognising their achievements in cutting energy use and CO2 emissions.

Further information on the award categories and entry guides on the 2012 Sustainable Energy Awards can be found on SEAI’s website. The closing date for entries is Friday 8th June 2012. Overall winners will be announced at a gala event in Dublin in November 2012.

Source: SEAI

€5 million provided to support the creation and development of Agri-Food enterprises in Rural Ireland - Hogan

08/03/2012

Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has announced that €5 million in funding will be provided in 2012/2013 to support the creation and development of Agri-Food enterprises in rural Ireland. Based on recent research conducted by the Local Development sector this funding has the potential to create more than 200 jobs directly as well as sustaining a number of jobs currently available in the sector.

This funding, provided under the Adding Value to Agricultural Products measure of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP)  will bridge the gap generated when this type of funding was suspended under the Business Creation and Development Measure of the RDP in early 2011 and will provide much needed support to Artisan food producers in Ireland. The funding will be delivered using the “bottom up” LEADER approach through the 35 Local Development Companies contracted to deliver the RDP in Ireland.

Anyone wishing to inquire about this funding should contact their Local Development Company.

Source: Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

New waste guidelines show how to improve enforcement and inspections

07/03/2012

The European Commission has published new guidelines to support Member States in their enforcement of EU waste legislation and inspections on its application.

The guidelines cover theoretical and practical aspects of permitting and inspections in the Member States; a practical manual on permitting and inspection of waste management operations; 20 examples of best practice on permitting and inspection of waste management operations; and a checklist for permit conditions and inspections to give both permitting and inspection authorities an indication on which conditions to include in a permit and what to check when inspecting waste treatment facilities.

The guidance documents are available on the European Commission environment website.

Source: EU Environment Policy in Brief

Operation GIY Nation 2012: Become a Pioneer Family

06/03/2012

GIY (Grow it Yourself) are searching for six 'pioneer' families from around Ireland for Operation GIY Nation 2012. Each month between April and September GIY will post simple growing projects on their website that are designed to be simple and easy to understand. The pioneer families will do the projects each month and blog and upload photos about their experiences on the GIY website, so that anyone else taking part can follow in their footsteps and learn from their mistakes!

At the end of the project the winning family will attend the GIY Gathering 2012 and receive €1,000 worth of GIY goodies.

There are only two criteria to becoming a pioneer family. Firstly, you must have children to help with the projects and secondly you must have little or no growing experience. The six selected pioneer families will receive a GIY Nation pack to get them started.

Interested families should apply via the GIY website.

Source: GIY Ireland

European Space Agency backs Irish start-up's plans to digitise forestry data

06/03/2012

The European Space Agency is supporting a pioneering 3D forestry data initiative that’s being led by Irish forestry technology start-up Treemetrics. The Cork-based company is developing a real-time forest intelligence (RTFI) service, with the goal of bringing live 3D forestry data to mobile devices and machinery across the globe.

The aim is to help foresters capitalise on the digital age to reduce forestry waste and to have more accuracy around areas such as carbon credits.

In addition to the ESA, Enterprise Ireland will also be supporting Treemetrics as it develops the new on-demand service.

The RTFI service will build on Treemetric's analytics platform and 11m-tree database, which is currently the largest of its kind in the world. The company has spent the past five years developing the platform.

The RTFI service will also comprise an emergency communications network for forestry workers who work in remote locations, with limited mobile phone access.

Source: Silicon Republic

National Tree Week

Sycamore

05/03/2012

This is National Tree Week, running from the 4th  to the 10th March 2012. It is organised by the Tree Council of Ireland and was officially launched with a tree planting ceremony on Sunday the 4th in Ardee, Co. Louth by President Michael D. Higgins. The theme this year is ‘Trees – Our Past, Our Present, Our Future’. 

One of the main projects of National Tree Week 2012 is the distribution of over 15,000 trees, sponsored by Coillte, and distributed by local authorities throughout the country to local community groups and schools for planting during and around National Tree Week.  If your school or community group would like to receive some of these trees for planting during National Tree Week, contact your local County or City Council.

Further information on how to get involved is available on the Tree Council of Ireland's website. The Tree Week Poster is also available for download on their site.

Source: Tree Council of Ireland

€180,000 under the Rural Development Programme announced

05/03/2012

Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government announced on Friday (2 March, 2012) that he has given sanction to Roscommon LEADER Partnership and Meath Partnership to approve funding of up to €180,000 for a joint initiative to establish Green Business Training and Support hubs in Counties Roscommon and Meath. 

This funding, provided under the Implementing Cooperation Projects measure of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 will provide the necessary financial support to develop a model for excellence in green business training at a dedicated hub located within each partner territory. These hubs will deliver niche, cutting edge, industry-relevant training and support with an environmental sustainability focus.      

Source: Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government 


 

Science for Environment Policy issue 275 now available online

02/03/2012

Science for Environment Policy issue 275 is now available online. Articles include:

  • Gardens benefit bees and biodiversity in agricultural landscapes
     
  • Improving flash flood risk management for Europe
     
  • Fracking: a serious concern for surface water as well as groundwater
     
  • Deer culls are not effective for forest protection
     
  • Waste legislation will affect emissions from waste incineration
     
  • A behaviour and attitude-changing two-step PES scheme in Peru

Hogan calls on interested parties to participate in public consultation on climate policy and legislation

02/03/2012

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government today (29 February 2012) initiated a public consultation on national climate policy and legislation.   Speaking at the IIEA, the Minister said “I hope this open consultation will stimulate serious and constructive engagement across all sectors and
stakeholders.  It is a structured consultation designed to maximise the input from all parties and to ensure that we have a robust and meaningful outcome to inform the ongoing policy development process in line with the Roadmap I published in January”. 

The public consultation, which will run until 30 April, is the latest in a series of measures being taken by Minister Hogan as part of an ongoing process to develop a robust national climate policy which will be underpinned by legislation as set out in the Programme for Government.    Flowing from the Review of National Climate Policy published by the Minister in November 2011, the process has to date seen the commissioning of independent policy analysis by the Secretariat to the National Economic and Social Council, and a broad engagement with Ministerial colleagues to examine and progress sectoral mitigation measures.

The public consultation aims to gather the views of the widest possible audience on a range of issues including general policy instruments and their use; identifying and addressing barriers to mitigation; specific mitigation policies and measures; consumer behaviour and EU policy.   The consultation also includes a number of questions on domestic legislation, including in relation to its role and scope; and on national adaptation planning.  

The consultation will close on 30th April 2012. Full details are available on the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government website.

Source: Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

The 2012 Green Awards entry deadline has been extended!

01/03/2012

Due to demand, the deadline for entries to the Green Awards has been  extended until Friday, March 2nd.

There has been a huge response to date, thank you to everyone who has entered so far.

The winners will be announced at the glittering Award Ceremony on April 19th, 2012 at the Burlington Hotel.

The full list of categories are available on the Green Awards website. The Green Awards team are calling on all organisations & individuals to consider their achievements in sustainability & green practice over the past 12 months and put themselves for an Award; entry is once again free.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact teh Green Awards team on 01 407 0595.

Source: Green Awards


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