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EU law amended (no consultation nor impact assessment) to allow spreading processed manure above nitrogen pollution limits. Courtesy of the Dutch livestock lobby. The solution to too much shit production, is to produce less of it. Not to dress it up as fertiliser. #nitrates #water #pollution

Extremely disappointing news on the Blackwater fish kill. "It just goes to show the state bodies that are supposed to protect our fish don’t appear to be able to do so because if they can’t find the cause, how can they guarantee there won’t be a repeat?" www.irishtimes.com/environment/...

🔴 NEW - The meat industry has been monitoring thousands of animal welfare activists, gathering information on their biological ties and even their romantic relationships. Vital, shocking exposé from @clarecarlile.bsky.social for @desmog.com

There's plenty of blame to go around, incl. the failing EPA licensing system which failed to prevent the repeated pollution events which would undoubtedly have weakened the resilience of any wildlife in the river,making them more vulnerable to whatever pollutant ultimately caused the huge fish kill.

River Blackwater: "This kill will reverberate out through the system, to the birds, bats, otters & other animals which fed on fish and insects from the river, having a much greater impact than thousands of dead fish" Dr Elaine McGoff, Head of Advocacy An Taisce www.irishtimes.com/environment/...

That’s 3 cyclists dead in one week. 😲😔 And our government continues to roll back on meaningful road safety measures like implementing a 30kph limit in urban zones, or using technology, all because it might upset some drivers. It’s a national disgrace.

Under the surface — how nitrates affect freshwater ecosystems and how we're failing to protect them An Taisce's Head of Advocacy is giving a special talk for Lough Carra Catchment Association 8pm 23 September, Carnacon Centre, F12NY38 Mayo Details: www.loughcarralife.ie @elainemcgoff.bsky.social

Until this pollution drops the rivers, estuaries and coastal waters affected will remain unhealthy so stronger measures are needed to greatly bring the nitrogen pollution levels down. This must be done for the people and the wildlife affected by the pollution in their waters.

An EPA report has indicated that nitrogen levels have increased 16% in the first 6 months of 2025 and these are 'reasonable predictors' for the year. However, older reports showed there was a decrease of 10% in 2024, so what can we take from this? 🧵

We’ve seen recently how vulnerable our river wildlife is to pollutants, with the recent devastating fish kill in the River Blackwater. We can’t build resilient river ecosystems with ongoing high levels of nitrate pollution.

Recent EPA report highlights river nitrogen pollution rising again River wildlife is vulnerable to pollutants, as evidenced by devastating River Blackwater fish kill. We can’t build resilient river ecosystems with ongoing high levels of nitrate pollution www.antaisce.org/news/continu...

People have been warning for years that the secretive Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) system is a looming obstacle for climate action. A new round of claims filed by Exxon and Shell shows why (from @rishpardikar.bsky.social @drilledmedia.bsky.social drilled.media/news/groningen)

Courts do not decide merits of a Planning application Courts determine if the law was followed correctly in the Planning process Access to the courts to uphold laws ~enacted by politicians~ is a democratic right, & it is exercised by both citizens & developers www.independent.ie/irish-news/j...

North Cork Creameries is a member of Bord Bia's 'Origin Green' greenwashing programme despite 125 non-compliance notices since 2020 and listing on the EPA's top polluter watchlist 🙈 www.irishtimes.com/environment/...

Irish media reporting on road collisions too often dehumanises victims and hides driver responsibility. Cyclists and pedestrians are people first — the language we use matters. Read our full statement below.

Precisely the question I keep asking myself: 'It begs the question: what on earth is the point of the EPA licensing regime if companies – in broad daylight, visible to us all – repeatedly breach the rules meant to protect our fragile rivers?' www.irishtimes.com/environment/...

This is great news and shows that collaboration between state/EU, scientists and farmers leads to positive outcomes. Well done to all but especially the Corncrake/Traonach LIFE team who have been at the coalface 👏 www.irishtimes.com/environment/...

The perfect addition to our much loved family longtail e-bike. With thanks to @tomflood.bsky.social - we're spreading the word in Ireland!

In just 10 days, 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 #HandsOFFNature The amount of citizen responses (around 95% of the submissions) is record-breaking.

Thanks so much to everyone who contributed to the #HandsoffNature campaign! Nearly 200k people across the EU made their views clear in a short space of time on this vital issue. Once these laws are gone, it’s almost impossible to get them back, but it's not over yet. We will keep you updated ...

Dr Elaine McGoff, An Taisce's Head of Advocacy will be giving a great talk for BirdWatch Ireland Kildare Branch in Naas Library and Cultural Centre Thursday 11 September at 7pm 'Wings of Change' — protecting Ireland's birds and ecosystems @birdwatchireland.bsky.social @elainemcgoff.bsky.social

BREAKING: They're scrubbing @banksy The court is erasing Banksy's mural just like it's erasing our right to protest.

An Ecological Catastrophe on the Blackwater — and a System That Let It Happen Fish kills are "a year-round occurrence in Ireland, with Inland Fisheries Ireland recording 30 fish kills between Jan 2023 and July 2024". 👇 swanireland.ie/2025/09/an-e...

Highly significant acceptance by her that EU countries *can and do* act on their own. No objection was voiced by Commission President this morning. This much is clear: Ireland has no “EU law” fig leaf left to delay us. This means Ireland can enact the OTB. Tomorrow. #otb #speirgorm

They droned a second boat. We’re still going to Gaza. Pressure the Irish government any way you can to support the flotilla and sanction the country attacking us

Blue-green algae linked toxins found in flesh of fish from Lough Neagh for the first time 👇 #pollution #health open.substack.com/pub/theearth...

Almost 180,000 people have already stood up for the rights of nature & our collective right to a healthy environment in Europe. Can we get to 200,000 by end of today? 🙌

The #GlobalSumudFlotilla boat carrying Tadhg Hickey and his shipmates was struck last night by another incendiary device.

Just 1 day left to speak up for nature! Across Europe, our forests are thinning, our rivers are drying, and our wildlife is vanishing. Now the European Commission wants to weaken the laws that protect them. Tell them to keep their #HandsOffNature. Speak up now: environmentalpillar.ie/hands-off-na...

Just a couple of days left to speak up for nature The European Commission wants to roll back vital environmental protections – and they’re asking for your opinion. Let them understand nature needs more help than ever #HandsOffNature Please send your message: swanireland.ie/take-action/...

This article hits the nail on the head. What we get from our Government is nice words, empty promises and little action, while our precious waterways die. 'That response highlights again our enthusiasm for enacting laws but not enforcing them.' www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...

As minister for our natural heritage she wanted it to be burnt and flailed. greennews.ie/conservation...

The first confirmed birth of a white-tailed eagle in Co Waterford for over 150 years has taken place

If you do one thing today, please take a few minutes to add your voice to this incredibly important call to protect nature. #HandsOffNature

🧪362,000 l of wastewater 🧪ammonia levels 30 times above the legal limit 🧪orthophosphate levels 2.5 times above limit All on the night of the fish kill. Whether or not there was responsibility for the fish kill, this is shockingly irresponsible. www.rte.ie/news/ireland...

Given the compliance record of North Cork Creameries, these clearly read as empty words. Irrespective of who is responsible for the fish kill, it's almost unsurprising it occurred given this level of non-compliance with EPA discharge licences. This must change. www.rte.ie/news/ireland...

Remember this one?

It's that time of year again, welcome back to school kiddos! This week we're going to address Toronto's back to school/micro mobility campaign & ask that they direct all available resources at dangerous drivers who cause hundreds of serious injuries & deaths each year in TO. 📷 @tomflood.bsky.social

Whether or not they caused the horrific fish kill, serious questions need to be asked why North Cork Creameries has been repeatedly in breach of their EPA discharge licence. Do we need 46,000 fish to be directly attributable to their pollution to stop it? 🧵 www.thejournal.ie/fish-kill-ri...

“Helsinki has not recorded a single traffic fatality in the past 12 months, city and police officials confirmed this week.” City engineer credits lower speed limits and smart design. I agree. #Helsinki #VisionZero

St Stephen’s Green shopping centre plan is shot down by planning appeals board

Over one third of the people killed on Irish roads this year were walking or cycling. Reducing speed limits is a surefire way of making our roads safer. We are shocked that the government is reneging on its commitment which is why we co-signed this statement from @dublincommuters.bsky.social

Bike Hub in Dublin urgently seeking bike for five-year-old girl The Bike Hub in Dublin are urgently seeking a bike suitable for a five-year-old girl for a batch of bicycles due to be given to a family of refugees. The Bike Hub is a social enterprise whose work includes bicycle training with young…

When it comes to water quality, there's the lobbyist spin, & then there's the truth. The data on water quality & Local Authority reporting non-compliance rates with the agri regs at 42% in 2024 tells its own story. A shocking lack of compliance. www.independent.ie/farming/news...

Time to call timber on forestry targets and use €1.3bn on other schemes? At a time we are looking for funding to incentivise farmers to restore nature there is a large pot of money sitting idle. share.google/PKW6IHDkAVDH...

Listen back to @elainemcgoff.bsky.social from SWAN member @antaisce.bsky.social on the nitrates derogation. www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...

Nitrates pollution & Ireland's derogation: "To date, successive governments have utterly failed to engage properly with the farmers ... we can't continue to put our heads in the sand as water quality declines and farmers' businesses are hanging in the balance" #WaterQuality #NitratesPollution

the way.

A really useful summary of yesterday's ICJ ruling on climate issues.