Lorraine Benson
@lbcilldara.bsky.social
Ecologist Co Kildare Ireland
Birdwatch Ireland Board member
Green Party member
Birdwatch Ireland Board member
Green Party member
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
With Trumps threats to Greenland’s independence growing every day, a strong EU response is vital.
I’m calling on the Taoiseach to urgently brief Opposition leaders on the possible use of the EU Anti-Coercion Instrument and the impact on Ireland of the new tariffs threat 🇮🇪 🇬🇱 🇪🇺
I’m calling on the Taoiseach to urgently brief Opposition leaders on the possible use of the EU Anti-Coercion Instrument and the impact on Ireland of the new tariffs threat 🇮🇪 🇬🇱 🇪🇺
January 18, 2026 at 1:42 PM
With Trumps threats to Greenland’s independence growing every day, a strong EU response is vital.
I’m calling on the Taoiseach to urgently brief Opposition leaders on the possible use of the EU Anti-Coercion Instrument and the impact on Ireland of the new tariffs threat 🇮🇪 🇬🇱 🇪🇺
I’m calling on the Taoiseach to urgently brief Opposition leaders on the possible use of the EU Anti-Coercion Instrument and the impact on Ireland of the new tariffs threat 🇮🇪 🇬🇱 🇪🇺
Unbelievable. Why the delay? The facts are known. Where are the "high impact actions". Where is the urgency? Placing climate burdens on the next generation seems to be the norm for this government.
Climate action plan delayed for second year despite emissions cuts falling behind target
Climate action plan delayed for second year despite emissions cuts falling behind target
Opposition TDs accuse Government of lacking ambition in tackling climate crisis
www.irishtimes.com
January 16, 2026 at 10:49 AM
Unbelievable. Why the delay? The facts are known. Where are the "high impact actions". Where is the urgency? Placing climate burdens on the next generation seems to be the norm for this government.
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
A New Year's Resolution:
www.greenparty.ie/take-action
www.greenparty.ie/take-action
January 5, 2026 at 8:41 AM
A New Year's Resolution:
www.greenparty.ie/take-action
www.greenparty.ie/take-action
Starlings carrying nest material into a convenient hole in a soffit at Monread, Naas, Co Kildare. A bit early for nesting?@BirdWatchIE @BirdsMatter_ie photo from Birdwatch Ireland's excellent website.
December 28, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Starlings carrying nest material into a convenient hole in a soffit at Monread, Naas, Co Kildare. A bit early for nesting?@BirdWatchIE @BirdsMatter_ie photo from Birdwatch Ireland's excellent website.
Young Blackcap on the Beara Peninsula, West Cork, Ireland feeding up before migration on 14 October 2025.
October 26, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Young Blackcap on the Beara Peninsula, West Cork, Ireland feeding up before migration on 14 October 2025.
Birdwatch Ireland conservation volunteers with Cape Clear Warden John Horton. Lovely morning for a ringing session.
September 22, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Birdwatch Ireland conservation volunteers with Cape Clear Warden John Horton. Lovely morning for a ringing session.
Irish Times today on decision of the International Court of Justice on responsibility of States to protect the rights of current and future generations to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The EU US Trade deal on future fossil fuel purchase runs foul of the ICJ.
July 29, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Irish Times today on decision of the International Court of Justice on responsibility of States to protect the rights of current and future generations to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The EU US Trade deal on future fossil fuel purchase runs foul of the ICJ.
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
If those 20 EU govts who joined Monday's strong statement by Western countries to immediately allow aid & supplies move unencumbered into Gaza are ready to put their words into action, there's already a qualified majority to act. QMV can immediately suspend the trade chapter 1/4
The killing of civilians seeking aid in Gaza is indefensible.
I spoke again with Gideon Sa'ar to recall our understanding on aid flow and made clear that IDF must stop killing people at distribution points.
All options remain on the table if Israel doesn’t deliver on its pledges.
I spoke again with Gideon Sa'ar to recall our understanding on aid flow and made clear that IDF must stop killing people at distribution points.
All options remain on the table if Israel doesn’t deliver on its pledges.
July 25, 2025 at 12:08 PM
If those 20 EU govts who joined Monday's strong statement by Western countries to immediately allow aid & supplies move unencumbered into Gaza are ready to put their words into action, there's already a qualified majority to act. QMV can immediately suspend the trade chapter 1/4
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Healthy environment is a human right: '... those most responsible for causing the climate crisis are legally bound to take action, can be held accountable for inaction and may be required to provide reparations to those most affected'
www.irishtimes.com/world/2025/0...
www.irishtimes.com/world/2025/0...
Healthy environment is a human right, top UN court rules in landmark climate case
‘This is the start of a new era of climate accountability at a global level’ - Greenpeace
www.irishtimes.com
July 23, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Healthy environment is a human right: '... those most responsible for causing the climate crisis are legally bound to take action, can be held accountable for inaction and may be required to provide reparations to those most affected'
www.irishtimes.com/world/2025/0...
www.irishtimes.com/world/2025/0...
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Tonight the Greens are ending a bad tax cut in Dublin City Council. We want to invest instead.
We'll be raising money to insulate social housing, bring derelict properties into use, offer pprenticeships, and build zebra crossings.
Fixing Dublin = Investing in Dublin
We'll be raising money to insulate social housing, bring derelict properties into use, offer pprenticeships, and build zebra crossings.
Fixing Dublin = Investing in Dublin
July 18, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Tonight the Greens are ending a bad tax cut in Dublin City Council. We want to invest instead.
We'll be raising money to insulate social housing, bring derelict properties into use, offer pprenticeships, and build zebra crossings.
Fixing Dublin = Investing in Dublin
We'll be raising money to insulate social housing, bring derelict properties into use, offer pprenticeships, and build zebra crossings.
Fixing Dublin = Investing in Dublin
Birdwatch Ireland Kildare visit to Farming for Nature Ambassador, Anthony Mooney's farm. Anthony runs a successful beef farm, does not apply chemical nitrogen and has not reseeded his land for 25 years. We were joined by the Dublin Naturalists Field Club.
July 12, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Birdwatch Ireland Kildare visit to Farming for Nature Ambassador, Anthony Mooney's farm. Anthony runs a successful beef farm, does not apply chemical nitrogen and has not reseeded his land for 25 years. We were joined by the Dublin Naturalists Field Club.
Large White Butterfly eggs and larvae on a cabbage leaf today in North Kildare. There are plenty of these about.
July 12, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Large White Butterfly eggs and larvae on a cabbage leaf today in North Kildare. There are plenty of these about.
Time to protect the seabirds by designating Marine Protected Areas. Birdwatch Ireland's detailed work and mapping will help inform government policy and legislation....... I hope
July 3, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Time to protect the seabirds by designating Marine Protected Areas. Birdwatch Ireland's detailed work and mapping will help inform government policy and legislation....... I hope
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
A map identifying the 73 most important areas for Ireland's seabirds is being launched by BirdWatch Ireland
Crucial areas for conserving Irish seabirds identified
A map identifying the 73 most important areas for Ireland's seabirds is being launched by BirdWatch Ireland.
www.rte.ie
July 3, 2025 at 5:23 AM
A map identifying the 73 most important areas for Ireland's seabirds is being launched by BirdWatch Ireland
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Landmark case: Court in France found French State liable for death of jogger, citing its "negligence" in enforcing environmental regulations to protect its waters and prevent toxic green algae. In Brittany, 90% of algae blooms are caused by intensive agriculture
www.lemonde.fr/en/police-an...
www.lemonde.fr/en/police-an...
France ordered to compensate family of jogger killed by toxic algae
Jean-René Auffray, 50, died in 2016 during a run after inhaling poisonous gas emitted by rotting green algae piled along the country's western coast.
www.lemonde.fr
July 1, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Landmark case: Court in France found French State liable for death of jogger, citing its "negligence" in enforcing environmental regulations to protect its waters and prevent toxic green algae. In Brittany, 90% of algae blooms are caused by intensive agriculture
www.lemonde.fr/en/police-an...
www.lemonde.fr/en/police-an...
Hummingbird-Hawk-moth on Lavender in my garden.
July 1, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Hummingbird-Hawk-moth on Lavender in my garden.
No Song Sparrow on Tory Island today 😢 after it's one week stay. But isn't the Donegal landscape breathtaking?
June 29, 2025 at 6:15 PM
No Song Sparrow on Tory Island today 😢 after it's one week stay. But isn't the Donegal landscape breathtaking?
And here is another gem. Bord na Mona knows that peat purifies water. They were hired by the US EPA to use Irish peat to address pollution in the Gulf of Mexico also back in the 1950s.
June 25, 2025 at 7:11 PM
And here is another gem. Bord na Mona knows that peat purifies water. They were hired by the US EPA to use Irish peat to address pollution in the Gulf of Mexico also back in the 1950s.
Found this poster today in Lullymore, Co Kildare. Maybe it's time for a new mandate for Bord na Móna to build houses? Sounds like a just transition to me.
June 25, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Found this poster today in Lullymore, Co Kildare. Maybe it's time for a new mandate for Bord na Móna to build houses? Sounds like a just transition to me.
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Lady's Island Lake is one of Ireland's largest saline lagoons, and hosts a wide variety of bird-life.
Unfortunately, it is also highly polluted.
I have been working with the Wexford Green Party to highlight this, and today I raised the issue with the Taoiseach
www.rte.ie/news/regiona...
Unfortunately, it is also highly polluted.
I have been working with the Wexford Green Party to highlight this, and today I raised the issue with the Taoiseach
www.rte.ie/news/regiona...
O'Gorman calls for Wexford 'goo lagoon' to be prevented
Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman has said that urgent action is needed to prevent Ireland's largest saltwater lake from becoming a toxic "goo lagoon".
www.rte.ie
June 18, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Lady's Island Lake is one of Ireland's largest saline lagoons, and hosts a wide variety of bird-life.
Unfortunately, it is also highly polluted.
I have been working with the Wexford Green Party to highlight this, and today I raised the issue with the Taoiseach
www.rte.ie/news/regiona...
Unfortunately, it is also highly polluted.
I have been working with the Wexford Green Party to highlight this, and today I raised the issue with the Taoiseach
www.rte.ie/news/regiona...
Thank you Mary.
Well done Lorraine.
June 18, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Thank you Mary.
Proud to join the board of BirdWatchIreland today working to protect birds and biodiversity.
June 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Proud to join the board of BirdWatchIreland today working to protect birds and biodiversity.
Wild Dog rose by the Liffey before the rain came.
May 25, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Wild Dog rose by the Liffey before the rain came.
Great White Egret at Leixlip Reservoir Co Kildare.
May 24, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Great White Egret at Leixlip Reservoir Co Kildare.