The Clare Environmental Network has expressed hope that a damning report on the future of Ireland’s environment, won’t be left to gather dust.
The EPA study identified a number of serious issues that it says urgently need to be addressed.
The Environment Minister has said he’s ashamed by the findings.
The EPA’s latest report has found that the quality of Ireland’s environment isn’t what it should be and it’s warning the outlook isn’t optimistic, unless urgent action is taken.
The study identified a number of issues for climate, air, soil, water, biodiversity and waste that need to be addressed.
It states that the number of very clean rivers in Ireland has decreased by 96 per cent over the past 30 years, some bird species are under threat and air quality doesn’t meet WHO standards in some urban areas, while it also says that littering remains a big problem.
The EPA’s key message is that a national environmental policy position now needs to be established, current policies already in place need to be fully implemented and a greater link should be established between the environment and health.
Dr Jonathan Derham, from the EPA outlines the principle challenge ahead.
The Environment Minister says he’s ashamed by the findings of the report.
But Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan says there will be a plan to develop an all-island approach.
The Clare Environmental Network says there are actions that can be taken in our homes, in our county and on our farms that would result in less pollution in the air and on the land.
These include reducing the burning of fossil fuels, retro-fitting homes and using less fertiliser on farms to drive down agricultural emissions.
The Network’s Co-Ordinator, Theresa O’Donoghue says a lot of work needs to be done to turn things around and she hopes this report won’t be left to gather dust.
