George Lee

Environment Correspondent

Some 90% of complaints received by the Environmental Protection Agency related to odour and noise

Drop in complaints to EPA with majority over odour, noise

There was a 29% reduction in the number of complaints made to the Environmental Protection Agency last year, according to a new report.

Ireland • 27 Mar 24

The project is a world-first effort to prove that marine biodiversity can be enhanced by a marriage of eco-engineering and environmental sustainability

'World-first' project to boost Dublin Port biodiversity

A series of massive concrete blocks imprinted with a mould of the rock face and topography of the shoreline of Ringaskiddy in Co Cork has been deposited along the Great South Wall in Dublin to boost biodiversity and enhance the number of fish species in Dublin Port.

Ireland • 23 Mar 24

Wherever there was a big news story anywhere in the world Charlie Bird was there

My friend Charlie: Reflections on a 'special journalist'

In some ways we were an unlikely partnership, Charlie Bird and me. Charlie himself described his own approach as being like a dog with a bone. And that is so true. He never gave up on a story. Ever.

Analysis and Comment • 18 Mar 24

White-tailed eagles are a rare and endangered species (file photo)

Rare white-tailed eagle found dead in Co Roscommon

The National Parks and National Parks Service (NPWS) has launched an investigation following the recent discovery of a dead white-tailed eagle near Cranberry Lough in south Roscommon and is appealing to the public for any information that might help.

Connacht • 15 Mar 24

The directive requires member states to protect designated habitats from harmful activities

Ireland referred to ECJ over protection of bogs

The European Commission has referred Ireland to the EU Court of Justice for failing to halt the continued cutting of peat in areas designated to conserve raised bogs and blanket bogs.

Environment • 13 Mar 24

A forest with ferns in the foreground in Co Kerry, Ireland (file image)

Miyawaki method shows dense Irish forest can grow rapidly

A small forestry experiment by a community group in Co Galway has shown that dense forestry can be grown very rapidly in Ireland, without the need for digging, provided the ground is primed with manure and nutrients a year ahead of planting.

Climate Change • 08 Mar 24

The survey found that people are less supportive of climate actions that affect their spending choices, including higher taxes on motor fuels

Less support for climate actions which affect spending

A national survey by the EPA has found that although Irish people have become increasingly worried about severe storms and extreme heat, they have become less supportive of climate actions that affect their spending choices.

Environment • 28 Feb 24

The enterprise sector accounts for about 12% of Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions (file image)

SMEs need Govt support to meet climate goals, says CAI

Chartered Accountants Ireland has said individual businesses are not clear about what they can do in terms of investing in equipment, staff training, and the new sources of energy required for them to play their part in transitioning to a carbon neutral society.

Ireland • 22 Feb 24

Trihalomethanes are formed by the reaction of naturally occurring dissolved organic material in the water and chlorine, which is used for disinfection purposes

Water with THMs safe to drink - Uisce Éireann

Uisce Éireann has said it is important to reassure customers that the water from supplies on the remedial action list for Trihalomethane chemicals is safe to drink.

Ireland • 12 Feb 24

Kadri Simson said that the development of Ireland's offshore wind energy potential will help Irish consumers (file pic)

EU's underground gas storage facilities full, says Simson

The European Energy Commissioner has emphasised that Russia no longer has leverage to manipulate Europe's energy market as as happened after the invasion of Ukraine because, right now, the EU's underground gas storage facilities are full.

Europe • 09 Feb 24