We pay lip service to ecology

ONE of the many ironies of Irish life is that most people — 97%, according to an EU Commission survey — agree we have a responsibility to protect nature. 

Yet, our government frequently finds itself before the European Court of Justice for breaches of environment regulations.

It’s national Heritage Week and thousands of people are taking part in walks, talks, and other events to celebrate the natural world. But how good are we at guarding it?