Ireland, and Galway in particular, has seen the signing of an historic agreement between the EU, the US and Canada, all of whom share a North Atlantic coastline. The ‘Galway Statement on Atlantic Ocean Cooperation’ was signed recently at a high level conference at the Irish Marine Institute in Galway. Taoiseach Enda Kenny, attended the … Read more
A restriction on the use of three pesticides belonging to the neonicotinoid family has been adopted by the European Commission. These pesticides (clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiametoxam) were identified as being harmful toEurope’s honeybee population. This restriction will enter into force as from 1 December 2013 and will be reviewed, at the latest, within two years. … Read more
A survey of European regions that have developed sustainable freight transport systems is expected to be completed in the coming weeks as part of a research project aimed at exploring how the Limerick-Shannon Gateway could be developed as a Sustainable Gateway for freight transport. In 2012, the Mid West Regional Authority (MWRA), in conjunction with … Read more
94 % of bathing water in the European Union now meets the minimum quality standards. The latest EU bathing water report shows that water quality at Europe’s most popular summer destinations was generally good – Spain, Italy and Portugal had more than 80 % of sites with excellent water quality. In Ireland, 97% of the … Read more
As part of the 45th Conference of Irish Geographers, Professor David Harvey, a leading theorist in the field of urban studies, will deliver a keynote lecture on Friday, 17 May at 5.30pm in the Engineering Building, NUI Galway. David Harvey is Distinguished Professor of Anthropology and Geography at the Graduate Centre of the City University … Read more
To celebrate the wonders of Ireland’s nature and wildlife, over 70 free events will be held during National Biodiversity Week from 18 to 26 May. From beaches and bogs to forests and mountains, there are exciting events and activities to suit all ages. “This is a great opportunity to get out explore the variety of … Read more
EU Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard has visited Kilbarrack Fire Station in Dublin because it is the only carbon neutral fire station in Europe. In order to become carbon neutral, a range of measures were implemented at the station to reduce energy consumption. These included installation of a high efficiency gas boiler with heating … Read more
WWF has welcomed the adoption of key conservation measures for oceanic white-tip sharks, whale sharks and cetaceans following the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) annual meeting in Mauritius. IOTC member states agreed on important measures for the management of tuna fisheries and other vulnerable species such as White-tip sharks, which are not to be retained … Read more
The UK Green Investment Bank (GIB) has committed funds to 11 transactions with a total value of £2.3 billion in its priority sectors of offshore wind, energy efficiency and waste. The GIB has directly committed £635 million, resulting in a funding ratio that sees £1 from GIB mobilising almost £3 of private sector money. Once … Read more
The European Commission has adopted a new strategy for encouraging the use of green infrastructure, and for ensuring that the enhancement of natural processes becomes a systematic part of spatial planning. Green Infrastructure is a tried and tested tool that uses nature to provide ecological, economic and social benefits. Instead of building flood protection infrastructure, … Read more