Renewable energy target to be exceeded
IRELAND IS set to overshoot its target for generating 40 per cent of its electricity needs from renewable energy by 2020, Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan revealed yesterday. Mr Ryan, addressing the National Summit on Renewable Energy at Croke Park, Dublin, said renewable energy targets were ahead of target and “about three” new interconnectors linking...
Gormley publishes International Review of Waste Management Policy
Landfill levy will increase to €30 per tonne, incineration levy will be €20-€38 per tonne; root and branch review of waste policy will benefit the environment and drive job creation, says Green Leader Green Party Leader and Environment Minister John Gormley today launched a report underpinning a major review of waste management policy. The report...
10,000 EPA orders in two years
A report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found its officials and local authorities issued 10,000 enforcement actions over the last two years. The study – Focus on Environmental Enforcement in Ireland – found the EPA issued 45 legally binding directions to local authorities two years ago to meet tougher drinking water standards. The concerns...
Wind farms break 1,000MW barrier
CHARLIE TAYLOR The amount of electricity generated by Ireland’s wind farms broke the 1,000 megawatts (MW) barrier for the first time last weekend, providing enough power to supply the needs of 650,000 homes. The very windy conditions last weekend resulted in an all-time peak wind output of 1064 MW on Saturday, generating enough power to...
440,000 must buy septic tank licence – Gormley
MORE than 400,000 homeowners will be forced to buy a licence for their septic tank under new laws planned for next year. Yesterday, Environment Minister John Gormley said he would introduce a licensing and inspection system for septic tanks, which will affect 440,000 homes across the country, mostly in rural areas. The department has not...
