Rally Calls on Political Leaders to Support an Ambitious Nature Restoration Law

People take a stand for nature as politicians waver A coalition of leading environmental organisations are rallying together from across Ireland in a call for political leaders to support an ambitious Nature Restoration Law. At the Rally to Restore Nature, scientists, activists, community leaders and other members of society will demand that restoration of nature be … Read more

Coillte, Bord Na Móna and other public bodies in urgent need of reform

In a letter sent to Irish Ministers and other elected officials this week, the Environmental Pillar, Stop Climate Chaos Coalition and Sustainable Water Network called on the Government to amend mandates and legislation to ensure public bodies are fit to deliver on Ireland’s climate, biodiversity, and water objectives. A lack of government oversight and accountability … Read more

Next Irish Water Investment Plan must halt sewage in waters where it is a significant pollution

The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) is calling for immediate action from government to dramatically improve Ireland’s waste water infrastructure, following today’s publication of a report from the EPA on Urban Waste Water Treatment [1]. The network of 25 environmental organisations, are calling on government to ensure the next Irish Water Investment Plan has actions to … Read more

Report highlights Ireland’s deepening water crisis, with no proper plan to fix it.

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

Turning the tide to save the Irish Sea

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

Higher emission targets for agriculture are not only crucial for our climate, but for water & air quality, biodiversity, and food security say civil society NGOs

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

eNGOs sound alarm that our best chance to save our water environment is being lost

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

Mistakes of poor-planning on land risk being repeated at sea with Ireland’s first marine plan, SWAN commissioned report finds.

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

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