March 2019 eZine fixed

6th March 2019
Apologies for the last version. The software that we use to send eZines is pernickety. If you are looking at this in your email, then the best way to view this eZine is to click on the link ‘This eZine is best viewed in a browser’
4th March 2019

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is one of the most ambitious pieces of environmental legislation ever enacted in Europe. It underpins the protection of our rivers, lakes and coastal waters, and obliges member states to improve the quality of these by 2021.

4th March 2019

Members should be aware of an important public consultation, which is underway for Heritage Ireland 2030. This document will set out the financial, legislative and regulatory measures which will protect biodiversity, landscape and cultural heritage in Ireland for the decade ahead.

An Taisce believe it is of paramount importance to highlight the importance of nature in this consultation. The consultation document does not, in any way, acknowledge the dire state of our natural environment, nor does it outline a clear path to address the challenges we face.

4th March 2019

The President, MIchael D Higgins made a speech at the recent Biodiversity Conference that shows that not only does he get the problems but he also knows the reasons. Also note his call out of An Taisce and his soundbite of the year “If we were coal miners, we would be up to our knees in dead canaries.”

Speech by President Michael D. Higgins
National Biodiversity Conference
Dublin Castle

Thursday, 21st February, 2019

25th February 2019

Ireland’s Draft National Energy & Climate Plan (NECP) requires urgent revision by the end of this year to ensure that the finalised Plan includes ambitious plans for substantial and sustained reductions in annual GHG emissions, according to a hard-hitting submission by An Taisce, Ireland’s National Trust [1].

Crucially, the Draft NECP fails to deliver energy or agriculture emission reduction, or any coherent climate action aligned with Ireland’s commitments under the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

25th February 2019

The Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht has initiated a public consultation for the new Skellig Michael World Heritage Site Management Plan 2019-2029 to replace the 2008-2018 plan.

An Taisce, in its submission, has highlighted the combination of Climate Change, impact of 50% increase in annual visitors since adoption of the 2008 plan, the protection of bird life, and appropriate tourism promotion and management as overarching considerations for the decade ahead. [1]

12th February 2019

Bombshell for Irish Beef, Dairy Sectors on Carbon Emissions

New data published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reveal that Ireland is the most carbon-intensive beef producer in Europe, and ranks as Europe’s third highest on emissions from its dairy sector.