Karen Ronayne
@kronayne.bsky.social
Cork, Ireland. Giving this a go....
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
Do both.
And if solar parks are built near villages or towns, then offer the people who are potentially affected free electricity to offset their concerns.
Solar panels are not nuclear power stations. They can be removed with little environmental impact and can actually benefit biodiversity.
And if solar parks are built near villages or towns, then offer the people who are potentially affected free electricity to offset their concerns.
Solar panels are not nuclear power stations. They can be removed with little environmental impact and can actually benefit biodiversity.
The solution is right above us. Solar panels on existing buildings, car parks, and along highways generate clean power without sacrificing farmland or wild spaces. Let's use our built world first. #Renewables #Innovation
December 22, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Do both.
And if solar parks are built near villages or towns, then offer the people who are potentially affected free electricity to offset their concerns.
Solar panels are not nuclear power stations. They can be removed with little environmental impact and can actually benefit biodiversity.
And if solar parks are built near villages or towns, then offer the people who are potentially affected free electricity to offset their concerns.
Solar panels are not nuclear power stations. They can be removed with little environmental impact and can actually benefit biodiversity.
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
“Are we going to get the construction of a new building and not have this shoved into an existing building that does not meet the needs of a library and is not the promised new-build library?”
www.echolive.ie/corknews/ari...
www.echolive.ie/corknews/ari...
Plans for Cork City Library ‘lack transparency’ says TD
He said a total of €50m was promised and €7m had been spent on Bishop Lucey Park’s redevelopment, but he claimed there is “a huge lack of ...
www.echolive.ie
November 15, 2025 at 10:10 AM
“Are we going to get the construction of a new building and not have this shoved into an existing building that does not meet the needs of a library and is not the promised new-build library?”
www.echolive.ie/corknews/ari...
www.echolive.ie/corknews/ari...
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
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.
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
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
Rate of judicial review in Ireland 'off the charts'
The rate of judicial review in Ireland is "off the charts," the Director of Housing and Planning at the Construction Industry Federation has said.
www.rte.ie
November 2, 2025 at 7:07 PM
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 🧵
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
A real test for politicians and gardaí.
There's been a years-long campaign of arson/attempted arson at IPAS centres - even buildings rumoured to be considered for asylum seekers.
We've had far-right instigated riots in our capital, at CityWest and Coolock; arson at TD's property... (1/2)
There's been a years-long campaign of arson/attempted arson at IPAS centres - even buildings rumoured to be considered for asylum seekers.
We've had far-right instigated riots in our capital, at CityWest and Coolock; arson at TD's property... (1/2)
November 1, 2025 at 11:57 AM
A real test for politicians and gardaí.
There's been a years-long campaign of arson/attempted arson at IPAS centres - even buildings rumoured to be considered for asylum seekers.
We've had far-right instigated riots in our capital, at CityWest and Coolock; arson at TD's property... (1/2)
There's been a years-long campaign of arson/attempted arson at IPAS centres - even buildings rumoured to be considered for asylum seekers.
We've had far-right instigated riots in our capital, at CityWest and Coolock; arson at TD's property... (1/2)
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
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 Karen Ronayne
This article is full of digs against horseshoe bats, planners & says “environmental goals have created stasis”. The @dublininquirer.com have already looked into the Collison backed Progress Ireland & identified links with US libertarian & Peter Thiel backed groups. We need independent journalism!
October 25, 2025 at 7:54 AM
This article is full of digs against horseshoe bats, planners & says “environmental goals have created stasis”. The @dublininquirer.com have already looked into the Collison backed Progress Ireland & identified links with US libertarian & Peter Thiel backed groups. We need independent journalism!
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
Last night’s council meeting showed that planning permissions are NOT the bottleneck in housing delivery. Turns out about half the planning permissions granted don’t actually convert into building projects for various reasons. www.thejournal.ie/dublin-city-...
Dublin City Council agrees to rezone land for up to 25,000 new homes in the capital
The council also agreed to launch a project to “rejuvenate” Middle Abbey Street, North Frederick Street and the surrounding areas.
www.thejournal.ie
October 17, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Last night’s council meeting showed that planning permissions are NOT the bottleneck in housing delivery. Turns out about half the planning permissions granted don’t actually convert into building projects for various reasons. www.thejournal.ie/dublin-city-...
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
'[this] could not have come at a worse time for the Gov. & farmers as Ireland attempts to retain its EU nitrates derogation.. The EPA findings undermine the case for retention ..The Min for Ag has called for an extension..This now looks like a specious argument.'
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/edit...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/edit...
The Irish Times view on Ireland’s waterways: an ecological death
Nutrients from agriculture and poor wastewater treatment have led to 48 per cent of waters being rated below minimum standards
www.irishtimes.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:05 AM
'[this] could not have come at a worse time for the Gov. & farmers as Ireland attempts to retain its EU nitrates derogation.. The EPA findings undermine the case for retention ..The Min for Ag has called for an extension..This now looks like a specious argument.'
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/edit...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/edit...
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
Cooperative housing in Switzerland, fabulous 3-4 bedroom duplex family apartments 110 square metres, €2,500/ month
.. & we’re told that small 2-bed apartments at 45 square metres with €2,500 rent aren’t “viable”
.. it’s developer procurement that isn’t viable, not affordable housing
.. & we’re told that small 2-bed apartments at 45 square metres with €2,500 rent aren’t “viable”
.. it’s developer procurement that isn’t viable, not affordable housing
wow the 1200 sf 3-bedroom triple aspect maisonettes in this rent for as little as CHF 2340 ($2920) a month (brutto)
for a concrete building.
for a concrete building.
October 14, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Cooperative housing in Switzerland, fabulous 3-4 bedroom duplex family apartments 110 square metres, €2,500/ month
.. & we’re told that small 2-bed apartments at 45 square metres with €2,500 rent aren’t “viable”
.. it’s developer procurement that isn’t viable, not affordable housing
.. & we’re told that small 2-bed apartments at 45 square metres with €2,500 rent aren’t “viable”
.. it’s developer procurement that isn’t viable, not affordable housing
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
Q: Why was the person responsible for the Blackwater fish kill never found?
A: it wasn’t anybody’s job.
I talked to the heads of all the agencies involved in the investigation, about why the biggest pollution event in Irish history fell between the cracks.
Listen: 👉 www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
A: it wasn’t anybody’s job.
I talked to the heads of all the agencies involved in the investigation, about why the biggest pollution event in Irish history fell between the cracks.
Listen: 👉 www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
CountryWide - RTÉ Radio 1
The CountryWide team feature the events, people and happenings that bring colour and life to communities, towns and villages across the country.
www.rte.ie
October 11, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Q: Why was the person responsible for the Blackwater fish kill never found?
A: it wasn’t anybody’s job.
I talked to the heads of all the agencies involved in the investigation, about why the biggest pollution event in Irish history fell between the cracks.
Listen: 👉 www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
A: it wasn’t anybody’s job.
I talked to the heads of all the agencies involved in the investigation, about why the biggest pollution event in Irish history fell between the cracks.
Listen: 👉 www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
.....and the wider issues and implications across Europe
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
The tariffs the EU inflicts on itself: Extreme heat, floods, pollution and ill-health
Bloc’s environment agency flags concerns over water stress, unhealthy soils and pollution
www.irishtimes.com
September 29, 2025 at 10:55 AM
.....and the wider issues and implications across Europe
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
We're working on a Water Action Plan, Nature Restoration Plan & Land Use Review. European Environment Agency report shows we need to work faster
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
Ireland’s natural environment in ‘very poor’ condition, EU analysis finds
European Environment Report - news (analysis piece to follow)
Embargoed to Sunday night 11pm
www.irishtimes.com
September 29, 2025 at 10:53 AM
We're working on a Water Action Plan, Nature Restoration Plan & Land Use Review. European Environment Agency report shows we need to work faster
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
I'm all for grand visions of societal transformation towards sustainability, but also I suspect it leaves people paralysed and confused about what actually works.
So with @seai-ie.bsky.social, I wrote this cheat sheet - the "how and why" of the energy transition
www.seai.ie/sites/defaul...
So with @seai-ie.bsky.social, I wrote this cheat sheet - the "how and why" of the energy transition
www.seai.ie/sites/defaul...
September 29, 2025 at 2:28 PM
I'm all for grand visions of societal transformation towards sustainability, but also I suspect it leaves people paralysed and confused about what actually works.
So with @seai-ie.bsky.social, I wrote this cheat sheet - the "how and why" of the energy transition
www.seai.ie/sites/defaul...
So with @seai-ie.bsky.social, I wrote this cheat sheet - the "how and why" of the energy transition
www.seai.ie/sites/defaul...
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
This is behind a paywall which is unfortunate cos it’s very good. I wouldn’t usually post a way around the paywall of an Irish publication, but I’ll make an exception 🙏 (archive below)
Author is in command of the figures and they’re not good - the consequences disastrous
archive.is/2025.09.18-0...
Author is in command of the figures and they’re not good - the consequences disastrous
archive.is/2025.09.18-0...
September 18, 2025 at 5:56 AM
This is behind a paywall which is unfortunate cos it’s very good. I wouldn’t usually post a way around the paywall of an Irish publication, but I’ll make an exception 🙏 (archive below)
Author is in command of the figures and they’re not good - the consequences disastrous
archive.is/2025.09.18-0...
Author is in command of the figures and they’re not good - the consequences disastrous
archive.is/2025.09.18-0...
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
Ireland’s climate transition should not only address emissions, but also existing inequalities.
We have a unique opportunity to harness the climate transformation ahead to deliver better, safer and fairer futures for everyone.
Some great inspiration here:
We have a unique opportunity to harness the climate transformation ahead to deliver better, safer and fairer futures for everyone.
Some great inspiration here:
10 ways to make Dublin better: From public baths to scrapping gated communities
Open schoolyards at weekends, softer lighting and more places to sit down would help
www.irishtimes.com
September 7, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Ireland’s climate transition should not only address emissions, but also existing inequalities.
We have a unique opportunity to harness the climate transformation ahead to deliver better, safer and fairer futures for everyone.
Some great inspiration here:
We have a unique opportunity to harness the climate transformation ahead to deliver better, safer and fairer futures for everyone.
Some great inspiration here:
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
The way that housing co-ops work in Switzerland may seem foreign to many. But the central idea is simple: What if homeownership had no profit motive and no capital gains? Advocates say their model could reshape how the world thinks about affordable housing. www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/r...
August 30, 2025 at 10:05 PM
The way that housing co-ops work in Switzerland may seem foreign to many. But the central idea is simple: What if homeownership had no profit motive and no capital gains? Advocates say their model could reshape how the world thinks about affordable housing. www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/r...
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
Whether or not they caused the horrific fish kill, serious questions need to be asked why North Cork Creameries has been repeatedly in breach of their EPA discharge licence.
Do we need 46,000 fish to be directly attributable to their pollution to stop it? 🧵
www.thejournal.ie/fish-kill-ri...
Do we need 46,000 fish to be directly attributable to their pollution to stop it? 🧵
www.thejournal.ie/fish-kill-ri...
Dairy plant says it is 'not connected' to major Cork fish kill after EPA wastewater report
North Cork Creameries said there was no link to its site and the fish kill near Lombardstown, “a full 10km away from our facility”.
www.thejournal.ie
September 1, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Whether or not they caused the horrific fish kill, serious questions need to be asked why North Cork Creameries has been repeatedly in breach of their EPA discharge licence.
Do we need 46,000 fish to be directly attributable to their pollution to stop it? 🧵
www.thejournal.ie/fish-kill-ri...
Do we need 46,000 fish to be directly attributable to their pollution to stop it? 🧵
www.thejournal.ie/fish-kill-ri...
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
The fossil fuel industry is literally destabilising the life support systems of our planet and our policians are letting them.
Incomprehensible stupidity and recklessness.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Incomprehensible stupidity and recklessness.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Collapse of critical Atlantic current is no longer low-likelihood, study finds
Scientists say ‘shocking’ discovery shows rapid cuts in carbon emissions are needed to avoid catastrophic fallout
www.theguardian.com
August 28, 2025 at 5:28 PM
The fossil fuel industry is literally destabilising the life support systems of our planet and our policians are letting them.
Incomprehensible stupidity and recklessness.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Incomprehensible stupidity and recklessness.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
More on our new study that was published yesterday - a plain English article from the lead scientist @colmduff.bsky.social which gets deeper into the #foodinsecurity and #globalinequality issues associated with 'temperature neutrality' / 'no additional warming' approaches to target setting.
What if wealthy nations could lock in high methane emissions and still claim climate neutrality?
That’s the risk with “temperature neutrality”.
Here’s the plain-English version of our new study:
medium.com/@colmduffy/h...
That’s the risk with “temperature neutrality”.
Here’s the plain-English version of our new study:
medium.com/@colmduffy/h...
How one country’s potential climate backslide could block others from feeding themselves, and…
The Dangerous Allure of ‘No Additional Warming’.
medium.com
August 13, 2025 at 10:41 AM
More on our new study that was published yesterday - a plain English article from the lead scientist @colmduff.bsky.social which gets deeper into the #foodinsecurity and #globalinequality issues associated with 'temperature neutrality' / 'no additional warming' approaches to target setting.
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
"Current patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal cause disease, disability, and death at every stage of the plastic lifecycle." @thelancet.com
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
August 4, 2025 at 2:07 PM
"Current patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal cause disease, disability, and death at every stage of the plastic lifecycle." @thelancet.com
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
Watch this video 100 times today!
July 30, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Watch this video 100 times today!
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
Our water infrastructure is a wreck, our electricity infrastructure is a wreck, and yet the government act like you've deliberately run over their dog if you have the temerity to suggest that maybe we should chill on building data centres
www.thejournal.ie/portlaoise-h...
www.thejournal.ie/portlaoise-h...
Electricity shortcomings in Portlaoise see up to 80 newly built homes lying vacant
Dozens of families are unable to move into the houses because of the delay.
www.thejournal.ie
July 10, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Our water infrastructure is a wreck, our electricity infrastructure is a wreck, and yet the government act like you've deliberately run over their dog if you have the temerity to suggest that maybe we should chill on building data centres
www.thejournal.ie/portlaoise-h...
www.thejournal.ie/portlaoise-h...
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
While Ireland is paralysed with inaction and indecision, other countries are getting on with the task of protecting their seas. Denmark now the latest to announce a restriction on bottom trawling.
seas-at-risk.org/press-releas...
seas-at-risk.org/press-releas...
NGOs welcome Denmark’s new proposal to ban destructive bottom trawling in key areas - and urge the EU for stronger action - Seas At Risk
Environment NGOs Seas At Risk, Danish Nature Conservation Association, Oceana and ClientEarth welcome the Danish government’s proposal to ban bottom trawling in over 17% of Danish waters. The establis...
seas-at-risk.org
July 7, 2025 at 11:08 AM
While Ireland is paralysed with inaction and indecision, other countries are getting on with the task of protecting their seas. Denmark now the latest to announce a restriction on bottom trawling.
seas-at-risk.org/press-releas...
seas-at-risk.org/press-releas...
Reposted by Karen Ronayne
#BuiltHeritage
Cork city — derelict historic buildings in prominent locations negatively affecting amenities & character of city.
Targeted action req'd for renovation/reuse (Derelict Sites & Section 59, P&D act)
📷
1 Fr Mathew Quay
2 South Tce
3 George's Quay
4 Odlums, Marina Rd
#DerelictIreland
Cork city — derelict historic buildings in prominent locations negatively affecting amenities & character of city.
Targeted action req'd for renovation/reuse (Derelict Sites & Section 59, P&D act)
📷
1 Fr Mathew Quay
2 South Tce
3 George's Quay
4 Odlums, Marina Rd
#DerelictIreland
July 7, 2025 at 8:10 AM
#BuiltHeritage
Cork city — derelict historic buildings in prominent locations negatively affecting amenities & character of city.
Targeted action req'd for renovation/reuse (Derelict Sites & Section 59, P&D act)
📷
1 Fr Mathew Quay
2 South Tce
3 George's Quay
4 Odlums, Marina Rd
#DerelictIreland
Cork city — derelict historic buildings in prominent locations negatively affecting amenities & character of city.
Targeted action req'd for renovation/reuse (Derelict Sites & Section 59, P&D act)
📷
1 Fr Mathew Quay
2 South Tce
3 George's Quay
4 Odlums, Marina Rd
#DerelictIreland