Antóin McDermott 
Ireland currently has the opportunity to enact a previously overturned fisheries policy which was one of the most important conservation measures for marine ecosystems and local fishing communities in the state’s history, and SWAN calls on the public to voice their support. The Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) has opened a public … Read more
Fair Seas research finds half of Irish waters are more resilient to effects of global warming A new report has been published by Fair Seas highlighting key Irish marine areas that can promote biodiversity in the face of the impact of worsening climate change. The coalition of leading environmental NGOs and networks has commissioned research … Read more
A group of 13 conservation bodies across all the Irish Sea nations, known collectively as the Irish Sea Network [1] , is urging planners in all six nations bordering the Irish Sea to collaborate and cooperate for the sake of nature. In a report out today [2], the Network calls for planners to work together … Read more
The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) and the Environmental Pillar at a meeting with Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius today urged him to stick with the decision to reduce Ireland’s derogation limit to 220 kg nitrogen per hectare. “We impressed upon Commissioner Sinkevičius that we have reached a critical point in tackling water quality in Ireland,” said An … Read more
The Environmental Pillar and the Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) are urgently seeking a meeting with Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius to discuss Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation during his visit to Ireland on Nov 23rd. It is important that the Commissioner comes away from Ireland with a balanced and informed view of civil society’s attitude to the Commission’s position … Read more
The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) has echoed the criticism by the EPA on Uisce Éireann’s slow pace on stopping sewage pollution, and the call on Uisce Éireann to “use its new investment plan to end pollution of our rivers and coastal waters from waste water” [1]. This follows the recent publication of a report from … Read more
Fair Seas Coalition deliver 11,758 signature petition calling for urgent legislation A coalition of Ireland’s leading environmental NGOs has strongly criticised the government for failing to publish key legislation that would protect Irish seas and help tackle the twin climate and biodiversity crises. Presenting a petition of 11,758 signatures from Ireland to Minister of State … Read more
Fair Seas has published the results of its first Ocean Literacy Survey which highlights that 76% of Irish people believe “lack of political will to protect or manage the ocean effectively” is the greatest threat to Ireland’s seas. Ocean literacy is the understanding of our individual and collective impact on the ocean and its impact on our … Read more
A short film featuring the views of local communities from Donegal and Sligo who depend on the sea to make a living is set to receive its online premiere next week. ‘Fair Seas: The Atlantic Northwest’ has been selected as part of the Northern Ireland Inheritance Film Festival which gets underway on Monday, September 18th. … Read more
Press Release: The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN), a network of 25 environmental organisations, has welcomed the European Commission’s decision to reduce the limits on organic nitrates use on certain farms in Ireland last week. However, they have warned against the continual lack of government leadership in planning for such changes, and failure to prepare and … Read more