IN RECENT years we’ve heard a lot about the decline in stocks of salmon and sea trout in Ireland and abroad, but less about the plight of the humble eel.

GETTING us all back on our bikes is a challenge Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has set himself.

NOW that the Celtic Tiger has died, the post mortems focus on the economic and property collapses, but the spotlight is beginning to be put on the Tiger’s physical effects on the landscape of Ireland.

THE worst fears people had for wildlife on the Great Blasket Island have been realised, following confirmation that deadly mink have appeared on the island, off the Dingle Peninsula.

IT used to be one of the life’s simple, taken-for-granted pleasures to stand outside in the blackness of night and just gaze at the star-speckled heavens.

HARD times will make for hard choices in the coming years.

THE little Kerry bog pony, which has itself been saved from extinction, is now doing its bit to aid the survival of some bird species.

Donal Hickey on the role of trees in Irish history.

IRISH creative minds are coming up with ideas to cope with the changing global environment, and, as we mentioned last week, there are huge opportunities for job-creation in green technology.

A SPECIALLY designed weed-cutting machine, which has been introduced to Lough Corrib to tackle an invasive plant, may yet be seen in other parts of the country.