George Lee

Environment Correspondent

River Slaney bursts its banks in Enniscorthy

Climate body chair criticises govts for ignoring warnings

The chair of the Adaptation Committee of the Climate Change Advisory Council has said that if governments had heeded their warnings in the past and implemented just a proportion of them in full, the country would "not be in the mess it is now".

Climate Change • 01 Apr

A picture taken outside North Cork Creameries

Cork co-op inspected 50 times last year - EPA report

The Environmental Protection Agency has reported that environmental compliance at licensed industrial sites was good last year, but persistent challenges remain in the food and waste sectors.

Ireland • 25 Mar

Over 70,140 vacant dwellings in Ireland in Q4 2024 - CSO

New figures from the Central Statistics Office show that there was 70,149 vacant dwellings in Ireland in the final quarter of 2024.

Ireland • 24 Mar

Earth's climate shows record energy imbalance - WMO

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the Earth's climate is more out of balance than at any time in observed history, as greenhouse gas concentrations drive continued warming of the atmosphere and ocean and melting of ice.

Climate Change • 23 Mar

Cables link servers in a controlled environment inside a datae centre.

Environment groups seek to overturn data centre decision

Three environmental groups will seek leave in the High Court to lodge an appeal for a judicial review of a major decision about data centres made by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities last December.

Environment • 23 Mar

CAMS says the higher level of dangerous particulates is being driven by increased ammonia emissions caused by spreading agricultural fertilisers during stagnant weather conditions (file pic)

Warning that air quality to deteriorate over coming days

The European Union body that monitors atmospheric conditions has warned that air quality across several European countries, including Ireland, will deteriorate over the next few days.

Europe • 20 Mar

Home energy upgrades: Perfect the enemy of good

Many are asking whether it is worth their while at all investing in a home energy upgrade, writes Environment Correspondent George Lee.

Analysis and Comment • 15 Mar

Rise in wind, solar capacity connected to national grid

An additional 189 megawatts of wind and solar capacity was connected to the electricity grid during the first two months of this year.

Climate Change • 12 Mar

Ireland 'lagging' on home heating retrofit targets - ESRI

A new report from the Economic and Social Research Institute has found that Ireland is "lagging considerably behind", and unlikely to meet, the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan for decarbonising residential heat.

Climate Change • 10 Mar

'Vitally important' initiative to protect marine wildlife

A new initiative aimed at protecting Ireland's most spectacular marine wildlife will be trialled by tour operators in Cork and Kerry over the coming months.

Environment • 05 Mar