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environment

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>Smoke from the chimney of a house fueled with coal. File Picture: iStock</p>

munster

Frustration as rogue suppliers of 'smoky coal' and 'wet wood' in Cork reopen in new locations

“It was blatantly obvious what was going on [somebody burning smoky coal]," Carrigaline-based Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick Donovan said recently. "What are we doing with inspections of houses?”

<p>Washed-up tangle netting on the Kerry coast. Picture: Pádraic Fogarty </p>

S outdoors

New study on indiscriminate death traps known as tangle nets

<p>Upper Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park. The plans for the six-acre centre at Torc, with use of the Torc Waterfall car park, involved works to convert an old stable, a protected structure, as well as new buildings.</p>

munster

Parks service to appeal refusal of immersive education centre in Killarney National Park

Interactive map showcases Shannon Estuary's wildlife and how to best protect it

munster

Interactive map showcases Shannon Estuary's wildlife and how to best protect it

Written on the walls: what lichens tell us about our environment

outdoors

Written on the walls: what lichens tell us about our environment

Mexico Seaweed

news

Scientists warn of ‘regime shift’ as seaweed blooms expand worldwide

Seafood Processing and Aquaculture in Mulroy bay Fish farm cages Northern Ireland

Irish Examiner view: Conservation plans will not be fulfilled without money

The bald fact is that we have never protected nature well and, as a nation, we are failing to provide the resources necessary to meet environmental targets, both notional and real

Thu, 15 Jan, 2026

Dump Truck at Copper Mine

When councils won’t act, communities turn to nature to get justice

Environmental law has become the last line of defence against unauthorised quarrying, writes Eugene Farrell

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Cop28

Scientists confirm 2025 as third-hottest year on record

The result "underscores the urgency of halting the heating of Planet Earth and growing climate impacts by rapidly cutting greenhouse gases across all sectors of society", said Prof Richard Allan, climate scientist at the University of Reading.

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Weathering storms — and new beginnings

Weathering storms — and new beginnings

Alice Taylor, author of To School Through the Fields, grew up on a farm along the Cork‒Kerry border, experiencing a way of life that, though physically demanding, was kind to the land. This is an extract from her latest book, Weathering Storms, in which she writes about the challenges of living well with aging

Sun, 11 Jan, 2026

Irish weather lore preserved a deep understanding of our world

Irish weather lore preserved a deep understanding of our world

In an era of climate uncertainty, Irish weather lore points to something we risk losing: the habit of paying attention to what nature is telling us, writes Karol Mullaney Dignam

Tue, 06 Jan, 2026

Group claims ballroom at Trump's Doonbeg resort must wait until rare snail starts to prosper

Group claims ballroom at Trump's Doonbeg resort must wait until rare snail starts to prosper

The Friends of the Irish Environment maintain that a High Court settlement contained an order which ensured any future development would be 'bound by the objective of maintaining favourable conservation status' of the Vertigo angustior snail

Mon, 05 Jan, 2026

Lense

Ireland’s 2025 environmental review — and a look ahead to 2026

Ireland did not experience a single defining climate disaster in 2025... climate change in Ireland now operates less as a headline-grabbing event and more as a persistent context

Fri, 02 Jan, 2026

dilapidated cable car at a former ski resort near the town of Zabljak in northern Montenegro

Hundreds of ski slopes lie abandoned... will nature reclaim the Alps?

With the snow line edging higher, 186 French ski resorts have shut, while global heating threatens dozens more

Thu, 01 Jan, 2026

Red Fox At Night

The fox is a fine, healthy thing of beauty — why would we rip her to shreds?

Her coat shone, dense and full. Her amber eyes glowed, cleanly set in a ring of black. A creature of utter perfection, writes environmental activist, Seán Ronayne. And we allow such majestic beings be chased and violently killed for 'sport'

Fri, 26 Dec, 2025

Mayo Cheeseburger Feast

Saving the planet, one label at a time

We've had a series of earnest discussions and proposals, including within the European Parliament, about whether plant-based foods should be allowed to use words like 'burger' or 'sausage'

Fri, 26 Dec, 2025

UCC study urges council to take action on coastal erosion

UCC study urges council to take action on coastal erosion

The report, due to published in early 2026, outlines measures that need to be addressed

Wed, 24 Dec, 2025

CORKLAND

Cork has no air pollution monitoring stations in areas with pharma firms, says council

It comes after it was revealed that an air pollution monitor in Carrigaline has been broken for more than a year

Sat, 13 Dec, 2025

Curious hedgehog in the grass

A pest or a prince — is it all down to postcodes?

The conservation–invasion paradox is when a species is endangered where it evolved but causes havoc where humans introduced it. So why can't we just bring unwanted animals to where they're wanted?

Fri, 12 Dec, 2025

High levels of 'forever chemical' found in cereal products across Europe, study finds

High levels of 'forever chemical' found in cereal products across Europe, study finds

The impact of ‘forever chemicals’ on human health and the environment is only just becoming clear, with new studies frequently emerging about some of the chemicals’ links to diseases such as cancer

Thu, 04 Dec, 2025

Oireachtas committee calls for tougher penalties after major Blackwater fish kill in Cork

Oireachtas committee calls for tougher penalties after major Blackwater fish kill in Cork

An Oireachtas committee recommends stronger enforcement powers, rapid response protocols and tougher penalties following Ireland’s largest recorded fish kill

Fri, 28 Nov, 2025

Heavily congested Cork town has no working air pollution monitor

Heavily congested Cork town has no working air pollution monitor

Cork County councillor Audrey Buckley claimed it hasn’t been transmitting data since October 5, 2023

Sun, 23 Nov, 2025

FILE PHOTO The High Court has seen four cases brought against the State from women sent to give birth in Mother and Baby homes.

Cork residents get go-ahead for High Court challenge over drinking water concerns

Friends of the Irish Environment and local Cork residents will claim the basis on which Uisce Éireann and the EPA declare water containing manganese safe to drink is mistaken

Fri, 21 Nov, 2025

Approved for Construction

Non-appointment of 18 judges 'barrier' to planning system functioning properly

Friends of the Irish Environment says the Government is creating further delays by failing to speed up appointments

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Climate COP30

Fossil fuel lobbyists outnumber all Cop30 delegations except Brazil, report says

It brings the total number of fossil fuel lobbyists given access to the UN climate summits to 7,000 over the past five years, according to Kick Big Polluters Out

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025

Ringaskiddy incinerator is the wrong project, in the wrong place, for the wrong future

Ringaskiddy incinerator is the wrong project, in the wrong place, for the wrong future

I would encourage anyone interested in the rejection of the plan for an incinerator in Cork Harbour to make a submission to An Coimisiún Pleanála before the deadline of Monday, November 17, writes Labour Party senator from Cork, Laura Harmon

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025

a willow casket - contemporary style

Michelle McKeown: The greenest ways to go when you go

When it comes to carbon footprints, the old-fashioned burial isn’t exactly green. Traditional burials involve embalming chemicals (usually formaldehyde) and hardwood coffins — but there are more eco-friendly options now available

Sat, 08 Nov, 2025

Winter weather Jan 26th 2025

Taoiseach to tell world leaders at Cop30 Storm Éowyn showed 'climate change is a reality'

Micheál Martin will draw on the record-breaking Storm Éowyn from early January in his speech, which brought sustained hurricane-force winds of 142km per hour.

Thu, 06 Nov, 2025

Solar panels. Power station. Blue solar panels. Alternative source of electricity. Solar farm. The source of ecological renewabl

John Gibbons: Saying nuclear power is better for the environment than solar is ludicrous

The idea that intensive dairy farming is some kind of pastoral idyll with no impact on the environment has been allowed to take hold to the point that serious people are now suggesting nuclear reactors instead of solar

Wed, 05 Nov, 2025

Irish Examiner view: Security at Ipas centres needs review

Irish Examiner view: Security at Ipas centres needs review

To terrorise innocent people in this way is almost beyond comprehension and there is little by way of consolation in the fact that the forces of law will inevitably catch up with the person responsible

Tue, 04 Nov, 2025

Who are CHASE and why are they holding public meetings this month?

Who are CHASE and why are they holding public meetings this month?

Nearly 25 years ago waste management comapany Indaver applied for planning permission a hazardous and non-hazardous waste incinerator at Ringaskiddy, County Cork. This was refused permission by Cork County Council and then appealed to An Bórd Pleanála. There was considerable opposition including from environmental campaign group Chase. Oral hearings and court proceedings ensued and permission was eventually refused. This application has now been reactivated. We put some questions to CHASE...

Mon, 03 Nov, 2025

Cork water: EPA's approval of Uisce Éireann action plan challenged in High Court

Cork water: EPA's approval of Uisce Éireann action plan challenged in High Court

Residents are being 'misled' that clear water is safe, and manganese levels are above safety limits, according to the legal challenge

Sun, 02 Nov, 2025

Kerry councillors condemn approval for commercial salmon farm to continue, despite serious breaches

Kerry councillors condemn approval for commercial salmon farm to continue, despite serious breaches

The licence was revoked in 2019 when it was found to have harvested twice the allowed tonnes of salmon in 2016

Fri, 31 Oct, 2025

Flat Lay of Shattered Pumpkins After the Exciting Pumpkin Drop Event

Ireland’s frightening Halloween habit is a curse that can be broken by sustainable choices

Nature’s décor is unbeatable: fallen leaves, pinecones, bare branches, and candlelight (ideally in a glass jar rather than a plastic skull). They’re biodegradable, beautiful, and cost nothing

Wed, 29 Oct, 2025

‘Change course now’: humanity has missed 1.5C climate target, says UN head

‘Change course now’: humanity has missed 1.5C climate target, says UN head

‘Devastating consequences’ now inevitable but emissions cuts still vital, says António Guterres in sole interview before Cop30

Tue, 28 Oct, 2025

Empty chair at wedding ceremony

Something borrowed, something green: How I found a sustainable wedding dress

Weddings can generate significant waste. Studies estimate an average Irish wedding produces 10–20 kilograms of plastic from decorations, catering, and more, though this varies by event size and style

Sat, 25 Oct, 2025

Call for end to 'light touch' enforcement in wake of country's biggest ever fish kill

Call for end to 'light touch' enforcement in wake of country's biggest ever fish kill

Salmon Watch Ireland believes the EPA, the IFI, and the Marine Institute were overwhelmed by the scale of the fish kill on the Blackwater River in Cork

Thu, 23 Oct, 2025

Prosecutions fall despite rise in enforcement actions against environmental breaches in 2024

Prosecutions fall despite rise in enforcement actions against environmental breaches in 2024

The EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement director, Dr Tom Ryan, said: 'This report shows that most local authorities are responding to the challenge, but some are lagging behind and need to do better.'

Thu, 23 Oct, 2025

Draining sewage from pipe into river, pollution rivers and ecology.

Mick Clifford: Our rivers are not the only places to have been polluted under the IFI

It seems there has been a complete disregard for the protection of rivers and lakes under Inland Fisheries Ireland, writes Mick Clifford

Mon, 20 Oct, 2025

I am almost done!

Rake expectations: should we be picking up leaves at all?

Leaves aren't litter — they’re the forest’s own recycling system, a slow-release nutrient pack designed to feed soil life and shelter small creatures through the colder months. When they decompose, they release essential nutrients, improve soil structure, and even help lock away a little carbon

Fri, 17 Oct, 2025

Skims’ Ultimate Bush Knickers: The fashion trend no one asked for

Skims’ Ultimate Bush Knickers: The fashion trend no one asked for

Let’s consider the obvious: women have been wearing underwear for centuries — briefs, boyshorts, high-cuts, thongs, you name it. The idea that we now need an undergarment featuring fake pubic hair feels like a satirical sketch from 'Saturday Night Live', not a serious offering from a billion-dollar brand, writes Pat Kane, founder of Reuzi

Thu, 16 Oct, 2025

Plug-in hybrids pollute almost as much as petrol cars, report finds

Plug-in hybrids pollute almost as much as petrol cars, report finds

Analysis of 800,000 European cars found real-world pollution from plug-in hybrids nearly five times greater than lab tests

Thu, 16 Oct, 2025

Bitumen spillage forced Cork City water treatment plant to close for 12 hours during summer

Bitumen spillage forced Cork City water treatment plant to close for 12 hours during summer

The facility provides drinking water to a population of almost 144,000 in Cork City and the wider Cork Harbour area

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

A large number of different human footprints in the sand, background

Rethinking carbon footprints

By focusing public attention on individual choices, your commute, your cup of coffee, your weekend city break, the 'carbon footprint' campaign diverted scrutiny from the systemic scale of fossil fuel extraction and combustion

Fri, 10 Oct, 2025

Revealed: Europe losing 600 football pitches of nature and crop land a day

Revealed: Europe losing 600 football pitches of nature and crop land a day

Investigation shows extent of green land lost across UK and mainland Europe to development from 2018 to 2023

Wed, 01 Oct, 2025

Inadequate State response to fish kill resulted in lack of evidence, committee hears

Inadequate State response to fish kill resulted in lack of evidence, committee hears

The Oireachtas committee on climate, environment, and energy heard from a series of witnesses

Tue, 30 Sep, 2025

Petrol costs

Households pay more than half of €5.5bn in environmental taxes collected last year

Each year, the rate of carbon tax rises by €7.50 per tonne, aiming to reach €100 per tonne by 2030

Tue, 30 Sep, 2025

Image of modern fireplace, woodburning stove, coal buckets, log basket

Indoor wood burners cause damage 'in a similar way to cigarette smoke'

Study links the growing popularity of domestic wood burning to lung damage

Tue, 30 Sep, 2025

Irish Examiner view: We need monitoring tech in the wake of Blackwater fish kill disaster

Irish Examiner view: We need monitoring tech in the wake of Blackwater fish kill disaster

EPA and Inland Fisheries Ireland should heed Cork County Council's proposal on water quality monitoring

Mon, 29 Sep, 2025

Blackwater fish kill: Angling clubs 'appalled' at report's failure to find culprit

Blackwater fish kill: Angling clubs 'appalled' at report's failure to find culprit

Multi-agency taskforce's failure to identify the cause of the State’s biggest fish kill described as 'shocking and unacceptable'

Fri, 26 Sep, 2025