Environmental Pillar
@envpillar.bsky.social
An advocacy coalition of Irish environmental groups, working together to promote environmental protection, a sustainable economy and a just society
Reposted by Environmental Pillar
It's just over 3 weeks since Ireland was found in breach by the ECJ for failing to protect waterbodies from physical damage. The government response? Lower the legal bar for these waterbodies, so the damage can continue, with insufficient justification.
Our waterways are not in safe hands.
Our waterways are not in safe hands.
Despite nearly 1000 of you making submissions to halt the weakening of environmental standards for 1 in 10 of our rivers and lakes the govt signed off on it! 😥
This, without the evidence that such a drastic move was either necessary or justified. It is unacceptable.
swanireland.ie/2025/12/weak...
This, without the evidence that such a drastic move was either necessary or justified. It is unacceptable.
swanireland.ie/2025/12/weak...
Weakening of protections for a tenth of our rivers and lakes is just unacceptable - Sustainable Water Network
Two of Ireland’s leading environmental groups, the Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) and The Rivers Trust, have today called the Government’s sign off on the designation of a tenth (466) of our rivers,...
swanireland.ie
December 18, 2025 at 3:09 PM
It's just over 3 weeks since Ireland was found in breach by the ECJ for failing to protect waterbodies from physical damage. The government response? Lower the legal bar for these waterbodies, so the damage can continue, with insufficient justification.
Our waterways are not in safe hands.
Our waterways are not in safe hands.
⚠️In a final vote, the European Parliament sealed the fate of the few remaining environmental safeguards from EU farm policy, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) putting EU farming at risk⚠️
🗑️💢 @europarl.europa.eu just cleared away the few remaining environmental safeguards in EU farming policy
Two rushed rounds of so-called “simplifications” have gutted years of progress and handed #BigAgri exactly what it wanted: money to pollute with no strings attached ✂️
Here’s what we’ve lost ⬇️
Two rushed rounds of so-called “simplifications” have gutted years of progress and handed #BigAgri exactly what it wanted: money to pollute with no strings attached ✂️
Here’s what we’ve lost ⬇️
December 16, 2025 at 1:43 PM
⚠️In a final vote, the European Parliament sealed the fate of the few remaining environmental safeguards from EU farm policy, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) putting EU farming at risk⚠️
Do you care about biodiversity & clean water? Beware! The European Commission is currently proposing a series of measures to massively deregulate pesticides. Ask your EU Commissioner to block these changes by logging on to www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxic-pesticide-era/
End the Toxic Pesticide Era - The Environmental Pillar
Move to a healthy and biodiverse era The EU is planning a dangerous shift away from science in favour of the chemical industry. Weakening the pesticide law will take us back to pre- Rachel Carson time...
www.environmentalpillar.ie
December 10, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Do you care about biodiversity & clean water? Beware! The European Commission is currently proposing a series of measures to massively deregulate pesticides. Ask your EU Commissioner to block these changes by logging on to www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxic-pesticide-era/
The EU Mercosur Trade Agreement will benefit a handful of big corporations while driving deforestation, the climate crisis & exposing small-scale farmers to unfair competition. Join our call & say no to this toxic trade deal. Email your ministers & MEPs now www.environmentalpillar.ie/stopeumercos...
Take action: Stop the climate-wrecking EU-Mercosur Trade Deal - The Environmental Pillar
The EU-Mercosur trade agreement will benefit a handful of big corporations while driving deforestation, the climate crisis and exposing small-scale farmers to unfair competition. Join our call and say...
www.environmentalpillar.ie
December 9, 2025 at 12:21 PM
The EU Mercosur Trade Agreement will benefit a handful of big corporations while driving deforestation, the climate crisis & exposing small-scale farmers to unfair competition. Join our call & say no to this toxic trade deal. Email your ministers & MEPs now www.environmentalpillar.ie/stopeumercos...
Reposted by Environmental Pillar
BREAKING: Ireland's nitrates derogation has been renewed.🗳️
This has no scientific basis & fails nature, the public, & farmers.
“The evidence simply did not exist to justify renewing Ireland’s nitrates derogation"
"Meanwhile, our precious water and wildlife suffer.”
swanireland.ie/2025/12/rene...
This has no scientific basis & fails nature, the public, & farmers.
“The evidence simply did not exist to justify renewing Ireland’s nitrates derogation"
"Meanwhile, our precious water and wildlife suffer.”
swanireland.ie/2025/12/rene...
Renewing Nitrates Derogation Had No Scientific Basis and Fails Nature, The Public, and Farmers - Sustainable Water Network
The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN), a network of 25 Irish environmental organisations, sees the EU Nitrates Committee decision today, to give Ireland another three-year extension of its Nitrates Der...
swanireland.ie
December 9, 2025 at 11:44 AM
BREAKING: Ireland's nitrates derogation has been renewed.🗳️
This has no scientific basis & fails nature, the public, & farmers.
“The evidence simply did not exist to justify renewing Ireland’s nitrates derogation"
"Meanwhile, our precious water and wildlife suffer.”
swanireland.ie/2025/12/rene...
This has no scientific basis & fails nature, the public, & farmers.
“The evidence simply did not exist to justify renewing Ireland’s nitrates derogation"
"Meanwhile, our precious water and wildlife suffer.”
swanireland.ie/2025/12/rene...
It looks likely that Ireland will indeed get another derogation. This is being widely hailed as a good outcome by our Government, but good for who? Most Irish people want clean water, not a nitrates derogation. Excellent analysis by @elainemcgoff.bsky.social
"Our waters are crying out for a break from the pollution, Irish people are calling for clean water, but our voices are being drowned out in a world of political wrangling and vested interest. And the thing is, you can’t drink politics"
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
#nitratesderogation
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
#nitratesderogation
December 9, 2025 at 11:20 AM
It looks likely that Ireland will indeed get another derogation. This is being widely hailed as a good outcome by our Government, but good for who? Most Irish people want clean water, not a nitrates derogation. Excellent analysis by @elainemcgoff.bsky.social
🚨 Toxic pesticides are poisoning our soils, water & biodiversity. The EU wants to weaken rules — we need to push back.
Call for a rapid shift to nature-friendly, pesticide-free farming.
#EndTheToxicPesticideEra 🐝🦋
Take Action Now 👉 www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxi...
Call for a rapid shift to nature-friendly, pesticide-free farming.
#EndTheToxicPesticideEra 🐝🦋
Take Action Now 👉 www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxi...
December 9, 2025 at 11:14 AM
🚨 Toxic pesticides are poisoning our soils, water & biodiversity. The EU wants to weaken rules — we need to push back.
Call for a rapid shift to nature-friendly, pesticide-free farming.
#EndTheToxicPesticideEra 🐝🦋
Take Action Now 👉 www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxi...
Call for a rapid shift to nature-friendly, pesticide-free farming.
#EndTheToxicPesticideEra 🐝🦋
Take Action Now 👉 www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxi...
A profound and deeply worrying shift on access to justice. Hard-hitting analysis by @attractaub.bsky.social of the Government’s plans to limit legal challenges in the planning process www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Judicial review plans are an attack on justice
The Government is burying the public consultation for drastic new rules limiting access to the courts over the Christmas period — don't let them away with it
www.irishexaminer.com
December 8, 2025 at 11:28 AM
A profound and deeply worrying shift on access to justice. Hard-hitting analysis by @attractaub.bsky.social of the Government’s plans to limit legal challenges in the planning process www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Reposted by Environmental Pillar
The advisory committee on nature restoration has expressed “disappointment and frustration” at the exclusion of nature from a significant plan for public spending over the next decade - writes Caroline O Doherty.
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Advisers concerned by lack of funding commitment for nature restoration plan
Plan is to be published in draft form for public consultation early next year
www.irishtimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:42 AM
The advisory committee on nature restoration has expressed “disappointment and frustration” at the exclusion of nature from a significant plan for public spending over the next decade - writes Caroline O Doherty.
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Reposted by Environmental Pillar
In this opinion I try to explain the gravely concerning impact of the Govs changes on cost rules for environmental #JR
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Thks to @irishexaminer.bsky.social
#accesstojustice
#aarhus
#EULaw
#IrishConstitution
#Courts
#HumanRights
#HR
#Environment
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Thks to @irishexaminer.bsky.social
#accesstojustice
#aarhus
#EULaw
#IrishConstitution
#Courts
#HumanRights
#HR
#Environment
Judicial review plans are an attack on justice
The Government is burying the public consultation for drastic new rules limiting access to the courts over the Christmas period — don't let them away with it
www.irishexaminer.com
December 7, 2025 at 1:48 PM
In this opinion I try to explain the gravely concerning impact of the Govs changes on cost rules for environmental #JR
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Thks to @irishexaminer.bsky.social
#accesstojustice
#aarhus
#EULaw
#IrishConstitution
#Courts
#HumanRights
#HR
#Environment
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Thks to @irishexaminer.bsky.social
#accesstojustice
#aarhus
#EULaw
#IrishConstitution
#Courts
#HumanRights
#HR
#Environment
Reposted by Environmental Pillar
EU decision-makers are on a mission to roll back vital nature laws
Our response to that? #HandsOffNature
Environmental laws need to be enforced not weakened @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu @jessikaroswall.ec.europa.eu
Read more here 👉 wwfeu.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/eu...
Our response to that? #HandsOffNature
Environmental laws need to be enforced not weakened @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu @jessikaroswall.ec.europa.eu
Read more here 👉 wwfeu.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/eu...
December 8, 2025 at 10:13 AM
EU decision-makers are on a mission to roll back vital nature laws
Our response to that? #HandsOffNature
Environmental laws need to be enforced not weakened @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu @jessikaroswall.ec.europa.eu
Read more here 👉 wwfeu.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/eu...
Our response to that? #HandsOffNature
Environmental laws need to be enforced not weakened @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu @jessikaroswall.ec.europa.eu
Read more here 👉 wwfeu.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/eu...
The EU is planning a shift away from science in favour of the chemical industry. This is a threat to our health & biodiversity. Write to your Commissioner by logging on to www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxic-pesticide-era/ to block these changes & shift the focus to ban harmful pesticides
December 8, 2025 at 11:18 AM
The EU is planning a shift away from science in favour of the chemical industry. This is a threat to our health & biodiversity. Write to your Commissioner by logging on to www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxic-pesticide-era/ to block these changes & shift the focus to ban harmful pesticides
“Simplification” sounds harmless - until you realise its a Trojan horse to weaken critical environmental laws that protect our air, water and Nature itself.
These laws protect you. Let’s protect them back.
Tell EU leaders: #HandsOffNature
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu @jessikaroswall.ec.europa.eu
These laws protect you. Let’s protect them back.
Tell EU leaders: #HandsOffNature
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu @jessikaroswall.ec.europa.eu
December 8, 2025 at 10:17 AM
“Simplification” sounds harmless - until you realise its a Trojan horse to weaken critical environmental laws that protect our air, water and Nature itself.
These laws protect you. Let’s protect them back.
Tell EU leaders: #HandsOffNature
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu @jessikaroswall.ec.europa.eu
These laws protect you. Let’s protect them back.
Tell EU leaders: #HandsOffNature
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu @jessikaroswall.ec.europa.eu
The EU is planning a shift away from science in favour of the chemical industry. Instead of rolling back protections we must strengthen them by removing hazardous pesticides. Join us & say End the Toxic Pesticide Era. Write to your Commissioner www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxic-pesticide-era/
December 3, 2025 at 7:36 PM
The EU is planning a shift away from science in favour of the chemical industry. Instead of rolling back protections we must strengthen them by removing hazardous pesticides. Join us & say End the Toxic Pesticide Era. Write to your Commissioner www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxic-pesticide-era/
Reposted by Environmental Pillar
I spoke to Pat Kenny earlier about the derogation decision
'In theory, we should only get the derogation on the condition that it not impact on water quality. We’re not holding up our end of the bargain, and we haven’t for decades '
www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
'In theory, we should only get the derogation on the condition that it not impact on water quality. We’re not holding up our end of the bargain, and we haven’t for decades '
www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
EU commission recommends an extension to Ireland's nitrates derogation | Newstalk
Michael McGrath has said the European Commission has recommended to extend the nitrates derogatio...
www.newstalk.com
November 28, 2025 at 1:59 PM
I spoke to Pat Kenny earlier about the derogation decision
'In theory, we should only get the derogation on the condition that it not impact on water quality. We’re not holding up our end of the bargain, and we haven’t for decades '
www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
'In theory, we should only get the derogation on the condition that it not impact on water quality. We’re not holding up our end of the bargain, and we haven’t for decades '
www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
Reposted by Environmental Pillar
The confirmation that 100ac of forestry adjacent to the Glen of the Downs has been bought by the NPWS is great news for Nature Restoration.
The opportunity to double the size of Irelands oldest nature reserve is a once in a limetime opportunity.
www.greystonesguide.ie/100-acres-of...
The opportunity to double the size of Irelands oldest nature reserve is a once in a limetime opportunity.
www.greystonesguide.ie/100-acres-of...
The Greystones Guide | This Bellevue Land Is Finally Our Land
National Parks & Wildlife Service snap up 100 acres…
www.greystonesguide.ie
November 26, 2025 at 1:15 PM
The confirmation that 100ac of forestry adjacent to the Glen of the Downs has been bought by the NPWS is great news for Nature Restoration.
The opportunity to double the size of Irelands oldest nature reserve is a once in a limetime opportunity.
www.greystonesguide.ie/100-acres-of...
The opportunity to double the size of Irelands oldest nature reserve is a once in a limetime opportunity.
www.greystonesguide.ie/100-acres-of...
🚨 The EU Environmental Omnibus - designed to weaken environmental laws - may be delayed! Political fights over weakening the Nature Restoration Law & Urban Waste Water rules risk public health & democracy— a record number of citizens backed stronger protections! 🌍
www.endseurope.com/article/1941...
www.endseurope.com/article/1941...
EXCLUSIVE: Dombrovskis seeks to reopen EU nature restoration law
The commissioner in charge of the European Commission’s deregulation drive has sought to include the EU’s flagship nature restoration rules in the upcoming environmental ‘omnibus’ simplification packa...
www.endseurope.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:42 AM
🚨 The EU Environmental Omnibus - designed to weaken environmental laws - may be delayed! Political fights over weakening the Nature Restoration Law & Urban Waste Water rules risk public health & democracy— a record number of citizens backed stronger protections! 🌍
www.endseurope.com/article/1941...
www.endseurope.com/article/1941...
Reposted by Environmental Pillar
An absolute honour to be able to host An Uachtarán in Tailors Hall today for this incredible @antaisce.bsky.social event.
Labhair an tUachtarán Connolly tráthnóna inniu ag ócáid a d’eagraigh An Taisce dar teideal: “Léargas ar an athrú aeráide agus a thionchar ar ár leas”
This afternoon, President Catherine Connolly spoke at an event hosted by An Taisce: ‘Snapshots on climate change and its impacts on our welfare’
This afternoon, President Catherine Connolly spoke at an event hosted by An Taisce: ‘Snapshots on climate change and its impacts on our welfare’
November 19, 2025 at 3:50 PM
An absolute honour to be able to host An Uachtarán in Tailors Hall today for this incredible @antaisce.bsky.social event.
Very constructive meeting with Minister Thomas Byrne recently about Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency. The Environmental Pillar proposed “resilience” as a theme, highlighted the areas of EU law where we have to get our house in order beforehand, and discussed key files Ireland will be managing.
November 18, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Very constructive meeting with Minister Thomas Byrne recently about Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency. The Environmental Pillar proposed “resilience” as a theme, highlighted the areas of EU law where we have to get our house in order beforehand, and discussed key files Ireland will be managing.
Make your voice heard – join the @stopclimatechaos.bsky.social National Climate Demonstration in Dublin on Saturday Nov 15, starting at 1pm at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square. March for climate justice as part of a worldwide day of action demanding an end the era of fossil fuels.
November 14, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Make your voice heard – join the @stopclimatechaos.bsky.social National Climate Demonstration in Dublin on Saturday Nov 15, starting at 1pm at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square. March for climate justice as part of a worldwide day of action demanding an end the era of fossil fuels.
We will be supporting @stopclimatechaos.bsky.social at the National Climate Demonstration in Dublin on Saturday Nov 15. Join us at 1pm at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square when we will march for climate justice as part of a worldwide day of action demanding an end the era of fossil fuels.
November 13, 2025 at 2:58 PM
We will be supporting @stopclimatechaos.bsky.social at the National Climate Demonstration in Dublin on Saturday Nov 15. Join us at 1pm at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square when we will march for climate justice as part of a worldwide day of action demanding an end the era of fossil fuels.
Rather than castigating public-spirited ordinary people concerned by planning problems, the Government should focus on properly resourcing the planning & legal systems. Important analysis by @attractaub.bsky.social on how Judicial reviews serve the common good www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Judicial reviews serve the common good
Rather than castigating public-spirited ordinary people concerned by planning problems, the Government should focus on properly resourcing the planning and legal systems
www.irishexaminer.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Rather than castigating public-spirited ordinary people concerned by planning problems, the Government should focus on properly resourcing the planning & legal systems. Important analysis by @attractaub.bsky.social on how Judicial reviews serve the common good www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Reposted by Environmental Pillar
Amidst Gov's attempt to hijack the common good & ur #JR rights,a contrary perspective from me on what's happening
As always the @irishexaminer.bsky.social facilitates examination 😇👏
#accesstojustice
#aarhus
#eulaw
#courts
#judicialreview
#publicinterest
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
As always the @irishexaminer.bsky.social facilitates examination 😇👏
#accesstojustice
#aarhus
#eulaw
#courts
#judicialreview
#publicinterest
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Judicial reviews serve the common good
Rather than castigating public-spirited ordinary people concerned by planning problems, the Government should focus on properly resourcing the planning and legal systems
www.irishexaminer.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Amidst Gov's attempt to hijack the common good & ur #JR rights,a contrary perspective from me on what's happening
As always the @irishexaminer.bsky.social facilitates examination 😇👏
#accesstojustice
#aarhus
#eulaw
#courts
#judicialreview
#publicinterest
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
As always the @irishexaminer.bsky.social facilitates examination 😇👏
#accesstojustice
#aarhus
#eulaw
#courts
#judicialreview
#publicinterest
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Yet another warning that Ireland is failing to reach its climate targets – “we need to redesign how we commute, heat homes, and power the economy. That means real investment in people, infrastructure, and communities, not more delay.” www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Fossil fuel dependence ‘is Ireland’s biggest block’ to achieving carbon emissions cuts
‘Expensive’ fossil fuels subsidised by €4.7bn of taxpayers’ money as Climate Change Advisory Council warns over ‘harmful use’
www.irishtimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Yet another warning that Ireland is failing to reach its climate targets – “we need to redesign how we commute, heat homes, and power the economy. That means real investment in people, infrastructure, and communities, not more delay.” www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Reposted by Environmental Pillar
The EU MERCOSUR Trade Deal is being railroaded through — with promises of traceability safeguards the latest Trojan Horse.
But how credible are these assurances? And why should Ireland stand behind a deal that risks harming the Amazon and its Indigenous communities?
#MERCOSUR #COP30
But how credible are these assurances? And why should Ireland stand behind a deal that risks harming the Amazon and its Indigenous communities?
#MERCOSUR #COP30
November 12, 2025 at 10:39 AM