Nollaig Shona Daoibh! Wishing all a happy Christmas. Huge appreciation to the fantastic members, amazing volunteers and all those striving towards a better environment for us all.

I had an enjoyable and wide-ranging chat with Jarek from the Lough Carra Catchment Association podcast about water quality, frozen lakes, accidental careers and lots in between. @antaisce.bsky.social open.spotify.com/episode/0OqV...

If we're to turn the tide on nature loss, we're going to need a government that treats it with the level of priority that was given to holding on to the nitrates derogation www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...

Celebrating the Solstice, known in Irish as An Grianstad (sun stop). Peak Solstice this year is on 21 December when we will have our longest night. The days will lengthen from now on, towards the renewals of Spring. #wintersolstice #naturalworld #AnGrianstad

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.

It's worth cataloguing what has happened in the water world in the last few weeks alone. It paints a picture of a Government who are not at all prioritising the health of our waterways, and who are failing on multiple fronts to put in place the measures we actually need. A watery rant 🧵

Looking for a sustainable Christmas gift for someone special in your life? Give the gift that lasts all year: An Taisce Membership! Protect nature. Support advocacy. Make a difference. Just scan QR code or to www.antaisce.org/blog/giving-... #giftfornature #sustainablechristmas

Critically endangered angel sharks have been waiting for 40 years for meaningful protection despite community and scientific efforts to prevent their extinction www.irishtimes.com/science/2025...

The #WinterSolstice livestream link is now available Join us on 21 Dec @ 8:40 am to witness the solstice sunrise live from inside the #Newgrange chamber, weather permitting. Save the link now and be part of this extraordinary moment. 🔗www.gov.ie/solstice#WinterSolstice#Newgrange#ShareTheSolstice

Expressions of interest still open for appointment as a member of the Climate Change Advisory Council Deadline: 15:00, Friday 19 December 2025 There will be 8 vacancies, including the Chair, in 2026 @ccacireland.bsky.social

Deaths and serious injuries among people walking and cycling consistently make up about 40% of all deaths and serious injuries over the last ten years – the most vulnerable road users, present the least danger on our roads, yet are suffering the most serious consequences of our road safety failings.

"Across every single region in Ireland and across every age group, there is large majority (72%) support for a ban on fox hunting ... In fact, there doesn't seem to be any real-life support for fox hunting at all, from any sector." www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...

I'm incredibly honoured to get this DCU Water Warrior award. These blue arteries of our lands are so incredibly precious, and I'm delighted to be recognised for fighting alongside my colleagues in @antaisce.bsky.social to help protect them. It's a fight we're often losing, but one I'll never quit.

Huge congratulations to our Head of Advocacy Dr Elaine McGoff on honour of wonderful & well-deserved Water Warrior Award 2025 from DCU Water Institute. She's a tireless champion dedicated to protecting our precious freshwater ecosystems @elainemcgoff.bsky.social @dcuwaterinstitute.bsky.social

'The SEAI says Ireland needs to double down on decarbonisation, especially in transport, which is still 93% powered by fossil fuels' www.rte.ie/news/environ...

Looking for a sustainable Christmas gift for someone in your life? Giving the gift An Taisce membership is a present that lasts all year. Your gift also helps to safeguard our natural and built heritage for present & future generations www.antaisce.org/blog/giving-...

Engineers seek restoration of public transport spending priority: “Ireland’s transport system is still falling short of what is needed to deliver a sustainable future” www.irishtimes.com/transport/20...

Please consider adding your voice to this important campaign. The EU is currently considering a weakening of existing legislation around pesticides.

Congratulations to the phenomenal @cleancoasts.bsky.social team and a huge debt of gratitude to all of the inspiring volunteers and groups doing so much to protect Ireland's marine and coastal environments all year round, come rain or shine! #CleanCoasts #OceanHero #BigBeachClean #2minutebeachclean

Give gift of An Taisce membership to someone special in your life Membership for 2026 includes: free entry to International National Trust Organisation sites worldwide, new digital magazine, exclusive events, special discounts with selected partners & much more www.antaisce.org/blog/giving-...

In Tailors' Hall this Saturday, Winter Print Fair and Charity Fundraiser | ÍOVA Photography Collective Tailors' Hall Dublin 8 (D08X2A3 Tailors Hall Back Lane). The one-day event takes place on Saturday 13th December from 3pm - 9pm! 50% of sales are going to Spinabifida Hydrocephalus Ireland

The Irish Times view on nitrates and waterways: procrastinating towards disaster 'Derogation-enabled intensification is a significant driver of pollution in precisely the areas where water quality is deteriorating fastest' www.irishtimes.com/opinion/edit...

#InternationalMountainDay 🏔️ Mountain ecosystems are facing growing risks as climate change accelerates. They are essential for biodiversity, water regulation, food security, livelihoods, & cultural heritage, with impacts reaching beyond mountain regions. ES Statement 🔗 cbd.int/doc/speech/2...

An Taisce is pleased to note the appointment by @opwireland.bsky.social of a main contractor for the restoration of Kilmacurragh House, Co Wicklow, a rare Queen Anne-style house in ruins for a number of decades. Its grounds house the National Botanic Gardens, Wicklow. www.gov.ie/en/office-of...

As someone who spends a lot of time talking about European law, it was amazing to see the ECJ in operation for our nitrates case today. Let's hope the ECJ care more about clean water than the Irish government appears to.

BREAKING: We're being referred to the top EU court for fines because our sewage systems don't meet EU law! Not only are the people of Ireland paying for govt slow progress on proper sewage treatment with unhealthy rivers & seas, now we may be paying fines for it too! ec.europa.eu/commission/p...

An Taisce in the European Court of Justice today defending important protections for clean water in Ireland — team includes our Head of Advocacy Dr Elaine McGoff with Junior Counsel John Kenny, Senior Counsel James Devlin & Solicitor Eoin Brady #nitratesderogation #nitratepollution

Will Ireland be in hot water over nitrates at the Court of Justice of the EU? www.agriland.ie/farming-news...

A new report has found that 90% of Ireland's EU-protected habitats are in 'unfavourable’ conservation status, with 51% showing deteriorating trends across their national ranges.

Giving the gift of membership to An Taisce — The National Trust for Ireland A present that not only lasts all year, but is also an important contribution towards protecting our natural and built heritage for current and future generations membership.antaisce.org/gifts #sustainablechristmasgifts

People across the island of Ireland want clean beaches, pristine lakes and rivers - and both governments are catastrophically failing them theearthscorr.substack.com/p/opinion-da...

Nitrates derogations are a risky business model for agri-industry. EU Commission seems to be indicating that the new three-year derogation is on borrowed time. New Ireland Thinks poll shows public want clean, healthy water, and majority not in favour of Ireland seeking another derogation.

Ireland’s water is going green, yet the EU just approved YET another nitrates derogation... Rural communities have spoken: they want clean rivers, not more pollution. Science and public health are clear. It’s time to enforce the rules and safeguard Ireland’s waters. Press release & letter below👇

Nitrates derogation extended 3 more years: 'Dr Elaine McGoff, head of advocacy with An Taisce, said decisions like this are supposed to be based on science, & the evidence clearly shows Ireland has a “serious water pollution problem that isn’t getting any better”' www.thejournal.ie/nitrates-der...

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

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...

"Today’s vote by the European Nitrates Committee to approve an extension of Ireland’s nitrates derogation for another three years is a bad day for Irish waterbodies and for everyone who relies on clean quality water in Ireland" www.antaisce.org/news/eu-nitr...

The government presents its demand for a new nitrates derogation (pollution permit) in Brussels as a demand of the Irish public. This counterpoint argues that it is actually being demanded by a subsection of the agriculture industry, and is in conflict with a genuine public interest: clean water

"Our waters are crying out for a break from the pollution, Irish people are calling for clean water, but our voices are being drowned out in a world of political wrangling and vested interest. And the thing is, you can’t drink politics" www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm... #nitratesderogation

Delighted that An Taisce got a lovely mention as one of the 10 best Irish cultural memberships that make excellent Christmas gifts! Together we can protect our planet & build a better future for everyone. Gift memberships available too membership.antaisce.org/gifts evoke.ie/2025/12/08/l...

Become a 2026 Climate Ambassador Open to all & you don’t have to be a climate expert We’re here to support and connect you with your fellow Climate Ambassadors to develop, share and learn from each other’s great ideas and take climate action To apply: climateambassador.ie/apply-climat...

Ireland's nitrates derogation & water quality — survey reveals public value clean freshwaters & have negative attitudes to raising farming allowance on nitrates @epaireland.bsky.social find agriculture is a primary source of nitrogen pollution in our waters www.antaisce.org/news/public-...

'The impression that water quality is improving and that farmers simply need more time for measures which have been adopted to take effect is widespread. However, this is not supported by any data' www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/ou...

'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' www.irishtimes.com/environment/... #NatureRestoration

“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

Thanks to all of the incredible volunteers who make such a difference every day! Happy International Volunteer Day. #volunteersmakeadifference #InternationalVolunteerDay

Ireland second highest in EU for greenhouse gas emissions per person www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...

Judicial reviews are not the enemy of progress — they are a vital safeguard Recent headlines have been flooded with a false narrative about the planning system www.independent.ie/opinion/comm...

#HeritageAtRisk Co Meath 1 & 2. Longterm vacant house, Carrick St, Kells, 2000 & 2025 3 & 4. Church at Killyon, built early 19th c. Disused since new church built opposite side of road in late 50s, during 2010s, roof fell in (G Street View 2009 & 2021). #BuildingsAtRisk #HeritageMatters

Here we are yet again - another very busy Christmas period that the Government is using to bury changes that will seriously erode the public’s right to access justice and hold our public authorities to account. www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...