George Lee

Environment Correspondent

The SEAI says more progress is needed to achieve 2030 emissions targets

Ireland needs to break link with fossil fuels, says SEAI

A new report from the SEAI says that although energy related emissions in Ireland have fallen by 16% since 2018, the country has not broken the link between economic growth and fossil fuel use in a meaningful way.

Climate Change • 17 Dec

An aerial view of the Parteen Basin on the River Shannon

Plans to be submitted for largest-ever water project

Uisce Éireann has announced that it will submit a planning application next week for the largest-ever water project in Irish history.

Ireland • 12 Dec

EU seeking financial sanctions on Ireland over wastewater

The European Commission is to refer Ireland back to the European Court of Justice and is seeking financial sanctions to be imposed because of Ireland's failure to comply with a 2019 court judgement for breaching of the EU Urban Wastewater Directive.

Ireland • 11 Dec

European pine marten (Martes martes) on tree trunk in forest showing big paws with semi-retractable claws for climbing trees

90% of Ireland's habitats deemed in poor condition

A new report has found that 90% of Ireland's EU-protected habitats are in 'unfavourable' conservation status, with 51% showing deteriorating trends across their national ranges.

Environment • 11 Dec

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions couldn't be more urgent

The need to reduce or "mitigate" greenhouse gas emissions, to limit the rise in global temperatures could not be more urgent, writes George Lee.

Analysis and Comment • 23 Nov

Minister for Climate Darragh O'Brien speaking at COP30

COP30 negotiations at difficult stage, says minister

Minister for Climate Energy and Environment, Darragh O'Brien, who is attending the COP30 summit at Belem in Brazil has said the climate negotiations have reached a difficult stage.

Climate Change • 21 Nov

'Unstoppable momentum' toward renewables, says Robinson

Former President for Ireland and now member of the Elders Mary Robinson has said that although there is a lot of momentum and energy at the COP30 climate negotiations in Belém, a good final decision has not yet been reached.

Climate Change • 20 Nov

Tina Stege (C), Climate Envoy for the Marshall Islands, delivers a press conference on the fossil fuel phase-out alongside representatives from more than a dozen countries during the COP30 UN Climate Change Conference in Belem

Ireland wants 'road map to end fossil fuel use'

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien, who is leading the Irish delegation at COP30 in Belem Brazil this week, has said Ireland wants to see the phasing out of fossil fuels included in whatever text agreement comes about at COP30 over the coming days.

World • 18 Nov

Minister for Climate Darragh O'Brien speaking to RTÉ News in Brazil

Maximum rooftop solar panels grant to remain at €1,800

The Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy has confirmed that the maximum grant for rooftop solar panels for homes will remain at €1,800 next year.

Climate • 17 Nov

Thousands of people take part in the so-called "Great People's March" in the sidelines of the COP30 UN Climate Change Conference in Belem

COP30 focus about to switch to high-stakes diplomacy

The focus of COP30 is about to shift from technical drafting of proposed agreements and declarations to tricky high-stakes diplomacy and decision-making, writes George Lee.

Analysis and Comment • 16 Nov