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
New rules to prevent illegal timber being sold on the European market have come into force across the EU. The legislation will strengthen efforts to halt illegal logging, which causes serious environmental damage and biodiversity loss and undermines the efforts of those trying to manage forests responsibly. The Regulation, which was first proposed by the … Read more
The European Commission is asking Ireland to comply with a ruling by the EU’s Court of Justice regarding waste disposal. While good progress has been made in some instances, more action is needed in areas such as construction waste and end-of-life vehicles. If the necessary actions were not taken, the Commission may take Ireland back … Read more
The European Commission has launched a web-based consultation to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders on policy options for the European Union’s post-2010 EU biodiversity strategy. Opinions are sought from citizens, stakeholders, public administrations, business and civil society on issues including the shortcomings of the existing biodiversity policy, the new approach that the … Read more
The European Commission today approved grants to restore raised bogs in County Westmeath and to improve water quality in the Special Conservation Area river, the Upper Blackwater in County Cork. The grants will be paid to Coillte in Westmeath and ‘Integrated Resource Development’ in Cork. Ireland’s raised bogs represent some of the finest examples of … Read more
A new report funded by the European Commission makes a strong case for integrating biodiversity into private sector business plans and core activities around the globe. The report reveals considerable recent growth in eco-certified products and services, growing consumer concerns for sustainable production, and shows how biodiversity can provide a substantial business opportunity in a … Read more
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation of the EU. EIAs are carried out to make sure that the environmental impact of projects is taken into account before final decisions are made. Plans for roads, waste installations, power stations and a range of other projects must go … Read more