Antóin McDermott 
The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN), a network of twenty five of Ireland’s leading environmental organisations, reacted to today’s EPA Water Quality report by calling on Government to come up with an effective plan to address Ireland’s escalating water pollution crisis. The report highlights that almost half (46%) our surface waters are unhealthy, and trending in … Read more
Six nations have come together to find solutions to the challenges nature is facing across the Irish Sea. Collaboration across national borders is essential to achieve a well-managed and ecologically coherent network of Marine Protected Areas and truly sustainable fisheries across the Irish Sea. Strategic regional planning with ecosystems at the heart of decision making … Read more
The Environmental Pillar, the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition and the Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) have voiced concern that almost no consideration is being given to the water pollution, air pollution, biodiversity loss and food security issues associated with agricultural intensification in the ongoing deliberations on the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings for the Agricultural sector. A 22% … Read more
Throughout June we asked people to post photos of their water environment and to include text in their posts that tagged Minister O’Brien and Minister Noonan asking for more ambitious River Basin Management Plan and to adopt our asks in the plan. Many fantastic photo posts were put out. Some showing how beautiful and wonderful … Read more
The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) today launched a campaign outside Leinster House calling for the government to strengthen its draft plan for managing Ireland’s inland and coastal waters. The network of 25 environmental NGOS are deeply alarmed at the prospect of another weak water plan being published that will condemn our rivers, lakes and coasts … Read more
A SWAN commissioned research report released today which looks at Ireland’s plan for its marine area, the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF), has found that its lack of adequate spatial planning means the mistakes of poor planning on land risk being repeated at sea. The report further finds that the plan fails to meet a … Read more
Ukraine war should not be used to undermine transition to sustainable food production Civil society organisations call for urgent reassessment of Ireland’s role in global food security – highlighting risks and concerns with current food policies The Stop Climate Chaos coalition, the Environmental Pillar, and the Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) have just written to the Minister for … Read more
The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) today criticised the government’s draft plan 1 for managing Ireland’s inland and coastal waters as completely lacking in the strong ambition, measures and targets needed to restore our waters to good health. The River Basin Management Plan1, is the third since 2009, and is the key tool for the government … Read more
Leading national environmental groups have joined forces to launch a new campaign to rapidly expand Marine Protected Areas in Irish Waters and SWAN is delighted to be a partner in the campaign. The Fair Seas campaign is calling for at least 10% of Irish waters to be designated as ‘Fully Protected’ by 2025 and at … Read more
The recently passed Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act is set to be a lose-lose situation for both the climate and biodiversity crises. Given fundamental issues within the act and Ireland’s marine spatial plan, the National Marine Planning Framework, the resulting decision-making system will be deeply problematic for all stakeholders, including those hoping for massive expansion … Read more