Elaine McGoff
@elainemcgoff.bsky.social
PhD. Head of Advocacy for An Taisce. Water floats my boat. 🚲 powered. Views are my own.
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Elaine McGoff
@elainemcgoff.bsky.social
· Jun 20
SWAN member, @antaisce.bsky.social, had their Head of Advocacy @elainemcgoff.bsky.social on Primetime last night talking about the pollution crisis in Lady's Island Lake.
Watch the full piece here: 👇https://www.rte.ie/player/series/prime-time/SI0000000825?epguid=IH10008770-25-0050
Watch the full piece here: 👇https://www.rte.ie/player/series/prime-time/SI0000000825?epguid=IH10008770-25-0050
Lady's Island lake is the end result of decades of agricultural nitrogen water pollution.
The only way we can turn the agricultural nitrogen pollution problem around is if those in power admit that their measures aren't working.
It's time to actually listen to the evidence, not the spin.
The only way we can turn the agricultural nitrogen pollution problem around is if those in power admit that their measures aren't working.
It's time to actually listen to the evidence, not the spin.
'Hijacked'? 'Pushing an agenda'? It's called EU law, namely the Habitats Directive, it's been in place for decades, & like most laws Ireland is failing to do that well, while our biodiversity pays the price.
So, yes, eNGOs are pushing it. Unapologetically.
www.farmersjournal.ie/news/news/wa...
So, yes, eNGOs are pushing it. Unapologetically.
www.farmersjournal.ie/news/news/wa...
November 10, 2025 at 11:51 AM
'Hijacked'? 'Pushing an agenda'? It's called EU law, namely the Habitats Directive, it's been in place for decades, & like most laws Ireland is failing to do that well, while our biodiversity pays the price.
So, yes, eNGOs are pushing it. Unapologetically.
www.farmersjournal.ie/news/news/wa...
So, yes, eNGOs are pushing it. Unapologetically.
www.farmersjournal.ie/news/news/wa...
Today I endeavoured to speak for the rivers, to provide a counter balance to the lobbyist's narrative on the polluting nitrates derogation.
Our rivers, lakes and seas deserve a chance to run healthy, wild and free from pollution
www.antaisce.org/news/an-tais...
Our rivers, lakes and seas deserve a chance to run healthy, wild and free from pollution
www.antaisce.org/news/an-tais...
November 7, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Today I endeavoured to speak for the rivers, to provide a counter balance to the lobbyist's narrative on the polluting nitrates derogation.
Our rivers, lakes and seas deserve a chance to run healthy, wild and free from pollution
www.antaisce.org/news/an-tais...
Our rivers, lakes and seas deserve a chance to run healthy, wild and free from pollution
www.antaisce.org/news/an-tais...
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Meeting with EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall
"We’re calling on the Commissioner to champion the science and the law in her decision on Ireland’s next nitrates derogation ... Irish people care very deeply about clean and healthy waters"
Dr Elaine McGoff
www.antaisce.org/news/an-tais...
"We’re calling on the Commissioner to champion the science and the law in her decision on Ireland’s next nitrates derogation ... Irish people care very deeply about clean and healthy waters"
Dr Elaine McGoff
www.antaisce.org/news/an-tais...
November 7, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Meeting with EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall
"We’re calling on the Commissioner to champion the science and the law in her decision on Ireland’s next nitrates derogation ... Irish people care very deeply about clean and healthy waters"
Dr Elaine McGoff
www.antaisce.org/news/an-tais...
"We’re calling on the Commissioner to champion the science and the law in her decision on Ireland’s next nitrates derogation ... Irish people care very deeply about clean and healthy waters"
Dr Elaine McGoff
www.antaisce.org/news/an-tais...
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
The world’s first trillionaire initiated a move that has left more than half a million people dead, most of whom are children.
November 7, 2025 at 7:39 AM
The world’s first trillionaire initiated a move that has left more than half a million people dead, most of whom are children.
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
The idea that Ireland has ever "gold plated" the transposition of EU Environmental law, is causing a lot of people in my world to chortle manically.
November 3, 2025 at 7:27 AM
The idea that Ireland has ever "gold plated" the transposition of EU Environmental law, is causing a lot of people in my world to chortle manically.
For those in any doubt, the ongoing nitrates derogation debate is not about the science on water quality, it's political wrangling, with our rivers, lakes and seas caught in the crossfire.
Our waterways deserve better- one can't drink politics.
www.rte.ie/news/politic...
Our waterways deserve better- one can't drink politics.
www.rte.ie/news/politic...
November 6, 2025 at 9:19 AM
For those in any doubt, the ongoing nitrates derogation debate is not about the science on water quality, it's political wrangling, with our rivers, lakes and seas caught in the crossfire.
Our waterways deserve better- one can't drink politics.
www.rte.ie/news/politic...
Our waterways deserve better- one can't drink politics.
www.rte.ie/news/politic...
There is a co-ordinated attack underway on access to justice & environmental democracy, with the Irish public being bombarded daily with anti-judicial review messaging from all sides.
This is to soften up the public before their right to access justice is removed- it's manufacturing consent.
This is to soften up the public before their right to access justice is removed- it's manufacturing consent.
Despite the click-bait headline my contribution has been accurately reported in this piece by @eithnedodd.bsky.social unfortunately on the industry side the wool has been pulled over her eyes by the usual self-serving rhetoric
By way of followup a short 🧵
By way of followup a short 🧵
The rate of judicial review in Ireland is "off the charts," the Director of Housing and Planning at the Construction Industry Federation has said
November 5, 2025 at 10:04 AM
There is a co-ordinated attack underway on access to justice & environmental democracy, with the Irish public being bombarded daily with anti-judicial review messaging from all sides.
This is to soften up the public before their right to access justice is removed- it's manufacturing consent.
This is to soften up the public before their right to access justice is removed- it's manufacturing consent.
Facts matter, particularly when it comes to the erosion of the public right to access justice.
There has been a huge drop in judicial review by ordinary members of the public this year, probably 40% down on last year
November 5, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Facts matter, particularly when it comes to the erosion of the public right to access justice.
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Oh so it turns out we are allowed criticise the EU after all, but only when it's about [checks notes] upholding environmental standards
November 3, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Oh so it turns out we are allowed criticise the EU after all, but only when it's about [checks notes] upholding environmental standards
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
@saveladyislandlake.bsky.social hosting important public meeting at 7pm on Nov 17 at Lady’s Island Community Centre on nitrate pollution.
An Taisce's Head of Advocacy & freshwater expert @elainemcgoff.bsky.social will be speaking on the science behind this ecological crisis.
#SaveLadysIslandLake
An Taisce's Head of Advocacy & freshwater expert @elainemcgoff.bsky.social will be speaking on the science behind this ecological crisis.
#SaveLadysIslandLake
November 3, 2025 at 12:06 PM
@saveladyislandlake.bsky.social hosting important public meeting at 7pm on Nov 17 at Lady’s Island Community Centre on nitrate pollution.
An Taisce's Head of Advocacy & freshwater expert @elainemcgoff.bsky.social will be speaking on the science behind this ecological crisis.
#SaveLadysIslandLake
An Taisce's Head of Advocacy & freshwater expert @elainemcgoff.bsky.social will be speaking on the science behind this ecological crisis.
#SaveLadysIslandLake
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
We are hosting a public meeting on November 17 at Lady’s Island Community Centre. @elainemcgoff.bsky.social from @antaisce.bsky.social will outline how the main measures proposed by the Department of Agriculture do not work for nitrogen pollution. Q&A after.
All welcome. Let’s #SaveLadysIslandLake
All welcome. Let’s #SaveLadysIslandLake
November 3, 2025 at 10:37 AM
We are hosting a public meeting on November 17 at Lady’s Island Community Centre. @elainemcgoff.bsky.social from @antaisce.bsky.social will outline how the main measures proposed by the Department of Agriculture do not work for nitrogen pollution. Q&A after.
All welcome. Let’s #SaveLadysIslandLake
All welcome. Let’s #SaveLadysIslandLake
Urban wastewater treatment is the 4th greatest pressure on Irish water quality. Some of that could be fixed by infrastructure, but almost half of the pollution is due to poor operational management.
The solution is not less environmental scrutiny.
www.irishexaminer.com/news/politic...
The solution is not less environmental scrutiny.
www.irishexaminer.com/news/politic...
November 3, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Urban wastewater treatment is the 4th greatest pressure on Irish water quality. Some of that could be fixed by infrastructure, but almost half of the pollution is due to poor operational management.
The solution is not less environmental scrutiny.
www.irishexaminer.com/news/politic...
The solution is not less environmental scrutiny.
www.irishexaminer.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
If you cannot see children trick-or-treating, maybe consider not driving tonight?
October 31, 2025 at 4:01 PM
If you cannot see children trick-or-treating, maybe consider not driving tonight?
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
October 30, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Wonderful to see well-researched & inspiring 'Lie of the Land' by environmental journalist John Gibbons on Irish Book Awards shortlist. Sole book on Irish environmental issues in non-fiction category.
Public vote open until 16 Nov:
www.irishbookawards.ie/nominee/the-...
@thinkorswim.bsky.social
Public vote open until 16 Nov:
www.irishbookawards.ie/nominee/the-...
@thinkorswim.bsky.social
The Lie of the Land: A Game Plan for Ireland in the Climate Crisis - Irish Book Awards
www.irishbookawards.ie
October 30, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Wonderful to see well-researched & inspiring 'Lie of the Land' by environmental journalist John Gibbons on Irish Book Awards shortlist. Sole book on Irish environmental issues in non-fiction category.
Public vote open until 16 Nov:
www.irishbookawards.ie/nominee/the-...
@thinkorswim.bsky.social
Public vote open until 16 Nov:
www.irishbookawards.ie/nominee/the-...
@thinkorswim.bsky.social
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
there are permissions 70,000+ new homes ready to go
<2,000 appeals last year & only a small % were housing
nobody “votes” on planning applications
JR is not Planning system, it’s a legal process to see if the law was followed correctly
-JRs are a tiny %…& 1/4 are by the developers themselves
<2,000 appeals last year & only a small % were housing
nobody “votes” on planning applications
JR is not Planning system, it’s a legal process to see if the law was followed correctly
-JRs are a tiny %…& 1/4 are by the developers themselves
October 30, 2025 at 12:11 PM
there are permissions 70,000+ new homes ready to go
<2,000 appeals last year & only a small % were housing
nobody “votes” on planning applications
JR is not Planning system, it’s a legal process to see if the law was followed correctly
-JRs are a tiny %…& 1/4 are by the developers themselves
<2,000 appeals last year & only a small % were housing
nobody “votes” on planning applications
JR is not Planning system, it’s a legal process to see if the law was followed correctly
-JRs are a tiny %…& 1/4 are by the developers themselves
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Over the weekend our letter, in response to John FitzGerald's article earlier last week, was published in the @irishtimes.com
We corrected several incorrect claims that were made in the article.
with @hannahdaly.ie @colmduff.bsky.social David Styles
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/lett...
We corrected several incorrect claims that were made in the article.
with @hannahdaly.ie @colmduff.bsky.social David Styles
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/lett...
October 29, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Over the weekend our letter, in response to John FitzGerald's article earlier last week, was published in the @irishtimes.com
We corrected several incorrect claims that were made in the article.
with @hannahdaly.ie @colmduff.bsky.social David Styles
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/lett...
We corrected several incorrect claims that were made in the article.
with @hannahdaly.ie @colmduff.bsky.social David Styles
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/lett...
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
X is a cesspit led by an unhinged billionaire who is desperately trying to stir up civil war in Britain.
Nobody with any sense or decency should be there.
No organisations, government departments, or politicians should be there.
Everyone who is, is enabling this monster.
Nobody with any sense or decency should be there.
No organisations, government departments, or politicians should be there.
Everyone who is, is enabling this monster.
October 29, 2025 at 8:22 AM
X is a cesspit led by an unhinged billionaire who is desperately trying to stir up civil war in Britain.
Nobody with any sense or decency should be there.
No organisations, government departments, or politicians should be there.
Everyone who is, is enabling this monster.
Nobody with any sense or decency should be there.
No organisations, government departments, or politicians should be there.
Everyone who is, is enabling this monster.
This 🎯, a thousand times this.
Good governance is the same. Complex multi-facited challenges often require complex solutions & trade-offs. Anyone selling “common sense” fixes to systemic problems is usually a grifter with an agenda, not a leader with a plan.
October 25, 2025 at 10:28 AM
This 🎯, a thousand times this.
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Environmental rules become stricter when our environment is in crisis. If rivers are heavilh polluted or species are on the brink, projects face greater scrutiny. The real failure isn’t “red tape”, it’s decades of political neglect and underinvestment in environmental protection.
October 25, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Environmental rules become stricter when our environment is in crisis. If rivers are heavilh polluted or species are on the brink, projects face greater scrutiny. The real failure isn’t “red tape”, it’s decades of political neglect and underinvestment in environmental protection.
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Are you a little confused about how Ireland’s Presidential Election works?
Fear not: I have once again picked up some 🔴 popular 🟠 coloured 🟡 chocolate-based 🟢 confectionary 🔵 treats 🟣 to show how the #aras25 votes are counted.
@virginmedianews.bsky.social
Fear not: I have once again picked up some 🔴 popular 🟠 coloured 🟡 chocolate-based 🟢 confectionary 🔵 treats 🟣 to show how the #aras25 votes are counted.
@virginmedianews.bsky.social
October 22, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Are you a little confused about how Ireland’s Presidential Election works?
Fear not: I have once again picked up some 🔴 popular 🟠 coloured 🟡 chocolate-based 🟢 confectionary 🔵 treats 🟣 to show how the #aras25 votes are counted.
@virginmedianews.bsky.social
Fear not: I have once again picked up some 🔴 popular 🟠 coloured 🟡 chocolate-based 🟢 confectionary 🔵 treats 🟣 to show how the #aras25 votes are counted.
@virginmedianews.bsky.social
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Irelan asks for "no additional heating approach" to farming. IE if emissions don’t increase, they can be "climate neutral"
Try that with anything else. Ecuador can have no crime problem if homicide numbers stay stable. Ukrain can be at peace if bombing rate stays the same.
A better world beacons
Try that with anything else. Ecuador can have no crime problem if homicide numbers stay stable. Ukrain can be at peace if bombing rate stays the same.
A better world beacons
October 23, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Irelan asks for "no additional heating approach" to farming. IE if emissions don’t increase, they can be "climate neutral"
Try that with anything else. Ecuador can have no crime problem if homicide numbers stay stable. Ukrain can be at peace if bombing rate stays the same.
A better world beacons
Try that with anything else. Ecuador can have no crime problem if homicide numbers stay stable. Ukrain can be at peace if bombing rate stays the same.
A better world beacons
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Dec 2020 - Uisce Eireann fined just €2000 for pollution incident in Cavan River.
Feb and July 2023 more pollution incidents from UE on same river. UE fined just €3500 for July incident resulting in fish kil.
Paltry fines not working.
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Feb and July 2023 more pollution incidents from UE on same river. UE fined just €3500 for July incident resulting in fish kil.
Paltry fines not working.
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
IFI welcomes conviction against Uisce Éireann for sewage pollution of Cavan river
Fine, costs and expenses totalling €7,658 imposed on utility
www.irishtimes.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Dec 2020 - Uisce Eireann fined just €2000 for pollution incident in Cavan River.
Feb and July 2023 more pollution incidents from UE on same river. UE fined just €3500 for July incident resulting in fish kil.
Paltry fines not working.
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Feb and July 2023 more pollution incidents from UE on same river. UE fined just €3500 for July incident resulting in fish kil.
Paltry fines not working.
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
@endseurope.com special report: Who’s ready for the Nature Restoration Law? - shows Ireland has a lot of work to do.
Ireland ranks 12/27 for preparedness. Worst when it comes to sea area designations and one of four countries to have no management plans in place in protected areas.
Ireland ranks 12/27 for preparedness. Worst when it comes to sea area designations and one of four countries to have no management plans in place in protected areas.
NEW SPECIAL REPORT: Who’s ready for the Nature Restoration Law?
With the first key deadlines under the EU’s flagship nature law fast approaching, the task of implementation begins. But which member states are best prepared for the new law’s requirements?
With the first key deadlines under the EU’s flagship nature law fast approaching, the task of implementation begins. But which member states are best prepared for the new law’s requirements?
SPECIAL REPORT: Who’s ready for the Nature Restoration Law?
With the first key deadlines under the flagship Nature Restoration Law fast approaching the task of implementation begins. But which member states are best prepared for the new law’s requirements?
www.endseurope.com
October 20, 2025 at 4:12 PM
@endseurope.com special report: Who’s ready for the Nature Restoration Law? - shows Ireland has a lot of work to do.
Ireland ranks 12/27 for preparedness. Worst when it comes to sea area designations and one of four countries to have no management plans in place in protected areas.
Ireland ranks 12/27 for preparedness. Worst when it comes to sea area designations and one of four countries to have no management plans in place in protected areas.