George Lee

Environment Correspondent

In 2024, emissions from electricity and transport went down, while heat-related emissions went up

Energy-related emissions at lowest level in 30 years

Greenhouse gas emissions from Ireland's usage of energy are now at their lowest level for more than 30 years after falling for a third consecutive year.

Ireland • 21 May

The study concluded that smartphone users had a 46% increased risk for haemorrhoids than non-users (stock pic)

Study: Phone use on toilet increases risk of haemorrhoids

A new scientific study has found that using smartphones on the toilet increases the risk of haemorrhoids.

Health • 14 May

There are nearly half a million septic tanks in Ireland

56% of septic tanks fail to meet required standard - EPA

More than half of 1,400 domestic septic tanks inspected by local authorities last year failed to meet the required standard.

Ireland • 14 May

Uisce Éireann said the action is being taken to 'safeguard water supplies for essential purposes'

Hosepipe ban for three areas set to start next week

Six-week-long hosepipe bans are to be introduced in three areas from next Tuesday due to historically low water levels.

Ireland • 02 May

The entitlement to access dynamic electricity pricing was legislated in 2022, but has been delayed until June next year

Delays over smart meter data access 'disappointing'

The Climate Change Advisory Council is calling on the Government to make the legal and regulatory changes needed so customers can easily access their smart meter data to help lower electricity bills and reduce peak electricity demand.

Ireland • 01 May

David Brennan urged the Government to act faster with more ambition and imagination, to accelerate the development of the offshore wind industry

Wind farms can deliver 'sustainable' jobs - businessman

An Irish businessman, whose company is installing the largest offshore wind farm in the world at Dogger Bank in the North Sea, has said the Government should see supporting the offshore wind industry as an investment rather than a cost to the State.

Ireland • 30 Apr

The Government plans to build enough new wind farms offshore to generate five gigawatts of electricity by 2030

Offshore wind: Promises of thousands of new jobs

RTÉ's Environment Correspondent George Lee examines how feasible the Government's offshore wind ambitions are alongside the economic benefits of the sector.

Analysis and Comment • 29 Apr

Pope Francis greets Swedish teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg, right, during his weekly general audience in St Peter's Square, at the Vatican, on 17 April 2019

Climate justice central to Francis's message

Pope Francis was one of the greatest climate champions we have ever had.

Pope Francis • 21 Apr

The interconnector will deliver up to 500MW of power into the national grid

Ireland-Wales electricity interconnector up and running

A major new electricity interconnector linking Ireland and Wales is now up and running and has been officially launched in Co Wexford.

Ireland • 17 Apr

There was severe flooding in Valencia, Spain in November last year

Europe is fastest-warming continent, say weather agencies

Severe storms and flooding across Europe last year impacted 413,000 people with 335 lives lost while a total of 42,000 people were impacted by wildfires, according to a report.

Climate Change • 15 Apr