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The Marine Strategy Framework Directive- what is it and how did SWAN respond to the 2024 report? 

In July, the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) launched the “Public consultation on Ireland’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive Marine Strategy Part 1: Assessment (Article 8), Determination of Good Environmental Status (Article 9) and Environmental Targets (Article 10),” to which SWAN submitted a response in September.  The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is … Read more

Water Action Plan a missed opportunity to tackle water pollution

The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN), a network of 25 environmental organisations, has called the new Water Action Plan, published by the Government today, a failed opportunity to introduce the strong measures needed to tackle water pollution and other damage to our rivers, lakes, and coastal habitats.   Almost half our waters (46%) are currently unhealthy or … Read more

EPA water report shows far stronger measures needed to tackle water pollution.

The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) reacted to today’s EPA Water Indicator Report by calling on the Government to put in place far stronger measures to address Ireland’s water pollution crisis and tackle ongoing pollution from agriculture and forestry run-off, and discharges of raw and inadequately treated human sewage. The report highlights that nearly half of … Read more

Help stop destructive fish trawling in Ireland’s inshore waters by supporting a ban on large trawlers.

bottom trawler fishing boat with net and fish

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

Report Shows All Irish Inshore Waters Will Be Under Pressure From Climate Change By The End Of This Century

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

SWAN and Environmental Pillar meets with Commissioner Sinkevičius and urges him to stay the course on Nitrates Derogation

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

Environmental Pillar and Sustainable Water Network urgently seeks meeting with Commissioner Sinkevičius on Nitrates Derogation

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

Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) echoes criticism of Uisce Éireann for slow progress on halting sewage pollution.

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

Environmental NGOs Rebuke Government For Slow Progress On Key Ocean Protection Legislation

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