Latest Articles in Papers Today http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php? Updates from Friends of the Irish Environment en-gb http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Friends of the Irish Environment admin@friendsoftheirishenvironment.org (Tony Lowes) admin@friendsoftheirishenvironment.org (Tony Lowes) Parks & Designations - Sea eagles fail to breed as another bird killed http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14840 The first documented attempt by white–tailed sea eagles to breed in Ireland for the first time in 100 years has failed.

And, in a double blow for the sea eagle reintroduction programme, the remains have been found in Mayo of a young male eagle released in Kerry two years ago.

Preliminary toxicology tests of the remains, found on a small island on Lough Beltra near Castlebar, have not yet determined whether the rare bird was shot at or poisoned.

Allan Mee, project manager of programme, said the failed breeding attempt, in Co Clare, by a pair of young sea eagles was “disappointing and bit of a shock as the two were doing really well”.

The birds had been sitting on their eggs since Apr 9 and chicks were expected to hatch any day, he said. 

]]> The first documented attempt by white–tailed sea eagles to breed in Ireland for the first time in 100 years has failed.

And, in a double blow for the sea eagle reintroduction programme, the remains have been found in Mayo of a young male eagle released in Kerry two years ago.

Preliminary toxicology tests of the remains, found on a small island on Lough Beltra near Castlebar, have not yet determined whether the rare bird was shot at or poisoned.

Allan Mee, project manager of programme, said the failed breeding attempt, in Co Clare, by a pair of young sea eagles was “disappointing and bit of a shock as the two were doing really well”.

The birds had been sitting on their eggs since Apr 9 and chicks were expected to hatch any day, he said. 

]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 08:33:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14840 Biodiversity - Charles Rothschild’s incredible legacy http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14839 Some ideas are so self–evident they barely require explanation. One such concept is that of nature reserves. Most countries have them and today they cover more than 13% of the world’s land area. But 100 years ago things were different. There were very few nature reserves of any kind, and in the face of an onslaught unleashed by modern farming and industry natural areas rich in wildlife were disappearing fast. This was especially the case in industrialised countries such as Great Britain. One person who decided to act to stem the decline was Charles Rothschild. A member of the famous banking family, his passion was for nature and on working out where the best places for wildlife remained, and then getting them protected.

]]> Some ideas are so self–evident they barely require explanation. One such concept is that of nature reserves. Most countries have them and today they cover more than 13% of the world’s land area. But 100 years ago things were different. There were very few nature reserves of any kind, and in the face of an onslaught unleashed by modern farming and industry natural areas rich in wildlife were disappearing fast. This was especially the case in industrialised countries such as Great Britain. One person who decided to act to stem the decline was Charles Rothschild. A member of the famous banking family, his passion was for nature and on working out where the best places for wildlife remained, and then getting them protected.

]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 21:13:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14839 Energy - Energy companies blame abandonment of nuclear plans on lack of cash http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14838 Investing billions in new nuclear power stations would have forced a credit–rating downgrade on energy giant RWE, the company’s chief executive has revealed. The head of another big six energy company, E.ON, blamed the abandonment of its nuclear plans on a lack of “financial firepower”. Tuesday’s developments are the latest to demonstrate that the huge cost and decades–long payback times of new nuclear power stations are making them difficult to fund in the current economic crisis. RWE and E.ON cancelled their joint plan to build new reactors in March, while nuclear giant EDF has delayed work at its site at Hinkley and EDF’s nuclear partner Centrica says the case for nuclear investment is “unproven”.

]]> Investing billions in new nuclear power stations would have forced a credit–rating downgrade on energy giant RWE, the company’s chief executive has revealed. The head of another big six energy company, E.ON, blamed the abandonment of its nuclear plans on a lack of “financial firepower”. Tuesday’s developments are the latest to demonstrate that the huge cost and decades–long payback times of new nuclear power stations are making them difficult to fund in the current economic crisis. RWE and E.ON cancelled their joint plan to build new reactors in March, while nuclear giant EDF has delayed work at its site at Hinkley and EDF’s nuclear partner Centrica says the case for nuclear investment is “unproven”.

]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 21:04:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14838 Biodiversity - Over–consumption ‘threatens planet’ http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14837 Wildlife populations around the world have declined by 30% in the past four decades in the face of record over–consumption of natural resources, a report has warned. The examination of how more than 9,000 populations of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians and fish are faring reveal a planet in crisis, with serious implications for human health, wealth and well–being, conservationists said. Freshwater creatures in the tropics have seen the worst declines, of around 70%, while tropical species as a whole have seen populations tumble by 60% since 1970. In Asia, tiger numbers have fallen 70% in just 30 years.


]]> Wildlife populations around the world have declined by 30% in the past four decades in the face of record over–consumption of natural resources, a report has warned. The examination of how more than 9,000 populations of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians and fish are faring reveal a planet in crisis, with serious implications for human health, wealth and well–being, conservationists said. Freshwater creatures in the tropics have seen the worst declines, of around 70%, while tropical species as a whole have seen populations tumble by 60% since 1970. In Asia, tiger numbers have fallen 70% in just 30 years.


]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 20:54:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14837 Biofuels - Turning the tap on biofuels http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14836 THE Irish biofuels industry died on Jan 1, 2011 when a government tax relief scheme designed to foster the sector was replaced with one which has completely failed to do so. As a result, almost all of the country’s bioethanol, biodiesel, and oil–crushing plants were switched off.
Tom Bruton, president of the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) says in all, eight facilities built between 2005 and 2008 — often with grant aid — were shut down just over 16 months ago.

“There were people employed by these companies that had to be let go,” he says.

“There were people manning the production systems and people delivering the fuel that aren’t working any more.”

]]> THE Irish biofuels industry died on Jan 1, 2011 when a government tax relief scheme designed to foster the sector was replaced with one which has completely failed to do so. As a result, almost all of the country’s bioethanol, biodiesel, and oil–crushing plants were switched off.
Tom Bruton, president of the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) says in all, eight facilities built between 2005 and 2008 — often with grant aid — were shut down just over 16 months ago.

“There were people employed by these companies that had to be let go,” he says.

“There were people manning the production systems and people delivering the fuel that aren’t working any more.”

]]> Mon, 14 May 2012 07:12:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14836 Natural Resources - Wind farm objectors call for review http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14835 OPPONENTS OF a wind farm project have called for a national review of wind farm development which they describe as the “new construction boom”.
“Along with ghost estates, we are going to have ghost wind farms due to oversupply of targets, if and when subsidies end,” Cavan based environmentalist Peter Crossan has warned.
Mr Crossan, part–time farmer and former chairman of the Irish Wind Energy Truth Alliance, and northeast GP Dr Kevin Deering, have lodged an appeal to permission for a wind farm approved for Knockranny, Moycullen, Co Galway, on the Connemara border.
The project, approved last year by Galway County Council, involves 14 turbines each of 140m (460ft) in height within one kilometre of seven houses.

]]> OPPONENTS OF a wind farm project have called for a national review of wind farm development which they describe as the “new construction boom”.
“Along with ghost estates, we are going to have ghost wind farms due to oversupply of targets, if and when subsidies end,” Cavan based environmentalist Peter Crossan has warned.
Mr Crossan, part–time farmer and former chairman of the Irish Wind Energy Truth Alliance, and northeast GP Dr Kevin Deering, have lodged an appeal to permission for a wind farm approved for Knockranny, Moycullen, Co Galway, on the Connemara border.
The project, approved last year by Galway County Council, involves 14 turbines each of 140m (460ft) in height within one kilometre of seven houses.

]]> Mon, 14 May 2012 06:48:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14835 Farming & CAP - SIMON COVENEY: a prince at war for agri–business http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14834 Somehow the Agriculture and Marine Minister nearly always favours big, over small and more environment–friendly, interests. 

On land Coveney, who is Minister for Agriculture, Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, plans to increase agricultural exports by 42% by 2020. On sea, he is planning three mega fish–farms. The first, in Galway Bay, will produce 15,000 tons a year, more than the whole of Ireland’s current production. 

Coveney is concerned that changes to CAP will mean the “most productive farmers at present would lose an average of 60% of their payment while farmers in less productive areas would gain an average of approximately 85%” 

Simon Coveney is fighting the European Commission on both fronts, assisted by twelve (sometime conflicting) State Bodies, including Coillte, the Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board (ALAB),Bord Bia. Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Marine Institute, the National Milk Agency, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), and Teagasc.
On land and on sea, his ambition is global. 

]]> Somehow the Agriculture and Marine Minister nearly always favours big, over small and more environment–friendly, interests. 

On land Coveney, who is Minister for Agriculture, Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, plans to increase agricultural exports by 42% by 2020. On sea, he is planning three mega fish–farms. The first, in Galway Bay, will produce 15,000 tons a year, more than the whole of Ireland’s current production. 

Coveney is concerned that changes to CAP will mean the “most productive farmers at present would lose an average of 60% of their payment while farmers in less productive areas would gain an average of approximately 85%” 

Simon Coveney is fighting the European Commission on both fronts, assisted by twelve (sometime conflicting) State Bodies, including Coillte, the Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board (ALAB),Bord Bia. Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Marine Institute, the National Milk Agency, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), and Teagasc.
On land and on sea, his ambition is global. 

]]> Mon, 14 May 2012 06:42:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14834 Pollution - Household chemicals linked to range of human ailments http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14833 COMMON HOUSEHOLD chemicals could be causing a range of human ailments from reduced fertility to obesity and cancer, the European Environment Agency has warned.
There was strong evidence of harm being caused to wildlife species from the discharge of household chemicals, pharmaceuticals and pesticides, the agency said yesterday on the release of a new study on the issue.
It launched the Weybridge +15 Report (1996–2100) yesterday at Brunel University in Britain. The study represents the results from an international workshop that evaluated the last 15 years of research into “endocrine disruptors”.

 

]]> COMMON HOUSEHOLD chemicals could be causing a range of human ailments from reduced fertility to obesity and cancer, the European Environment Agency has warned.
There was strong evidence of harm being caused to wildlife species from the discharge of household chemicals, pharmaceuticals and pesticides, the agency said yesterday on the release of a new study on the issue.
It launched the Weybridge +15 Report (1996–2100) yesterday at Brunel University in Britain. The study represents the results from an international workshop that evaluated the last 15 years of research into “endocrine disruptors”.

 

]]> Fri, 11 May 2012 07:12:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14833 Fisheries - Tide turns against industrial fleets in bid to save fish stock http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14832 Ireland can play a key role in the renegotiation of the Common Fisheries Policy, which some nations want to alter to reverse the effects of decades of overfishing, writes Europe Correspondent Ann Cahill.

‘IT WOULD have been better to burn the billions of euro the EU has spent on fisheries over the past four decades,” according to Ocean2012, which represents dozens of NGOs, including fishermen and environmentalists.

Ocean2012 blames the European Fish Policy for the fact that two thirds of fish stocks are overfished, that only eight of the 136 most valuable species will be safe, and that, despite massive subsidies, one third of the sector is operating at a loss.

]]> Ireland can play a key role in the renegotiation of the Common Fisheries Policy, which some nations want to alter to reverse the effects of decades of overfishing, writes Europe Correspondent Ann Cahill.

‘IT WOULD have been better to burn the billions of euro the EU has spent on fisheries over the past four decades,” according to Ocean2012, which represents dozens of NGOs, including fishermen and environmentalists.

Ocean2012 blames the European Fish Policy for the fact that two thirds of fish stocks are overfished, that only eight of the 136 most valuable species will be safe, and that, despite massive subsidies, one third of the sector is operating at a loss.

]]> Fri, 11 May 2012 07:06:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14832 Energy - Oil Industry deceives USA with promise of Energy Independence http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14831 Faced with increasing political obstacles to oil and natural gas exploration in many countries around the world, the oil industry is focusing again on the United States. The industry is using the deceitful promise of energy independence to cajole Americans and their policymakers into relaxing environmental regulations and opening protected public lands and restricted offshore areas to drilling. The oil and gas industry would like you to believe that American energy independence is just around the corner. The question is, why do they want you to believe it now? After all, if energy independence were that easy to deliver, the industry would have done it a long time ago. Why has the industry chosen now, in particular, to begin a campaign of deceit to push the false promise of American energy independence?

]]> Faced with increasing political obstacles to oil and natural gas exploration in many countries around the world, the oil industry is focusing again on the United States. The industry is using the deceitful promise of energy independence to cajole Americans and their policymakers into relaxing environmental regulations and opening protected public lands and restricted offshore areas to drilling. The oil and gas industry would like you to believe that American energy independence is just around the corner. The question is, why do they want you to believe it now? After all, if energy independence were that easy to deliver, the industry would have done it a long time ago. Why has the industry chosen now, in particular, to begin a campaign of deceit to push the false promise of American energy independence?

]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 21:36:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14831 Fisheries - The UK’s marine reserves are nothing but paper parks http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14830 What do the terms “marine reserve” and “marine–protected area” conjure up for you? Places in which, perhaps, wildlife is protected? In which the damaging activities permitted in other parts of the sea – such as trawling and dredging – are banned? Wrong. A marine–protected area in the United Kingdom is an area inside a line drawn on a map – and that’s about it. In most cases, the fishing industry can continue to rip up the seabed, overharvest the fish and shellfish, and cause all the other kinds of damage it is permitted to inflict in the rest of this country’s territorial waters. With three tiny exceptions, our marine reserves are nothing but paper parks.

]]> What do the terms “marine reserve” and “marine–protected area” conjure up for you? Places in which, perhaps, wildlife is protected? In which the damaging activities permitted in other parts of the sea – such as trawling and dredging – are banned? Wrong. A marine–protected area in the United Kingdom is an area inside a line drawn on a map – and that’s about it. In most cases, the fishing industry can continue to rip up the seabed, overharvest the fish and shellfish, and cause all the other kinds of damage it is permitted to inflict in the rest of this country’s territorial waters. With three tiny exceptions, our marine reserves are nothing but paper parks.

]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 21:16:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14830 Energy - Whatever happened to carbon capture? http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14829 In the cool, salty air of the Norwegian coast, a revolution in reverse is being attempted. Here, amid a mare’s nest of gleaming steel pipes and flaming yellow gas flares, engineers are aiming to put back under the ground what many nations have exerted all their might for the last century to get out: carbon. If all goes to plan, the oil refinery and gas power plant at Mongstad will have millions of tonnes of its climate–warming carbon dioxide funnelled back under the North Sea. And there are plans aplenty around the world for carbon capture and storage (CCS). They carry racy names such as Goldeneye and Gorgon, promise to even suck greenhouse gases out of the air one day, and are laced with the delicious irony of having been kickstarted by climate sceptic US president George W Bush, who wanted to “do something for coal“.

]]> In the cool, salty air of the Norwegian coast, a revolution in reverse is being attempted. Here, amid a mare’s nest of gleaming steel pipes and flaming yellow gas flares, engineers are aiming to put back under the ground what many nations have exerted all their might for the last century to get out: carbon. If all goes to plan, the oil refinery and gas power plant at Mongstad will have millions of tonnes of its climate–warming carbon dioxide funnelled back under the North Sea. And there are plans aplenty around the world for carbon capture and storage (CCS). They carry racy names such as Goldeneye and Gorgon, promise to even suck greenhouse gases out of the air one day, and are laced with the delicious irony of having been kickstarted by climate sceptic US president George W Bush, who wanted to “do something for coal“.

]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 21:08:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14829 Parks & Designations - Fears for 100 historic buildings due to cuts http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14828 MORE THAN 100 of Dublin’s most historic buildings are falling into dereliction because of cuts in Government funding which have left Dublin City Council unable to protect them.
Government grants allowed the council to carry out emergency repairs to just one protected structure in 2011 and the council said it would be able to save a maximum of two in 2012.
One of the council’s most senior officials has described the Government’s funding for endangered historic buildings as “minuscule” and said Dublin was being treated in the same way as Leitrim, despite having far more protected structures.
Until 2010 local authorities operated the National Conservation Grants scheme under which owners of protected structures could get funding of up to € 25,000 for building conservation.

 

]]> MORE THAN 100 of Dublin’s most historic buildings are falling into dereliction because of cuts in Government funding which have left Dublin City Council unable to protect them.
Government grants allowed the council to carry out emergency repairs to just one protected structure in 2011 and the council said it would be able to save a maximum of two in 2012.
One of the council’s most senior officials has described the Government’s funding for endangered historic buildings as “minuscule” and said Dublin was being treated in the same way as Leitrim, despite having far more protected structures.
Until 2010 local authorities operated the National Conservation Grants scheme under which owners of protected structures could get funding of up to € 25,000 for building conservation.

 

]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 20:45:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14828 Archaeology - 6,000–year–old settlement poses tsunami mystery http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14827 Archeologists have uncovered evidence of pre–farming people living in the Burren more than 6,000 years ago — one of the oldest habitations ever unearthed in Ireland.
Radiocarbon dating of a shellfish midden on Fanore Beach in north Clare have revealed it to be at least 6,000 years old — hundreds of years older than the nearby Poulnabrone dolmen.

The midden — a cooking area where nomad hunter–gatherers boiled or roasted shellfish — contained Stone Age implements, including two axes and a number of smaller stone tools.

Excavation of the site revealed a mysterious black layer of organic material, which archeologists believe may be the results of a Stone Age tsunami which hit the Clare coast, possibly wiping out the people who used the midden.

 

]]> Archeologists have uncovered evidence of pre–farming people living in the Burren more than 6,000 years ago — one of the oldest habitations ever unearthed in Ireland.
Radiocarbon dating of a shellfish midden on Fanore Beach in north Clare have revealed it to be at least 6,000 years old — hundreds of years older than the nearby Poulnabrone dolmen.

The midden — a cooking area where nomad hunter–gatherers boiled or roasted shellfish — contained Stone Age implements, including two axes and a number of smaller stone tools.

Excavation of the site revealed a mysterious black layer of organic material, which archeologists believe may be the results of a Stone Age tsunami which hit the Clare coast, possibly wiping out the people who used the midden.

 

]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 20:37:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14827 Farming & CAP - 11,000 farmers at risk of losing out in Disadvantaged Areas http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14826 More than 11,000 landowners risk losing disadvantaged area payments, because their stocking density was less than 0.3 livestock units (LU) per forage hectare in 2011.
They will be written to by the Department of Agriculture and given the opportunity to apply for a derogation if, for example, their participation in agri–environmental measures resulted in stocking density less than 0.3 LUs.

Most of those with less than 0.3 LUs in 2011 were in counties Donegal (2,179); Mayo (1,996); Galway (1,556); and Kerry (1,254). In other Munster counties, they numbered 586 in Cork, 435 in Clare, 235 in Tipperary, 171 in Limerick, and 84 in Waterford.

]]> More than 11,000 landowners risk losing disadvantaged area payments, because their stocking density was less than 0.3 livestock units (LU) per forage hectare in 2011.
They will be written to by the Department of Agriculture and given the opportunity to apply for a derogation if, for example, their participation in agri–environmental measures resulted in stocking density less than 0.3 LUs.

Most of those with less than 0.3 LUs in 2011 were in counties Donegal (2,179); Mayo (1,996); Galway (1,556); and Kerry (1,254). In other Munster counties, they numbered 586 in Cork, 435 in Clare, 235 in Tipperary, 171 in Limerick, and 84 in Waterford.

]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 20:34:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14826 Energy - The eye–watering cost of nuclear power http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14825 Just for a moment, forget whether you’re pro–nuclear or anti–nuclear, and reflect on the coalition government’s policy for nuclear power. It wants to see 10 new reactors built over the next few years. It sees this as a critical part of its carbon management strategy, and absolutely necessary to help “keep the lights on”. It believes it will strengthen the UK’s energy security at a time when North Sea oil and gas continues to decline. It is working closely with a wide range of energy companies to help deliver the 10 new reactors. That’s the plan. Some think it’s great; some don’t much like it, but see it as a necessary part of addressing accelerating climate change; some think it is seriously misguided. It doesn’t really matter what you think: it cannot possibly deliver – primarily for economic reasons.

]]> Just for a moment, forget whether you’re pro–nuclear or anti–nuclear, and reflect on the coalition government’s policy for nuclear power. It wants to see 10 new reactors built over the next few years. It sees this as a critical part of its carbon management strategy, and absolutely necessary to help “keep the lights on”. It believes it will strengthen the UK’s energy security at a time when North Sea oil and gas continues to decline. It is working closely with a wide range of energy companies to help deliver the 10 new reactors. That’s the plan. Some think it’s great; some don’t much like it, but see it as a necessary part of addressing accelerating climate change; some think it is seriously misguided. It doesn’t really matter what you think: it cannot possibly deliver – primarily for economic reasons.

]]> Wed, 09 May 2012 22:42:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14825 Energy - Largest onshore windfarm in England and Wales gets go–ahead http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14824 The government has approved plans for the largest onshore windfarm in England and Wales. With 76 turbines, the Pen Y Cymoedd development is expected to produce 299 megawatts (MW) of energy by 2016, enough to power 206,000 homes a year.

]]> The government has approved plans for the largest onshore windfarm in England and Wales. With 76 turbines, the Pen Y Cymoedd development is expected to produce 299 megawatts (MW) of energy by 2016, enough to power 206,000 homes a year.

]]> Wed, 09 May 2012 22:33:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14824 Energy - Report claims wind power benefits http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14823 The Government has hit back at critics of onshore wind power, releasing a report which showed the industry created thousands of jobs and generated millions of pounds for the economy. The joint study of 18 wind farms across the country by the industry and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc) showed communities benefited from onshore wind turbines to the tune of £84 million in 2011, with 1,100 local jobs supported by the sector. One in three local jobs were in operating and maintaining the turbines, providing long term employment.

]]> The Government has hit back at critics of onshore wind power, releasing a report which showed the industry created thousands of jobs and generated millions of pounds for the economy. The joint study of 18 wind farms across the country by the industry and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc) showed communities benefited from onshore wind turbines to the tune of £84 million in 2011, with 1,100 local jobs supported by the sector. One in three local jobs were in operating and maintaining the turbines, providing long term employment.

]]> Wed, 09 May 2012 22:19:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14823 Fisheries - Norwegian firm plans fish farm at ex–mussel processing site http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14822 A Norwegian fish farming company is seeking to develop a closed container fish farm at buildings which were previously used for the processing of mussels in Bantry, West Cork.

Niri AS, trading as Niri Seafood, want to develop the farm 800m southwest of Reen Point at a site developed for mussel farming.

They hope to develop 3,300 tonnes of salmon from the site, including salmon smolt production.

There has been sharp opposition in Bantry recently to plans to develop a 12–14 cage €3.5m organic salmon fish farm at waters near Traflask in Adrigole.

 

]]> A Norwegian fish farming company is seeking to develop a closed container fish farm at buildings which were previously used for the processing of mussels in Bantry, West Cork.

Niri AS, trading as Niri Seafood, want to develop the farm 800m southwest of Reen Point at a site developed for mussel farming.

They hope to develop 3,300 tonnes of salmon from the site, including salmon smolt production.

There has been sharp opposition in Bantry recently to plans to develop a 12–14 cage €3.5m organic salmon fish farm at waters near Traflask in Adrigole.

 

]]> Wed, 02 May 2012 07:48:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14822 Planning - Huge China trading hub in Athlone approved by planners http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14820 Bord Pleanála says scheme is in line with spatial strategy
AN BORD Pleanála has ruled that the first phase of an enormous Chinese trading hub on the edge of Athlone, Co Westmeath, would be “in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.
The four board members unanimously granted permission for the proposed development by Athlone Business Park Ltd on the basis that it would be in line with the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) regional planning guidelines and a local area plan for Creggan.
In their decision, the board members noted that Athlone – along with Mullingar and Tullamore – was designated as a midlands “gateway” in the NSS, while the regional planning guidelines envisaged international trading as a desirable form of development.

]]> Bord Pleanála says scheme is in line with spatial strategy
AN BORD Pleanála has ruled that the first phase of an enormous Chinese trading hub on the edge of Athlone, Co Westmeath, would be “in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.
The four board members unanimously granted permission for the proposed development by Athlone Business Park Ltd on the basis that it would be in line with the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) regional planning guidelines and a local area plan for Creggan.
In their decision, the board members noted that Athlone – along with Mullingar and Tullamore – was designated as a midlands “gateway” in the NSS, while the regional planning guidelines envisaged international trading as a desirable form of development.

]]> Wed, 02 May 2012 06:46:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14820 Transport - Electric vehicles to get free parking if new laws are put in motion http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14819 ELECTRIC car drivers could get prime city parking spots free of charge under legislation being introduced by Transport Minister Leo Varadkar.
New measures to allow local authorities to reserve certain parking spots for electric vehicles –– and waive or reduce parking charges for their use –– are set to be tabled within weeks.
The move is aimed at encouraging more drivers to switch to clean electric cars, as currently there are only around 200 such vehicles on the road.
The ESB has rolled out 233 public recharging points, and said it will have 1,500 in place by 2013, but currently drivers can find access to roadside charge points hindered because there’s nothing to stop other motorists parking at the bays.

]]> ELECTRIC car drivers could get prime city parking spots free of charge under legislation being introduced by Transport Minister Leo Varadkar.
New measures to allow local authorities to reserve certain parking spots for electric vehicles –– and waive or reduce parking charges for their use –– are set to be tabled within weeks.
The move is aimed at encouraging more drivers to switch to clean electric cars, as currently there are only around 200 such vehicles on the road.
The ESB has rolled out 233 public recharging points, and said it will have 1,500 in place by 2013, but currently drivers can find access to roadside charge points hindered because there’s nothing to stop other motorists parking at the bays.

]]> Tue, 01 May 2012 09:51:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14819 Fisheries - Minister Coveney’s facts about fish farming practices are disputed http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14818 Minister Simon Coveney’s letter to the Irish Examiner (Mar 28) in response to your thoughtful editorial about fish farming does not represent the situation as he outlined it to the Senate.
The minister wrote to you that Ireland has a ‘rigorous systems in place in consultation with the European Commission and we ensure that our best practice systems are rigorously enforced.’ In fact, he told the Oireachtas last July that there are more than 520 licences outstanding, and that no licences have been issued in the last two years.

The minister admitted during the course of the Senate debate that ‘many existing aquaculture operators are essentially operating outside of licence.’

]]> Minister Simon Coveney’s letter to the Irish Examiner (Mar 28) in response to your thoughtful editorial about fish farming does not represent the situation as he outlined it to the Senate.
The minister wrote to you that Ireland has a ‘rigorous systems in place in consultation with the European Commission and we ensure that our best practice systems are rigorously enforced.’ In fact, he told the Oireachtas last July that there are more than 520 licences outstanding, and that no licences have been issued in the last two years.

The minister admitted during the course of the Senate debate that ‘many existing aquaculture operators are essentially operating outside of licence.’

]]> Tue, 01 May 2012 09:09:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14818 Planning - Dublin Council faces zoning headache http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14817 DUBLIN City Council faces a major planning headache after a judge ruled it was not entitled to ban private housing on 780 hectares of land in the city.
The council introduced Z15 zoning in 2011, which banned private housing on land in the capital but allowed social and affordable housing to be built.
Legal challenges were taken by the Sisters of Charity and RTE. Yesterday, Mr Justice Frank Clarke quashed all of the Z15 zoning aspects of the Dublin City Development Plan 2011–2017 for failing to give adequate reasons for imposing such “highly restrictive” zoning.

 

]]> DUBLIN City Council faces a major planning headache after a judge ruled it was not entitled to ban private housing on 780 hectares of land in the city.
The council introduced Z15 zoning in 2011, which banned private housing on land in the capital but allowed social and affordable housing to be built.
Legal challenges were taken by the Sisters of Charity and RTE. Yesterday, Mr Justice Frank Clarke quashed all of the Z15 zoning aspects of the Dublin City Development Plan 2011–2017 for failing to give adequate reasons for imposing such “highly restrictive” zoning.

 

]]> Sun, 29 April 2012 08:51:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14817 Irish NGO's - Mayo Council blasts error–strewn An Taisce report http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14816 AN Taisce has admitted an error in its report on local planning practices, which had placed Mayo Co Council among the lowest ranked local authorities in the country.

The report – State of the Nation, a Review of Ireland’s Planning System 2000–2011 mistakenly gave Mayo an F grade after omitting one of the eight indicators used to rank the 34 city and county councils. In fact, the omitted category (overzoning) was the one in which Mayo performed best, meaning the final outcome was strongly weighted against the local county council.

]]> AN Taisce has admitted an error in its report on local planning practices, which had placed Mayo Co Council among the lowest ranked local authorities in the country.

The report – State of the Nation, a Review of Ireland’s Planning System 2000–2011 mistakenly gave Mayo an F grade after omitting one of the eight indicators used to rank the 34 city and county councils. In fact, the omitted category (overzoning) was the one in which Mayo performed best, meaning the final outcome was strongly weighted against the local county council.

]]> Sun, 29 April 2012 08:49:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14816 Parks & Designations - Military aircraft get bogged down in turf–cutting spy games http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14815 Defence Forces aircraft have been deployed to spy on turf cutters illegally working on protected bogs.
But the military mobilisation in the ‘bog war’ has failed to stop individuals defying the Government’s ban on cutting turf.
In recent weeks turf has been cut on as many as 12 of the 53 protected areas, the Sunday Independent understands, although the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht disputes this, saying “enforcement activities” have taken place in just five locations.
Military fixed–wing aircraft have been carrying out reconnaissance on bogs, leading to alarm and anger among landowners.

 

]]> Defence Forces aircraft have been deployed to spy on turf cutters illegally working on protected bogs.
But the military mobilisation in the ‘bog war’ has failed to stop individuals defying the Government’s ban on cutting turf.
In recent weeks turf has been cut on as many as 12 of the 53 protected areas, the Sunday Independent understands, although the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht disputes this, saying “enforcement activities” have taken place in just five locations.
Military fixed–wing aircraft have been carrying out reconnaissance on bogs, leading to alarm and anger among landowners.

 

]]> Sun, 29 April 2012 08:43:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14815 Biodiversity - World needs to stabilise population and cut consumption, says Royal Society http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14814 World population needs to be stabilised quickly and high consumption in rich countries rapidly reduced to avoid “a downward spiral of economic and environmental ills”, warns a major report from the Royal Society. Contraception must be offered to all women who want it and consumption cut to reduce inequality, says the study published on Thursday, which was chaired by Nobel prize–winning biologist Sir John Sulston.

.]]> World population needs to be stabilised quickly and high consumption in rich countries rapidly reduced to avoid “a downward spiral of economic and environmental ills”, warns a major report from the Royal Society. Contraception must be offered to all women who want it and consumption cut to reduce inequality, says the study published on Thursday, which was chaired by Nobel prize–winning biologist Sir John Sulston.

.]]> Fri, 27 April 2012 23:03:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14814 Energy - Donald Trump sparks near–riot outside Scottish parliament http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14813 It started quite calmly but ended with a near riot, as supporters and critics traded applause and insults. Donald Trump, ever the crowd–pleasing showman, the brusque, blunt wheel–dealer, had his wish. After a relatively understated appearance at the Scottish parliament to decry Scotland‘s rush for windpower, where he in effect accused his one–time ally Alex Salmond of deliberately deceiving him to ensure his £750m golf course investment, Trump emerged on the streets of Edinburgh. As he strolled out, smirking in pleasure and waving, anti–wind activists hailed his support and his enemies hurled abuse. Police officers rushed into the crowd and surrounded Trump in a protective cordon as the property baron tried to touch hands with admirers crushed behind a crowd barrier.

 

]]> It started quite calmly but ended with a near riot, as supporters and critics traded applause and insults. Donald Trump, ever the crowd–pleasing showman, the brusque, blunt wheel–dealer, had his wish. After a relatively understated appearance at the Scottish parliament to decry Scotland‘s rush for windpower, where he in effect accused his one–time ally Alex Salmond of deliberately deceiving him to ensure his £750m golf course investment, Trump emerged on the streets of Edinburgh. As he strolled out, smirking in pleasure and waving, anti–wind activists hailed his support and his enemies hurled abuse. Police officers rushed into the crowd and surrounded Trump in a protective cordon as the property baron tried to touch hands with admirers crushed behind a crowd barrier.

 

]]> Fri, 27 April 2012 22:56:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14813 Fisheries - Ireland Develops Boarfish Market in China http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14812 IRELAND – Minister Coveney’s agri–fisheries trade mission to China has resulted in a major positive development for Ireland’s seafood industry with boarfish – a small fish caught in large numbers off the Irish coast – catching the attention of key seafood buyers on the Chinese market.
Following a number of intensive meetings, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, accompanied by representatives from Bord Bia, BIM and eight seafood companies, have agreements in place with a number of seafood buyers to supply this lucrative market with commercial samples with a view to securing orders in the near future.

]]> IRELAND – Minister Coveney’s agri–fisheries trade mission to China has resulted in a major positive development for Ireland’s seafood industry with boarfish – a small fish caught in large numbers off the Irish coast – catching the attention of key seafood buyers on the Chinese market.
Following a number of intensive meetings, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, accompanied by representatives from Bord Bia, BIM and eight seafood companies, have agreements in place with a number of seafood buyers to supply this lucrative market with commercial samples with a view to securing orders in the near future.

]]> Thu, 26 April 2012 21:58:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14812 Energy - Planning for Waterford wind farm refused http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14811 An Bord Pleanála has rejected a plan by a power company to build a new wind farm across the western tip of the Comeragh Mountains in Co Waterford.
Ecopower Developments Ltd applied to Waterford County Council to construct nine wind turbines with heights of up to 127m close to the Waterford–Tipperary border near the village of Ballymacarbry, about 5km south of Clonmel.

However, the proposal was rejected by the county council and now An Bord Pleanála has turned down an appeal by the development company.

The refusal was based on the grounds of visual intrusion in a vulnerable and sensitive landscape, which the authorities found was contrary to the Wind Energy Guidelines issued in 2006 by the Department of the Environment.

]]> An Bord Pleanála has rejected a plan by a power company to build a new wind farm across the western tip of the Comeragh Mountains in Co Waterford.
Ecopower Developments Ltd applied to Waterford County Council to construct nine wind turbines with heights of up to 127m close to the Waterford–Tipperary border near the village of Ballymacarbry, about 5km south of Clonmel.

However, the proposal was rejected by the county council and now An Bord Pleanála has turned down an appeal by the development company.

The refusal was based on the grounds of visual intrusion in a vulnerable and sensitive landscape, which the authorities found was contrary to the Wind Energy Guidelines issued in 2006 by the Department of the Environment.

]]> Thu, 26 April 2012 21:54:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14811 Farming & CAP - Land grab fears return after EU Auditors opinion http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14810  A 2014 land grab is back on the table after the European Court of Auditors found fault with a CAP reform proposal demanded by Ireland.
Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney warned last year people may come from outside the agricultural community to buy up large tracts of lower value land in an effort to secure payments into the future — following the EU proposal to make 2014 a reference year for single farm payments.

Following intensive Irish lobbying in Brussels, the European Commission stipulated 2011 as a “tie–back” year. This meant if a farmer has eligibility in the proposed reference year of 2014, he or she can only be eligible for the single farm payment in the future if he or she made some claim for that payment in 2011.

However, the European Court of Auditors has now found fault with the CAP reform proposal change demanded by Ireland.

]]>  A 2014 land grab is back on the table after the European Court of Auditors found fault with a CAP reform proposal demanded by Ireland.
Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney warned last year people may come from outside the agricultural community to buy up large tracts of lower value land in an effort to secure payments into the future — following the EU proposal to make 2014 a reference year for single farm payments.

Following intensive Irish lobbying in Brussels, the European Commission stipulated 2011 as a “tie–back” year. This meant if a farmer has eligibility in the proposed reference year of 2014, he or she can only be eligible for the single farm payment in the future if he or she made some claim for that payment in 2011.

However, the European Court of Auditors has now found fault with the CAP reform proposal change demanded by Ireland.

]]> Thu, 26 April 2012 09:33:00 GMT http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?action=view&id=14810