The Environmental Protection Agency and the Science Gallery will hold an hour-long free public event this coming Thursday evening January 12th in the Science Gallery entitled Watertight: the Future of Irish Water. For details see http://www.sciencegallery.com/events/2012/01/watertight-future-water-ireland.
The event is free and you are invited to book in advance to assure your place through the BOOK NOW section at the link above. The event is part of the Science Gallery’s very successful Surface Tension: The Future of Water exhibition which is supported by the EPA.
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan T.D., published a new draft Framework for Sustainable Development for Ireland for public consultation.
The objectives of the draft Framework are to identify and prioritise policy areas and mechanisms where a sustainable development approach will add value and enable continuous improvement of quality of life for current and future generations and set out clear measures, responsibilities and timelines in an implementation plan.
This draft Framework broadly follows the thematic approach of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy and includes conservation and management of natural resources including water.
The delivery of the measures outlined in the Framework will require a collective approach involving partnership with all key sectors and civil society. Therefore, a special seminar on the draft Framework would be held on 24th January 2012.
Also any comments or observations should be submitted to Kevin Greene, (Tel.: 003531 888 2278; email: fsdi@environ.ie), Environment International and Sustainable Development Unit, Department of Environment, Community and Local Government by close of business on Wednesday 29th February 2012.
An interesting research has been published in the issue of Science for Environment Policy on how Satellite technology helps monitor water quality in lakes. To read it please click here.
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The Plan- Water Supply Project–Dublin Region
In accordance with the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 published by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Dublin City Council has prepared a Plan for the Water Supply Project – Dublin Region.
The Plan is to develop a new water source for the Greater Dublin Region as part of the Water Services Investment Programme (2010-2012) to supplement existing water supply sources and to meet water supply requirements up to 2040 and beyond.
For more information or to view The Plan please click here
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Consultation Paper on the High Level Design of the Petroleum Safety Framework
In August 2011 the Commission for Energy Regulation, Ireland, published its Consultation Paper on the High Level Design of the Petroleum Safety Framework. To see it please click here.
The public is invited to comment on the issues raised in this Paper by submission of written responses by close of business on Tuesday September 27th 2011.
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Tackling urban water shortages: new technologies for self-sufficiency
A Danish study of alternative water supply systems suggests that adopting a mix of different technologies could optimise the potential for water self- sufficiency in urban areas. To read more please click here
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EU Commission has launched a new consultation on coastal and marine areas management
EU Commission has opened a new consultation on coastal and marine areas management. Transparent planning and management of European waters are needed to balance the interests at play against sustaining the long-term benefit of coastal and marine resources to society. With these objectives in mind, the European Commission has launched a public consultation to explore options for future EU action on Maritime Spatial Planning and Integrated Coastal Zone Management. The Commission is seeking the views of all interested individuals and organisations. The consultation runs for eight weeks. To see the consultation please click here.
More details on Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Maritime Spatial Planning
Press release
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EPA Water Quality for 2007-2009 report has been published and presents an overview of Irish water quality for the years 2007-2009
EPA Water Quality for 2007-2009 report has been just published. The data are presented against the new ecological status criteria of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and previous EPA reports.
Some of the findings in the report are:
- Just 52% of all rivers in Ireland achieve good status and 48% are of moderate, poor or bad status. There are still 27 river sites classified as seriously polluted.
- Of 222 lakes in Ireland only 105 of them achieve good or high status. 92 lakes are still of moderate, 19 of poor and 6 of bad status.
- 121 coastal and transitional water bodies were assessed from 2007-09 for WFD status classification, using psychochemical elements and biological quality and of these 54% were classified of moderate or worse ecological status.
- In relation to bathing waters 8 seawater-bathing areas failed to achieve adequate water quality status. These are:
- Balbriggan Front Strand,
- Skerries South Beach,
- Sutton Burrow Beach (Dublin)
- Clifden Beach (Co. Galway)
- Dunmore Strand (Co. Waterford)
- Duncannon (Co. Wexford)
- Killala Ross Beach (Co. Mayo)
- Youghal Main Beach (Co. Cork)
The report also states that: “from the findings it is apperant that substantial measures will be needed in order for Ireland to fully comply with the objectives of the Water Framework Directive (WFD).”
To read the full EPA Water Quality for 2007-2009 report please click here.
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Irish Wildlife Trust produce a beautiful booklet about Our Wetlands Heritage
The Irish Wildlife Trust is delighted to announce the publication of ‘’Our Wetlands Heritage’’. The booklet explores our wetland’s wildlife, everything from dragonflies, butterflies, frogs and newts to wetland birds right up to our largest carnivore the otter. The booklet also explores the value of wetlands and the ecosystem services they provide, and examines the associated threats and what we can do to ensure wetland protection for the future.
You can order a copy today by placing an order here. You can phone in using your credit card to 01-8602839 or send a cheque or postal order for €5.00 (+ P&P 95c) to Irish Wildlife Trust, Sigmund Business Centre, 93A Lagan Road, Dublin Industrial Estate, Glasnevin, Dublin 11.
IWT would like to thank the Heritage Council for funding the printing of thisbooklet under the Heritage Education, Communications and Outreach Grants Scheme 2010.
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