It's just over 3 weeks since Ireland was found in breach by the ECJ for failing to protect waterbodies from physical damage. The government response? Lower the legal bar for these waterbodies, so the damage can continue, with insufficient justification. Our waterways are not in safe hands.

⚠️In a final vote, the European Parliament sealed the fate of the few remaining environmental safeguards from EU farm policy, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) putting EU farming at risk⚠️

Do you care about biodiversity & clean water? Beware! The European Commission is currently proposing a series of measures to massively deregulate pesticides. Ask your EU Commissioner to block these changes by logging on to www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxic-pesticide-era/

The EU Mercosur Trade Agreement will benefit a handful of big corporations while driving deforestation, the climate crisis & exposing small-scale farmers to unfair competition. Join our call & say no to this toxic trade deal. Email your ministers & MEPs now www.environmentalpillar.ie/stopeumercos...

BREAKING: Ireland's nitrates derogation has been renewed.🗳️ This has no scientific basis & fails nature, the public, & farmers. “The evidence simply did not exist to justify renewing Ireland’s nitrates derogation" "Meanwhile, our precious water and wildlife suffer.” swanireland.ie/2025/12/rene...

It looks likely that Ireland will indeed get another derogation. This is being widely hailed as a good outcome by our Government, but good for who? Most Irish people want clean water, not a nitrates derogation. Excellent analysis by @elainemcgoff.bsky.social

🚨 Toxic pesticides are poisoning our soils, water & biodiversity. The EU wants to weaken rules — we need to push back. Call for a rapid shift to nature-friendly, pesticide-free farming. #EndTheToxicPesticideEra 🐝🦋 Take Action Now 👉 www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxi...

A profound and deeply worrying shift on access to justice. Hard-hitting analysis by @attractaub.bsky.social of the Government’s plans to limit legal challenges in the planning process www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...

The advisory committee on nature restoration has expressed “disappointment and frustration” at the exclusion of nature from a significant plan for public spending over the next decade - writes Caroline O Doherty. www.irishtimes.com/environment/...

In this opinion I try to explain the gravely concerning impact of the Govs changes on cost rules for environmental #JR www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm... Thks to @irishexaminer.bsky.social #accesstojustice #aarhus #EULaw #IrishConstitution #Courts #HumanRights #HR #Environment

EU decision-makers are on a mission to roll back vital nature laws Our response to that? #HandsOffNature Environmental laws need to be enforced not weakened @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu @jessikaroswall.ec.europa.eu Read more here 👉 wwfeu.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/eu...

The EU is planning a shift away from science in favour of the chemical industry. This is a threat to our health & biodiversity. Write to your Commissioner by logging on to www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxic-pesticide-era/ to block these changes & shift the focus to ban harmful pesticides

“Simplification” sounds harmless - until you realise its a Trojan horse to weaken critical environmental laws that protect our air, water and Nature itself. These laws protect you. Let’s protect them back. Tell EU leaders: #HandsOffNature @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu @jessikaroswall.ec.europa.eu

The EU is planning a shift away from science in favour of the chemical industry. Instead of rolling back protections we must strengthen them by removing hazardous pesticides. Join us & say End the Toxic Pesticide Era. Write to your Commissioner www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxic-pesticide-era/

I spoke to Pat Kenny earlier about the derogation decision 'In theory, we should only get the derogation on the condition that it not impact on water quality. We’re not holding up our end of the bargain, and we haven’t for decades ' www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...

The confirmation that 100ac of forestry adjacent to the Glen of the Downs has been bought by the NPWS is great news for Nature Restoration. The opportunity to double the size of Irelands oldest nature reserve is a once in a limetime opportunity. www.greystonesguide.ie/100-acres-of...

🚨 The EU Environmental Omnibus - designed to weaken environmental laws - may be delayed! Political fights over weakening the Nature Restoration Law & Urban Waste Water rules risk public health & democracy— a record number of citizens backed stronger protections! 🌍 www.endseurope.com/article/1941...

An absolute honour to be able to host An Uachtarán in Tailors Hall today for this incredible @antaisce.bsky.social event.

Very constructive meeting with Minister Thomas Byrne recently about Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency. The Environmental Pillar proposed “resilience” as a theme, highlighted the areas of EU law where we have to get our house in order beforehand, and discussed key files Ireland will be managing.

Make your voice heard – join the @stopclimatechaos.bsky.social National Climate Demonstration in Dublin on Saturday Nov 15, starting at 1pm at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square. March for climate justice as part of a worldwide day of action demanding an end the era of fossil fuels.

We will be supporting @stopclimatechaos.bsky.social at the National Climate Demonstration in Dublin on Saturday Nov 15. Join us at 1pm at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square when we will march for climate justice as part of a worldwide day of action demanding an end the era of fossil fuels.

Rather than castigating public-spirited ordinary people concerned by planning problems, the Government should focus on properly resourcing the planning & legal systems. Important analysis by @attractaub.bsky.social on how Judicial reviews serve the common good www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...

Amidst Gov's attempt to hijack the common good & ur #JR rights,a contrary perspective from me on what's happening As always the @irishexaminer.bsky.social facilitates examination 😇👏 #accesstojustice #aarhus #eulaw #courts #judicialreview #publicinterest www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...

Yet another warning that Ireland is failing to reach its climate targets – “we need to redesign how we commute, heat homes, and power the economy. That means real investment in people, infrastructure, and communities, not more delay.” www.irishtimes.com/environment/...

The EU MERCOSUR Trade Deal is being railroaded through — with promises of traceability safeguards the latest Trojan Horse. But how credible are these assurances? And why should Ireland stand behind a deal that risks harming the Amazon and its Indigenous communities? #MERCOSUR #COP30

🚫 Say NO to toxic trade! The EU-Mercosur deal fuels deforestation, deepens climate chaos & hurts small farmers. Stop this corporate power grab! 📩 Email your politician now! ✊ #StopEUMercosur www.environmentalpillar.ie/stopeumercos...

Today I endeavoured to speak for the rivers, to provide a counter balance to the lobbyist's narrative on the polluting nitrates derogation. Our rivers, lakes and seas deserve a chance to run healthy, wild and free from pollution www.antaisce.org/news/an-tais...

Listen back to @envpillar.bsky.social policy advisor Oisin Coghlan on the need for politicians to show leadership on climate action, rather than just use fine words www.goloudplayer.com/episodes/no-...

Joined colleagues and stakeholders today to exchange views with Commissioner Roswall. I urged stronger EU commitment to Nature Restoration — we need dedicated funding, not further erosion of standards. The State must shift its focus from defending derogations to delivering solutions on the ground.

Great to meet Commissioner @jessikaroswall.ec.europa.eu uropa.eu in Dublin today to discuss a number of issues in relation to sustainability & resilience such as the nitrates derogation & the impact on water quality; funding for nature restoration; MPAs; deregulation concerns; & the circular economy

It's been one year since 5,000 people signed a petition to save 200-acres at Glen of the Downs. Now it has come to light that some of the adjacent biodiverse oak woodland has been destroyed. We are waiting. @npwsireland.bsky.social @envpillar.bsky.social www.greystonesguide.ie/whitmore-wan...

Half of Ireland’s rivers, lakes and estuaries in unhealthy state as standards slide again. Successive governments have "engaged in rhetoric around restoring rivers and lakes to health rather than implementing real measures to prevent decline." - SWAN www.irishtimes.com/environment/...

No surprises here but will the rhetoric change? I doubt it. 'Despite all the rhetoric about saving our nitrates derogation and turning the tide on water quality in Ireland, there is still no evidence of the necessary improvement across the board in our waters.' www.antaisce.org/news/decade-...

“Our rivers, lakes & estuaries are the lifeblood of our landscape and support our ecosystems, and our health and wellbeing. But they are struggling.” Half of Ireland’s rivers, lakes & estuaries are in an unhealthy state. We need stronger action on water quality www.irishtimes.com/environment/...

Tell the EU you want better protection against pesticides. Much scientific evidence shows that pesticides harm our health and kill biodiversity. We need action to end this chemical war and to work with nature instead. This is your chance to speak up.

One bright spot in a dull budget 2026 for the environment – the 20% increase in funding for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, including a 27% uplift in capital investment in Ireland’s National Parks and Nature Reserves and its Natura sites is much-needed and welcome.

🔥The Amazon is burning. The world’s lungs are on the brink of collapse. The EU wants to pour fuel on the fire with the EU-Mercosur trade deal — but we can still put a STOP on it! Tell your Minister & MEPs to reject the EU-Mercosur deal www.environmentalpillar.ie/stopeumercos... #StopEUMercosur

Budget 2026 is a standstill budget which will not deliver the transformational transition needed for climate action www.environmentalpillar.ie/budget-2026-...

The EU-Mercosur trade agreement will benefit a handful of big corporations while driving deforestation, the climate crisis and exposing small-scale farmers to unfair competition. Take action now and say no to this toxic trade deal. www.environmentalpillar.ie/stopeumercos...

The EU-Mercosur deal brings little economic benefit but huge social & climate damage. We need fair & green trade—not continuing climate-wrecking business as usual. #StopEUMercosur Join our call & say no to this toxic trade deal. Email your ministers & MEPs: www.environmentalpillar.ie/stopeumercos...

4606 @birdwatchireland.bsky.social members and supporters sent a submission to the @ec.europa.eu calling on them not to weaken environmental laws and threaten nature. People love nature and want it protected and restored.

"Nature is our defence, we need it for resilience agst climate breakdown & biodiversity loss, dont weaken environmental laws or their implementation"@birdwatchireland.bsky.social Head of Policy Oonagh Duggan's msg to @ec.europa.eu Commr @marossefcovic.bsky.social at mtg w/ @envpillar.bsky.social

Great to be at the handover of #HandsOffNature signatures to European Commissioner for the Environment Jessika Roswall. Nearly 200,000 EU citizens sent their messages urging the Commission not to touch the laws that protect our water, air, biodiversity, and much more

Budget 2026 must mark a decisive shift and should be the starting point for serious investment in climate and nature projects to meet our legally binding targets and to avoid future costs and pain for the Irish people www.environmentalpillar.ie/government-s...

We need to think big & show much more ambition in terms of public transport. Real freedom is providing people with choice & that means investing in an extensive, reliable, joined up public transport & active travel system throughout the country. Listen back here: www.goloudplayer.com/episodes/are...

Environmental damage is putting European way of life at risk. The death of wildlife and breakdown of the climate are ruining ecosystems that underpin the economy. Key reading, particularly for those who champion economic growth above everything else. www.theguardian.com/environment/...

Ireland’s nature is in a “very poor” state, with the country’s economic growth achieved at the expense of the environment, according to the EU’s State of Europe’s Environment report. We’re running out of wake-up calls! www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...

Great to meet Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers today where we discussed the need to prioritise funding for nature restoration, marine protected areas and climate action in Budget 2026.

Trade should protect people & planet, not ruin them! The EU-Mercosur deal would devastate small farmers & fuel the climate crisis. We can stop it — take action now! #StopEUMercosur Tell your Minister & MEPs to reject the EU-Mercosur deal. www.environmentalpillar.ie/stopeumercos...

The EU is waging war on decades of progress in environmental protections all in the name of corporate greed (competitiveness). At a time when many Irish rivers are heavily polluted with agricultural Nitrogen the EU has moved to allow an almost 50% increase in the allowed nitrogen load from manure