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
We’ve written to Irish MEPs urging them to vote against ratification of EU–Mercosur
The deal threatens small farms, public health & climate/biodiversity by prioritising multinationals over communities & future generations
We believe in enhanced cooperation with South America but not at any cost
The deal threatens small farms, public health & climate/biodiversity by prioritising multinationals over communities & future generations
We believe in enhanced cooperation with South America but not at any cost
February 9, 2026 at 11:24 AM
We’ve written to Irish MEPs urging them to vote against ratification of EU–Mercosur
The deal threatens small farms, public health & climate/biodiversity by prioritising multinationals over communities & future generations
We believe in enhanced cooperation with South America but not at any cost
The deal threatens small farms, public health & climate/biodiversity by prioritising multinationals over communities & future generations
We believe in enhanced cooperation with South America but not at any cost
Reposted by Environmental Pillar
An Taisce stands with fellow members of Environmental Pillar and eNGOs across the EU to say Hands Off Nature.
Have your voice heard.
Let’s defend the laws that protect our future #HandsOFFNature
Send a message and sign petition:
www.environmentalpillar.ie/hands-off-na...
@envpillar.bsky.social
Have your voice heard.
Let’s defend the laws that protect our future #HandsOFFNature
Send a message and sign petition:
www.environmentalpillar.ie/hands-off-na...
@envpillar.bsky.social
February 9, 2026 at 10:52 AM
An Taisce stands with fellow members of Environmental Pillar and eNGOs across the EU to say Hands Off Nature.
Have your voice heard.
Let’s defend the laws that protect our future #HandsOFFNature
Send a message and sign petition:
www.environmentalpillar.ie/hands-off-na...
@envpillar.bsky.social
Have your voice heard.
Let’s defend the laws that protect our future #HandsOFFNature
Send a message and sign petition:
www.environmentalpillar.ie/hands-off-na...
@envpillar.bsky.social
Under the Trojan Horse of simplification & cutting red tape, key EU laws that protect clean air, safe water, public health & nature are being weakened. Use our webtool to remind EU leaders to keep their Hands Off Nature. www.environmentalpillar.ie/hands-off-na...
Hands OFF Nature! - The Environmental Pillar
Europe - Don’t turn your back on nature! Behind the EU’s ‘simplification’ agenda, crucial environmental safeguards are being quietly dismantled. We’re not calling deregulation by name, but the reality...
www.environmentalpillar.ie
February 9, 2026 at 10:45 AM
Under the Trojan Horse of simplification & cutting red tape, key EU laws that protect clean air, safe water, public health & nature are being weakened. Use our webtool to remind EU leaders to keep their Hands Off Nature. www.environmentalpillar.ie/hands-off-na...
Europe - Don’t turn your back on nature! The EU's ongoing “simplification” drive risks setting back nature protection by decades and fails to safeguard us from the climate crisis. Take Action. Give nature a voice. Sign the petition to say #HandsOFFNature www.environmentalpillar.ie/hands-off-na...
Hands OFF Nature! - The Environmental Pillar
Europe - Don’t turn your back on nature! Behind the EU’s ‘simplification’ agenda, crucial environmental safeguards are being quietly dismantled. We’re not calling deregulation by name, but the reality...
www.environmentalpillar.ie
February 5, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Europe - Don’t turn your back on nature! The EU's ongoing “simplification” drive risks setting back nature protection by decades and fails to safeguard us from the climate crisis. Take Action. Give nature a voice. Sign the petition to say #HandsOFFNature www.environmentalpillar.ie/hands-off-na...
The Nature Restoration Plan, which is currently being developed, is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure a bright future for nature & farming alike, but it can only deliver if politicians & farming leaders are honest with farmers and work in their best interests greennews.ie/in-ireland-t...
In Ireland the fate of farming and nature are Intertwined—and so are the budgets - Green News Ireland
Fintan Kelly, Senior Landuse Officer, Environmental Pillar Many farming families depend on nature and the public money that supports its custodianship. In the same way, wildlife depends on sustainable...
greennews.ie
February 5, 2026 at 9:07 AM
The Nature Restoration Plan, which is currently being developed, is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure a bright future for nature & farming alike, but it can only deliver if politicians & farming leaders are honest with farmers and work in their best interests greennews.ie/in-ireland-t...
Reposted by Environmental Pillar
Faced with triple crises of climate breakdown, biodiversity loss & pollution, we need to ensure environmental laws remain strong
When nature loses, we all lose
Please add your voice - let EU decision-makers understand need to respect scientific evidence and to keep environmental safeguards intact
When nature loses, we all lose
Please add your voice - let EU decision-makers understand need to respect scientific evidence and to keep environmental safeguards intact
The air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the safety of our homes all depend on strong environmental laws. Behind the EU’s ‘simplification’ agenda, crucial environmental safeguards are being quietly dismantled. Take Action: www.environmentalpillar.ie/hands-off-na...
Hands OFF Nature! - The Environmental Pillar
Europe - Don’t turn your back on nature! Behind the EU’s ‘simplification’ agenda, crucial environmental safeguards are being quietly dismantled. We’re not calling deregulation by name, but the reality...
www.environmentalpillar.ie
February 3, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Faced with triple crises of climate breakdown, biodiversity loss & pollution, we need to ensure environmental laws remain strong
When nature loses, we all lose
Please add your voice - let EU decision-makers understand need to respect scientific evidence and to keep environmental safeguards intact
When nature loses, we all lose
Please add your voice - let EU decision-makers understand need to respect scientific evidence and to keep environmental safeguards intact
The air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the safety of our homes all depend on strong environmental laws. Behind the EU’s ‘simplification’ agenda, crucial environmental safeguards are being quietly dismantled. Take Action: www.environmentalpillar.ie/hands-off-na...
Hands OFF Nature! - The Environmental Pillar
Europe - Don’t turn your back on nature! Behind the EU’s ‘simplification’ agenda, crucial environmental safeguards are being quietly dismantled. We’re not calling deregulation by name, but the reality...
www.environmentalpillar.ie
February 3, 2026 at 11:12 AM
The air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the safety of our homes all depend on strong environmental laws. Behind the EU’s ‘simplification’ agenda, crucial environmental safeguards are being quietly dismantled. Take Action: www.environmentalpillar.ie/hands-off-na...
Reposted by Environmental Pillar
SWAN joined members of @envpillar.bsky.social yesterday on a tour of a derogation farm and talked to Minister Heydon and his team about the need for farmers like these not to have to live with uncertainty, facing another cliff edge on derogation, and instead to provide an off-ramp with supports.
January 23, 2026 at 4:12 PM
SWAN joined members of @envpillar.bsky.social yesterday on a tour of a derogation farm and talked to Minister Heydon and his team about the need for farmers like these not to have to live with uncertainty, facing another cliff edge on derogation, and instead to provide an off-ramp with supports.
A proposed new fees scale aimed at slashing legal costs payable by public bodies in environmental law cases is contrary to European Union law and would harm environmental protection, the Law Society of Ireland has said www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/20...
Plan to slash legal costs in environmental cases is against EU law, say lawyers
Plan to slash legal fees payable in environmental cases is ‘contrary to EU law and Constitution’
www.irishtimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:03 PM
A proposed new fees scale aimed at slashing legal costs payable by public bodies in environmental law cases is contrary to European Union law and would harm environmental protection, the Law Society of Ireland has said www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/20...
Reposted by Environmental Pillar
1400 submissions on the JR costs cap & the majority appear to be questioning the legal validity of this.
But instead of, you know, actually listening to the public, instead the Gov is said to be 'bracing for a legal challenge'. How about they just don't do it?!
www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co...
But instead of, you know, actually listening to the public, instead the Gov is said to be 'bracing for a legal challenge'. How about they just don't do it?!
www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co...
High Court action against legal fees cap expected
Minister for Environment wants to cap State legal payments to €65,805
www.irishtimes.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:30 PM
1400 submissions on the JR costs cap & the majority appear to be questioning the legal validity of this.
But instead of, you know, actually listening to the public, instead the Gov is said to be 'bracing for a legal challenge'. How about they just don't do it?!
www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co...
But instead of, you know, actually listening to the public, instead the Gov is said to be 'bracing for a legal challenge'. How about they just don't do it?!
www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co...
The last 11 years have been the warmest on record globally and Copernicus scientists say they fully expect 2026 to make it 12 out of 12, with the pattern to continue.
"Another sad milestone in a very long series of milestones…We have ever-increasing evidence that Ireland’s climate is changing in pretty profound ways...but there is a complete lack of political will to enact those solutions at the speed and scale required" www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
In the absence of urgency, only thing changing is our weather
Ireland not immune to destructive events causing havoc around the world
www.irishtimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 11:55 AM
The last 11 years have been the warmest on record globally and Copernicus scientists say they fully expect 2026 to make it 12 out of 12, with the pattern to continue.
Reposted by Environmental Pillar
Ireland set for more extreme weather as climate data points to worsening trends
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Ireland set for more extreme weather as climate data points to worsening trends
European analysts register 11-year streak of temperature records with warning of more to come
www.irishtimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:43 AM
Ireland set for more extreme weather as climate data points to worsening trends
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
The Environmental Pillar has long argued that the Mercosur deal lacks sufficient safeguards to protect Irish family farms and consumers from food produced to lower health standards using inputs banned in the EU.
January 8, 2026 at 2:36 PM
The Environmental Pillar has long argued that the Mercosur deal lacks sufficient safeguards to protect Irish family farms and consumers from food produced to lower health standards using inputs banned in the EU.
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