Caroline O'Doherty
@codohertynews.bsky.social
đ€ 999
đ„ 168
đ 427
Climate and Science Correspondent Irish Times
[email protected]
Farmers and agri-contractors tried to stress the link between the fuel protests and food production but the reality is, it's already broken
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026...
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Fuel protests reveal flawed relationship between farms, fertilisers and food
Farmers have warned of food shortages but Ireland imports most of what it eats
https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/04/12/fuel-protests-reveal-flawed-relationship-between-farms-fertilisers-and-food/
5 days ago
0
31
15
In this week's Science & Climate in
@irishtimes.com
, what was the Artemis II mission aiming to achieve, why did it take so long to get to this point and what comes next?
@irishspacegal.bsky.social
explains........
www.irishtimes.com/science/2026...
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Waiting for Artemis â behind the scenes of the long return to the moon
Spotlight on the Artemis II mission reveals the complexity of deep space travel
https://www.irishtimes.com/science/2026/04/09/waiting-for-artemis-behind-the-scenes-of-the-long-return-to-the-moon/
5 days ago
1
12
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www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Irelandâs largest carbon polluters reduced emissions in 2025 - apart from two sectors
Rises contrast with overall drop in emissions from manufacturing and power sectors
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2026/04/10/airlines-and-dairy-companies-in-ireland-increased-greenhouse-gas-emissions-last-year/
7 days ago
0
7
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From a TikTok channel to the nation's motorways - the people behind the fuel price protests
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026...
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Who are the fuel protesters âturning OâConnell Street into a car parkâ?
A TikTok account on tractors and trailers has grown into a national movement
https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/04/07/who-are-the-fuel-protesters-turning-oconnell-street-into-a-car-park/
10 days ago
0
6
1
In this week's Science & Climate in
@irishtimes.com
, Anthony King writes about the scientists and wildlife supporters forming Hedgehog Conservation Ireland to help save the country's embattled hedgehogs.....
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Backyard battle to save hedgehogs is critical as numbers decline
Gardens offer refuge from habitat loss, pesticides and cars â but strimmers and dogs can be deadly
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/04/02/backyard-battle-to-save-hedgehogs-is-critical-as-numbers-decline/
11 days ago
1
10
5
Many people helped out with this - householders, Dr Ciara Ahern, Marie Donnelly &
@marcusstewart.bsky.social
among them. Grateful for the input and insights
www.irishtimes.com/life-style/p...
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Irelandâs retrofit reality: From âamazingâ home energy results to âmiserableâ and costly experiences
Retrofitting offers cosy home and energy cost cuts but can also come with financial burdens and bureaucratic nightmares
https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/04/05/irelands-retrofit-gap-from-amazing-home-energy-results-to-miserable-and-costly-experiences/
11 days ago
0
8
6
Ok, so
#StormDave
might keep more people indoors but this message from Min Christopher O'Sullivan &
@npwsireland.bsky.social
still applies
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Appeal issued over threat to nature from fires, litter and dogs
Countryside fires increased last year and wildlife and habitats are continuing to decline
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/04/02/appeal-issued-over-threat-to-nature-from-fires-litter-and-dogs/
15 days ago
0
7
1
We're usually talking about the problem of data centres using too much electricity - but what happens when they suddenly, collectively, stop is also causing concerns
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Fear of electricity blackouts in Ireland prompts new protocols for data centres
Mass disconnection by sector during brief faults risks system instability, says EirGrid
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/04/02/data-centres-blackout-worries-trigger-new-electricity-protocols/
15 days ago
2
7
5
Damage from climate change extensive across Ireland in 2025, advisory council says
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Damage from climate change extensive across Ireland in 2025, advisory council says
Extreme weather brought drought, deluges, destruction and disease costing hundreds of millions of euro
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2026/04/01/damage-from-climate-change-extensive-across-ireland-in-2025-advisory-council-says/
17 days ago
1
31
13
In Science & Climate in
@irishtimes.com
, David George Haskell tells
@paddywoodworth.bsky.social
why flowers are not just pretty petals......
www.irishtimes.com/science/2026...
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How flowers revolutionised the world through a riot of colour and scent
David George Haskell has a new book on the flowers that put the rain in rainforests and that challenge the teachings of Darwin
https://www.irishtimes.com/science/2026/03/26/how-flowers-revolutionised-the-world-through-a-riot-of-colour-and-scent/
18 days ago
1
8
3
Worldâs biggest collection of cuckoo clocks opens to public in Waterford - lovely video interview with clock-mad David Boles accompanies this
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026...
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Worldâs biggest collection of cuckoo clocks opens to public in Waterford
Four hundred clocks from the Black Forest in Germany will now be permanent part of Museum of Time exhibition
https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/03/27/worlds-biggest-collection-of-cuckoo-clocks-opens-to-public-in-waterford/
20 days ago
0
5
0
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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EU court adviser casts doubt on Irelandâs nitrates derogation in water quality case
High Court has sought EU opinion on Governmentâs duty regarding protections from farm pollution
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/03/26/eu-court-adviser-casts-doubt-on-irelands-nitrates-derogation-in-water-quality-case/
22 days ago
0
18
9
Authors of report that sparked retrofit row say retrofitting is vital
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/hous...
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Authors of report that sparked retrofit row say retrofitting is vital
Researchers from ESRI say they wanted to show what additional measures might be needed
https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2026/03/25/authors-of-report-that-sparked-retrofit-row-say-retrofitting-is-vital/
23 days ago
0
1
1
Hundreds of scientists back all-Ireland service to tackle misinformation
www.irishtimes.com/science/2026...
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Hundreds of scientists back all-Ireland service to tackle misinformation
Science Media Centre aims to debunk myths and stop misinterpretations of science taking hold
https://www.irishtimes.com/science/2026/03/25/hundreds-of-scientists-back-all-ireland-service-to-tackle-misinformation/
23 days ago
0
18
8
âDefinitely an element of disbeliefâ: Galway student discovers second new planet in a year
www.irishtimes.com/science/spac...
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âDefinitely an element of disbeliefâ: Galway student discovers second new planet in a year
Important find for astronomy will help understand planet formation
https://www.irishtimes.com/science/space/2026/03/24/definitely-an-element-of-disbelief-galway-student-discovers-second-new-planet-in-a-year/
24 days ago
0
2
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Extreme weather, stagnant prices, rising costs and customers who don't want seasons interfering with choice - it's not easy being an Irish vegetable grower
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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âTheyâre nearly giving them awayâ: The precarious business of Irish vegetable growing
Food supply model under scrutiny after one of Irelandâs largest carrot producers winds down
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/03/24/theyre-nearly-giving-them-away-the-precarious-business-of-irish-vegetable-growing/
24 days ago
1
6
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The latest
@wmo-global.bsky.social
State of the World Climate report and what it means for Ireland....
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Ireland must prepare âevacuationâ plans for coastal areas as climate change intensifies, says expert
Warning comes as World Meteorological Organisation report shows Earth being pushed beyond its limits
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2026/03/23/ireland-must-prepare-evacuation-plans-for-coastal-areas-as-climate-change-intensifies-says-expert/
26 days ago
1
5
6
In this week's Science & Climate in
@irishtimes.com
, Prof Brian Ă GallachĂłir of
@ucc.ie
crunches the numbers on Ireland's first carbon budget.....
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Irelandâs emissions remained almost within limit during first carbon budget
Second budget to 2030 presents tougher challenge as limits tighten further
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2026/03/19/emissions-remained-almost-within-limit-during-first-carbon-budget/
26 days ago
2
6
0
Latest on case that has sparked intervention by UN rapporteur on environmental defenders
@michelforst.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co...
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High Court allows company have Garda statement in order to sue environmentalist
Judge said confidentiality issues could be argued during defamation trial
https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/03/19/high-court-allows-company-have-garda-statement-in-order-to-sue-environmentalist/
30 days ago
0
9
11
Vapes implicated in bin lorry and sorting centre fires that cost âŹ100m over three years
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Vapes implicated in bin lorry and sorting centre fires that cost âŹ100m over three years
Thirty million vapes being dumped in bins annually, says waste industry
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/03/18/vapes-implicated-in-bin-lorry-and-sorting-centre-fires-cost-100m-over-three-years/
about 1 month ago
0
3
1
In this week's Science & Climate in
@irishtimes.com
, a visit to Bull Island by
@whittledaway.bsky.social
is a vivid reminder of how precious it is and how its needs have been sorely neglected.....
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Bull Island is natureâs gift to Dubliners. They havenât been grateful
Once a haven for wildlife, its famed hares and many birds have disappeared
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/03/12/bull-island-is-natures-gift-to-dubliners-they-havent-been-grateful/
about 1 month ago
1
23
10
The Coolmore case has put hedgerows in the spotlight - a look here at why they are important and (meant to be) protected
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Why has the thorny issue of hedgerows surfaced in court?
A case involving illegal removal has proved costly for company and nature
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/03/13/why-has-the-thorny-issue-of-hedgerows-surfaced-in-court/
about 1 month ago
2
10
4
Data backs the anecdotal evidence - energy transition grants favour the well-off. Research by
@briancaulfield.bsky.social
& Abhilash C Singh
@tcddublin.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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EVs, solar panels and heat pumps concentrated in affluent areas of Ireland
âUtterly unfairâ trend could be tackled, say report authors who also note grant system fuels inequalities
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2026/03/13/green-divide-emerges-with-evs-solar-panels-and-heat-pumps-concentrated-in-affluent-areas/
about 1 month ago
0
2
1
"The sector does not operate within planning or environmental laws" says
@epaireland.bsky.social
Yet commercial peat extractors exported âŹ40m worth of the product in plain sight last year
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Ireland has no known legal commercial peat extraction. Yet it exported âŹ40m worth last year
More than 370,000 tonnes of material sold to 21 different countries in 2025, including Israel
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/03/12/peat-exports-increased-last-year-despite-crackdown-on-commercial-extraction/
about 1 month ago
1
32
16
Research points to need for mental health supports to be among the help provided in communities hit by flooding - joint study by
@tcddublin.bsky.social
@ncirl.bsky.social
@dublincityuni.bsky.social
for
@ccacireland.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Flood victims experience fear, anger and despair, study finds
Irish university study finds rise in post-traumatic stress, chronic anxiety and depression after weather events
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/03/12/flood-victims-experience-fear-anger-and-despair-study-finds/
about 1 month ago
0
3
1
Case taken by
@foeireland.bsky.social
@clientearth.bsky.social
& Friends of the Irish Environment against energy regulator over new data centre policy
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Environmental groups seek High Court review of fossil-fuel allowances for data centres
Case is being taken against the energy regulator which gave go-ahead to new data centres last December
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/03/11/environmental-groups-seek-high-court-review-of-policy-to-expand-data-centres/
about 1 month ago
1
24
9
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026...
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Journalism prize established in memory of hit-and-run victim Joe Drennan
University of Limerick and The Irish Times announce award for third-level students across Ireland
https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/03/07/journalism-prize-established-in-memory-of-hit-and-run-victim-joe-drennan/
about 1 month ago
0
0
0
An Taisce seeks judicial review of nitrates action programme - new challenge launched to latest version of the programme
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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An Taisce seeks judicial review of nitrates action programme
Water protection plan has repeatedly failed to safeguard waterways from farm pollution, group says
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/03/09/an-taisce-seeks-judicial-review-of-nitrates-action-programme/
about 1 month ago
0
12
5
A step towards Ireland's first Nature Restoration Plan - communities have their say on what must be done
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Grief, anger and lack of trust expressed in community meetings on Nature Restoration Plan
Plan must have clear and enforceable targets, says advisory committee
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/03/09/grief-anger-and-lack-of-trust-expressed-in-community-meetings-on-nature-restoration-plan/
about 1 month ago
0
11
4
The rains have stopped (for now) but the costs of two months of downpours and a storm continue to mount in many different ways
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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After the deluge: How two months of rain affected motorists, flyers, sports clubs and cows
âItâs been the worst experience we have had weather-wise in the last 30-odd yearsâ
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2026/03/09/after-the-deluge-two-months-of-persistent-rain-and-its-impact/
about 1 month ago
0
1
0
In Science & Climate in
@irishtimes.com
,
@thinkorswim.bsky.social
finds la pura vida in Costa Rica.....
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Costa Rica gets back to nature after decades of deforestation
Paying farmers to swap cattle for conservation has helped sway the balance in biodiversityâs favour
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/03/05/costa-rica-gets-back-to-nature-after-decades-of-deforestation/
about 1 month ago
1
15
7
Low smoke doesn't mean low risk - research into smokeless and low-smoke fuels led by
@ovadnevaite.bsky.social
at
@uniofgalway.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/health/2026/...
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Smokeless fuels cause health risks as previously unknown pollutants found
Study led by Irish scientists shows low-smoke fuels at least double emissions of toxic ultrafine particles
https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2026/03/02/smokeless-fuels-cause-health-risks-as-previously-unknown-pollutants-found/
about 2 months ago
0
10
6
In the current Science & Climate in
@irishtimes.com
, Sylvia Thompson meets women who want to nurture nature and nutrition as they farm while......
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Women farmers for climate: âWe are passionate about soil health, animal care, biodiversityâ
A recent event, Rooted in Strength: Women, Climate and Food Justice, celebrated women farmers
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/02/26/women-farmers-have-big-ambitions-for-a-world-of-small-local-producers/
about 2 months ago
1
6
3
From buying temporary bridge kits for replacing washed away crossings to fending off rockfalls, bog shifts and sea level rise - transport chiefs warn of need to prepare roads network for climate change
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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The Irish roads and bridges most at-risk from intensifying extreme weather
Transport Infrastructure Ireland analysis shows climate change threatens national routes, from motorways to rural âlifelineâ roads
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2026/02/28/climate-proofing-irish-roads-and-bridges-historical-design-may-no-longer-be-appropriate/
about 2 months ago
1
13
6
Concerns raised by UN rapporteur
@michelforst.bsky.social
with Government and Gardai about this case
www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co...
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Quarry sues environmental activist who lodged planning objections against it
Company owner claims defamation and wants An Garda SiochĂĄna to hand over activistâs complaints
https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/02/26/quarry-sues-environmental-activist-who-lodged-planning-objections-against-it/
about 2 months ago
1
3
1
Home buyouts should be option for victims of repeat floods, Minister says
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026...
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Home buyouts should be option for victims of repeat floods, Minister says
James Browne outlined how State intervention could be most cost-effective solution for homeowners and communities
https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/02/26/home-buyouts-should-be-option-for-victims-of-repeat-floods-minister-says/
about 2 months ago
1
4
0
Countryâs largest wastewater plant finally working as intended after âŹ550m improvements
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Countryâs largest wastewater plant finally working as intended after âŹ550m improvements
Ringsend plant now has headroom for Dublinâs growth but extra capacity will soon be used up
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/02/26/countrys-largest-wastewater-plant-finally-working-as-intended-after-550m-improvements/
about 2 months ago
0
5
1
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Voucher scheme to encourage repair of consumer goods to be piloted next year
Circular economy strategy aims to cut waste and increase reuse and recycling
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/02/24/voucher-scheme-to-encourage-repair-of-consumer-goods-to-be-piloted-next-year/
about 2 months ago
0
4
3
In the current Science & Climate section of
@irishtimes.com
, Anthony King talks to Eamonn Keogh about marrying computer science and movie magic to develop pest control for California's valuable almond crops.....
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Mission improbable: Dublinerâs spyware innovation helps save Californiaâs nut farmers
Prof Eamonn Keoghâs movie-inspired sensor can help identify major nut pest through its wing beats
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/02/19/mission-improbable-dubliners-spyware-innovation-helps-save-californias-nut-farmers/
about 2 months ago
1
3
1
Flood risk: Why did regulator have to ask minister to block zoning for housing 30 times since 2019?
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/hous...
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Flood risk: Why did regulator have to ask minister to block zoning for housing 30 times since 2019?
Cases show tensions between advisers and councillors over building on land that is at risk of flooding
https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2026/02/21/flood-risk-why-did-regulator-have-to-ask-minister-to-block-zoning-for-housing-30-times-since-2019/
about 2 months ago
0
6
8
Government failing to consider how key policies are damaging climate, says UN expert
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Government failing to consider how key policies are damaging climate, says UN expert
Plans for LNG, Dublin Airport passenger cap and data-centre expansion âneed scrutinyâ
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2026/02/21/government-failing-to-consider-how-key-policies-are-damaging-climate-says-un-expert/
about 2 months ago
0
10
8
Inside the Dublin data centres consuming an unknown amount of energy
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Inside the Dublin data centres consuming an unknown amount of energy
Software giant Microsoftâs electricity demands remain a source of contention, in particular when it comes to powering AI
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/02/18/inside-the-dublin-data-centres-consuming-an-unknown-amount-of-energy/
about 2 months ago
1
3
1
Experts express âextreme concernâ over delay to climate action plan
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Experts express âextreme concernâ over delay to climate action plan
Minister says plan is coming, but academics say there is no justification for holdup
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2026/02/17/climate-experts-express-extreme-concern-over-delay-to-climate-action-plan/
about 2 months ago
0
2
2
Telling councillors they must not try to put housing on flood plains is a "frequent theme" in communications from the planning regulator
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026...
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Councillors tried to zone 288 flood-prone sites for development in past six years
Planning regulator intervened 93 times to stop zoning on sites in nine counties, with more interventions still under way
https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/02/17/councillors-tried-to-zone-288-flood-prone-sites-for-development-in-past-six-years/
about 2 months ago
2
37
13
Where is Ireland at with flood defences and what's holding them up?
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Most âpriorityâ flood defences have still not entered planning after eight years
Thirty-one of 54 big projects deemed priority works in 2018 remain on the drawing board
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/02/14/most-priority-flood-defences-have-still-not-entered-planning-after-eight-years/
2 months ago
1
7
4
EU report on Munster Blackwater fish kill calls for 24-hr monitoring of rivers over 100km long, more coordinated crisis response, trained public 'water wardens' & tighter industrial pollution licences
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Rivers must be monitored continuously to prevent ârepeat of Blackwater fish killâ
Valuable time lost in raising alert on the incident, notes review by European Union scientists
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/02/13/rivers-must-be-monitored-continuously-to-prevent-repeat-of-blackwater-fish-kill/
2 months ago
0
18
10
In this week's Science & Climate in
@irishtimes.com
,
@whittledaway.bsky.social
looks at Ireland's laws, plans - and inaction - on controlling invasive species..........
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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âWe donât have a planâ: Invasive species take hold as action lags legislation
Sitka spruce, sika deer and common garden plants are all invasive species with potential to cause harm to native varieties
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/02/12/we-dont-have-a-plan-invasive-species-take-hold-as-implementation-lags-legislation/
2 months ago
1
10
8
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Experts call for tighter air pollution rules as tougher standards loom
Irelandâs air quality meets existing requirements but falls short of new criteria
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/02/08/experts-call-for-tighter-air-pollution-rules-as-tougher-standards-loom/
2 months ago
0
5
1
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026...
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âShockingâ: Taskforce to tackle high electricity prices has met just three times
Record disclosed to Sinn FĂ©in TD Pa Daly, who said it was a âtalking shopâ to deflect from crisis
https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/02/08/taskforce-to-tackle-high-electricity-prices-has-met-just-three-times/
2 months ago
0
0
1
A look at the Coolglass ruling with input from
@orlakelleher.bsky.social
@lnbdublin.bsky.social
@oisincoghlan.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
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Supreme Court ruling on wind farms requires all public bodies to consider climate impacts
Judgment states public bodies must try to act in line with national climate targets
https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2026/02/06/supreme-court-ruling-on-wind-farms-requires-all-public-bodies-to-consider-climate-impacts/
2 months ago
0
11
7
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