Ireland

Commission Refers Ireland to Court Over Incomplete Environmental Impact Assessment Laws

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The European Commission is urging Ireland to bring its national legislation on assessing the effects of projects on the environment into line with EU rules. Despite considerable interaction with the Commission, legislation on environmental impact assessments in Ireland still contains shortcomings. A fundamental objective of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (EIA Directive) is to ensure … Read more

New Survey Reveals Irish Attitudes to Water

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In a survey of attitudes to water, including how to pay for it, 49% of Irish respondents agreed that water users should be charged – but thought there should be measures in place to prevent negative social effects. Sixty-three per cent of Irish respondents agreed that the price of water should reflect the environmental impact … Read more

Ireland Meeting Most EU Waste Recovery and Recycling Targets

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Ireland is well advanced in achieving most of the EU waste recovery and recycling targets, with the exception of end of life vehicle targets, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Waste Report 2010. The economic downturn is having a marked influence on municipal waste generation, which has decreased by 16 per cent since … Read more

EU Gas Market – Commission Refers Ireland and the UK to Court

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The European Commission considers that Ireland and the United Kingdom are not fully in line with EU gas market rules and has decided to refer these countries to the Court of Justice of the European Union. The best way for ensuring security of supply and affordable energy prices is to have a competitive internal EU … Read more

Another Award for OpenHydro

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Irish tidal energy technology company, OpenHydro, has been honoured at the 2011 Ireland France Business Awards for its outstanding company performance in 2011 and promotion of bilateral trade and investment between Ireland and France. OpenHydro was selected as The Best Irish Company in France owing to its major technological breakthrough in the area of tidal … Read more

European Commission Asks Ireland to Recover Costs of All Water Services

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The European Commission is concerned that Ireland has incorrectly implemented the concept of water services as described in EU water legislation – leading to inappropriate water pricing. The Commission is sending Ireland a reasoned opinion to ask it to adjust its national legislation accordingly. If Ireland fails to reply within two months, the Commission may … Read more

Anglo-Irish Deal Opens Potential For €1.6 Billion Renewable Energy Export Industry

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The Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) has welcomed the signing of an historic deal between Ireland and the UK Government that will potentially pave the way for exploiting Ireland’s unique wind energy resources. Both Governments have agreed to co-operate on developing the major wind and marine resource in and around Ireland, the Channel Islands and … Read more

EC Urges Ireland to Act Swiftly to Improve Protection of Peat Bogs

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The European Commission is asking Ireland to take urgent action to improve the implementation of legislation that protects peat bog habitats. The Commission is concerned that peat extraction is ongoing in numerous protected Natura 2000 sites, despite letters sent out by the Irish authorities. Scientists have warned that up to 35% of certain priority habitats … Read more

EPA Welcomes IPCC Special Report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation

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The EPA has welcomed publication of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Renewable Energy sources and Climate Change mitigation (SRREN). The report shows that global potential for renewable energy is substantially higher than both current and projected future global energy demand. This is the case globally and in most regions of … Read more

Irish Energy Policy Reviewed

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The economic crisis, the evolving EU policy context and recent developments in technology require new approaches to domestic energy policy, according to a new report – A Review of Irish Energy Policy – by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). While the objectives of policy remain the enhancement of competitiveness, ensuring a secure energy … Read more