The European Commission has selected two new projects on clean ocean energy for funding under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). While the first tidal farms in European waters are being deployed and more and more devices are being tested in water, the idea of obtaining clean energy through the oceans’ waves is also...

You may have heard that China no longer accepts low value plastics and has left the western world with a significant disposal/recycling conundrum.   We have all heard about Circular Economy.  You may have an idea of how you could use the circular economy to improve the performance of your business whilst playing a significant role...

The EPA has released a new water indicators’ report for Ireland. The 16 indicators in the report provide information on the quality of Ireland’s rivers, lakes, estuaries, beaches and groundwaters.  These indicators will help identify the right actions for the protection and improvement of water quality in Ireland and will help track progress with the implementation of the...

The European Commission adopted the worlds first comprehensive Plastics Strategy In January 2018.  In May 2018 The European Commission proposed new laws to tackle the 10 most found plastic waste items on Europe’s beaches as well as fishing gear.  The Single Use Plastics Directive is an integral part of the wider approach announced in the Plastics...

The first Europe-wide strategy on plastic waste, was adopted today, is a part of the transition towards a more circular economy.  It will protect the environment from plastic pollution whilst fostering growth and innovation, turning a challenge into a positive agenda for the Future of Europe. There is a strong business case for transforming the way products are...

The European Commission has issued its starkest warning yet of economic penalties facing the Government due to lack of progress in decarbonising Irish society and in adopting renewable energy.  Its 2018 Country Report Ireland concludes “existing climate change mitigation efforts will not enable Ireland to achieve its Europe 2020 climate goals domestically”. It adds: “Only limited progress...

Missing climate change and renewable energy targets will cost the State well in excess of €150m as emissions continue to rise. The Government has admitted it will miss 2020 emission reduction and renewable energy targets, and has undertaken “informal discussions” with EU neighbours with a view to minimising the cost of compliance, the Dáil Committee...

Lean and environmental (Lean/Green) funding supports are available from: Local Enterprise Offices for small and micro companies Udaras Na Gaeltachta for companies located in Gaeltacht regions Enterprise Ireland for indigenous companies, exporting and typically employing more than 10 employees. Also for Multi-national companies using natural resources. Industrial Development Authority (IDA) for Foreign owned companies The state...

Under the Water Services (No 2) Act 2013, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) approves Irish Water’s Water Charges Plan, which sets out water services charges with regard to new connections, special meter reads, meter testing, and charges for provision of water and wastewater services to domestic and non-domestic customers. In approving the Water Charges...

The Water Systems and Services Innovation Centre (WSSIC) at the Nimbus Research Centre in Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) is undertaking a project on the role of water reuse in Ireland in the context of the circular economy.  The project is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the EPA Research Programme 2014-2020. One key...