George Lee

Environment Correspondent

The official bathing season will begin in two weeks time

Majority of bathing water locations of high quality - EPA

The quality of bathing water in Ireland is high, the Environmental Protection Agency has said, with just over two weeks to go to the start of the official bathing season.

Environment • 16 May 24

The law would set legal requirements to restore degraded habitats

Ireland leads call for EU to adopt Nature Restoration Law

Ireland is leading a call for European Union member states to vote to adopt the controversial Nature Restoration Law at the next EU council meeting in June.

Environment • 14 May 24

Today's report is the first ever statutory sectoral review of Ireland's electricity sector by the Climate Change Advisory Council

Ireland 'lost year' on renewable electricity development

The Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council has said that Ireland effectively lost a "whole year" in relation to the roll-out of sustainable electricity development last year, as there was no planning approval given for wind farms last year before September.

Ireland • 13 May 24

The EPA has warned that failure to fix faulty septic tanks cannot be allowed to continue and that enforcement by local authorities is inconsistent and needs to improve

45% of septic tanks failed inspections last year - EPA

Nearly half of all septic tanks tested in Ireland in 2023 failed inspections, according to a report by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Environment • 09 May 24

A reservoir in southern Spain in drought last December

Global temperature records broken for 11 months in a row

The average global surface air temperature last month was warmer than any previous April on record, according to the latest monthly report from the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Climate Change • 08 May 24

Europe's ability to secure the battery supply for its transformation to e-cars is woefully at risk, according to the report

E-car prices need to halve to win over mass market - ECA

The European Court of Auditors has said that electric car prices would need to halve to ensure they are adopted by the mass market.

Europe • 23 Apr 24

A firefighter battles a wildfire on Rhodes in Greece last July

Europe is fastest warming continent on Earth - report

There has been a 30% increase in heat-related mortality in Europe over the past 20 years, a new report from the EU Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organisation has said.

Environment • 22 Apr 24

Uisce Éireann says it fixes about 2,000 leaks every month (Stock image)

Reducing leaks not enough to save Dublin's water supply

Uisce Éireann says 33% of drinking water in the Greater Dublin Area is lost to leaks before it ever reaches taps.

Analysis and Comment • 05 Apr 24

A total of 85% of Dublin's water comes from a single source - the River Liffey

Public urged to conserve water amid high Dublin demand

Experts warn the Greater Dublin Area is heading for a future with regular hosepipe bans, water restrictions, night-time shutdowns and year-round water conservation appeals, writes George Lee.

Ireland • 05 Apr 24

An aerial view of the Parteen basin area of the Shannon, where it is proposed the water for Dublin will come from

Fast action needed amid pressure on water supplies

After 25 years of searching for a solution to Dublin's dwindling water supplies, action is needed now, writes George Lee.

Analysis and Comment • 05 Apr 24