ONE of the most heartening things to happen in Ireland in recent times has been the heightened awareness of the environment among children who are now leading the way and, indeed, educating their parents on such matters.

IT might sound just like common sense, but if you want people to change their ways and do something different the best way to go about it is to make it easy for them.

IRELAND is neatly placed to become a research centre into the effects of climate change on the oceans and marine life and the knock-on consequences for the fishing industry.

WITH poisoning of foxes and crows now illegal, farmers are being urged to find other ways of controlling pests, especially those that prey on young lambs.

THE real possibility of more local authorities pulling out of waste collection has serious implications and could lead to an increase in indiscriminate dumping which continues to blight the country.

EVEN in a drenching summer in Ireland, there’s no shortage of things to do if you wish to enjoy our natural heritage.

HIKING and walking are now the most popular activity pursuits by tourists in Ireland, with upwards of two million people, including home and overseas visitors, taking part each year.

THE thought of people in 21st century Ireland buying a bottle of water would surely astonish our ancestors who would have looked on a water as a ‘free’ commodity.

SCHOOL holidays are here and the sense of freedom was palpable on the cheery young faces I saw emerging from classrooms last week.

OUR unenviable reputation for being a rain-sodden country doesn’t take in the slightest from the challenge of ensuring the supply and quality of water here are up to standard in the future.