Seán Ronayne: Do we have enough safe hands to save Irish nature?

We just need to do the right thing by Irish nature, and understand that we, as a species cannot keep taking from the land as if we were the only inhabitants. It will give, eventually

In safe hands: Séan Ronayne’s baby daughter Laia was born in October 2024. Right: a label for a powerful ‘biocide’, found on the shoreline of the Cork Harbour Special Protection Area

Just this week my little daughter Laia came into the world. Myself and my partner Alba been waiting for her with hearts overflowing with a glowing excitement for what seemed like an eternity. As it happened, we were in Dublin, promoting my new book Nature Boy — it’s dedicated to her.

It was a week ahead of her due date, and, as firstborns are often late, we both agreed we had ample time to do our business and get back home to Cork.