EPA announces funding of €14.3m for 33 new research projects to address climate and environmental challenges. This represents a 34 per cent increase in investment from the previous call in 2022.
EPA funding is building essential research capacity in Ireland with over 40 per cent of lead researcher applicants in 2023 new to the EPA Research Programme.
The funding covers research in the areas of climate change, the natural environment, the green & circular economy, and the environment & human health.
Reflecting the need for cross-sectoral research, the EPA is working in partnership with Met Éireann and Geological Survey Ireland to co-fund some of the research.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced new funding for Environmental and climate research in Ireland, with funding of €14.3 million awarded for 33 new research projects. This represents a significant increase over previous years and reflects the EPA’s ongoing commitment to funding environmental and climate research. These innovative projects will support the development and implementation of environmental policies in Ireland, as well as building research capacity in strategically important areas.
This funding will support more than 200 research staff across 13 organisations to conduct projects in innovative areas such as:
how blue light can affect human health and biodiversity.
societal transformation required to address climate, environmental and social challenges.
digital twins for coastal areas.
nature-based solutions for water quality and ecology.
the circular economy for batteries.
sustainable tourism.
air pollution in Irish towns.
Announcing the awards, Ms Laura Burke, (EPA Director General) said: “Scientific research and innovation are playing an increasingly important role in informing how governments and society can respond to the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation. The projects announced today will address knowledge gaps, both current and future, to provide robust evidence to support the implementation of effective environmental policies in Ireland. This EPA funding will also help to build transdisciplinary research capacity and talent in Ireland in key areas relating to sustainability transitions and societal transformations. These specialist skills and expertise are essential to enable Ireland to effectively leverage the full range of environmental, economic and societal opportunities offered by the green transition. I congratulate the successful research teams and look forward to seeing the project outputs making a positive contribution to environmental protection in the years ahead”.
The EPA places a high priority on promoting the uptake of funded research to inform policy and to maximise the impact of research and innovation. Reflecting the need for an integrated, cross-sectoral approach, the EPA is working in partnership with Met Éireann and Geological Survey Ireland to co-fund a number of projects.
Of the successful lead research applicants supported through the call, over 40% had not previously applied for funding to the EPA, broadening the base of the researchers and institutions engaging in research relevant to environmental policy.
University College Cork (UCC) received the highest number of successful research awards in 2023. Professor Mr John Cryan, (UCC Vice President for Research and Innovation) said: “I would like to thank the Environmental Protection Agency for continuing to award talented researchers. This allows them, through scientific research and innovation, to tackle critical environmental, climate, health, and sustainability issues. These awards will further strengthen UCC’s position as a recognised global leader in the field of Sustainability. Aligned to UCC Futures – Sustainability, these projects will enable UCC researchers to support environmental policies in Ireland, address key societal challenges caused by climate change, and help deliver a healthier environment for all”.
The list of Awards made under the EPA Research Call 2023 is available on the EPA website HERE.
The EPA Research Programme is a Government of Ireland initiative, funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. The EPA Research Call 2024 will open for applications in April 2024. Details will be made available on the EPA website which can be viewed HERE.
From today, drinks sporting the new Re-turn logo (See Image) should start to appear in shops and supermarkets across Ireland. (Do check containers for Re-turn logo.)
Purchased containers will be required to pay a deposit in addition to the price of the drink product. The empty and undamaged container can then be returned to any participating shop or supermarket in order to obtain your initial deposit back.
A deposit of 15 cents will apply to every container from 150ml to 500mls inclusive, while a deposit of 25 cents will be required for containers over 500ml up to 3 litres.
Anything over 3 litres will not attract a charge, thus it is believed it is possible that the new scheme could spell an end to 2 litre bottles with drink manufacturing companies moving to larger 3 litre bottles. Since the deposit applies to all bottles and cans between 150ml and 3 litres per each container, the sales of large multipack minerals (slabs), same now generating an extra cost of €3.00 per 20 container pack, may also dissipate.
Any dairy drinks products in plastic containers or cartons, such as milk or yogurt drinks, are excluded from this new scheme.
Remember: Refunds can be used against any store-bought purchase or issued in cash.
Carried out over 1,200 inspections of industrial and waste facilities, along with 205 urban waste water and 154 drinking water site inspections.
Obtained 19 convictions for environmental offences.
Monitored more than 2,500 waterbodies – with data showing no significant improvement in water quality – largely caused by high nutrient levels.
Provided real time data at 113 air quality monitoring stations– with particulate matter from solid fuel combustion and nitrogen dioxide from traffic causing poor air quality.
Launched new maps with up to 3 days forecast of Air Quality Index for Health.
In its 2023 Highlights the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showcases its work in addressing environmental challenges across Ireland.
Publishing the review, EPA Director General, Ms Laura Burke said: “2023 marked the thirtieth anniversary of the EPA’s establishment. While our remit has grown, the core of what we do remains the same – we regulate activities that have the potential for significant pollution. We produce timely, reliable, trustworthy data on Ireland’s environment. And we work with others to protect and preserve our environment”.
EPA highlights of 2023 include:
Regulation
Since its establishment 30 years ago, the EPA has assessed thousands of licence applications and each year performs more than a thousand inspections of licensed sites. While the majority have operated well and in accordance with their licence, a small number have not and in those cases the EPA has exercised its full range of enforcement powers, with 19 convictions in 2023 alone. In 2023, the EPA also launched LEAP online, enabling the public to access licence, inspection, and licensee information like never before.
Knowledge
The EPA provides independent scientific evidence to inform decision making. On water quality, the EPA has monitored Ireland’s rivers, lakes and estuaries for decades, with our latest data showing no significant improvement nationally in the biological quality of rivers and lakes, which is largely attributable to excess nitrogen and phosphorous.
New forecast maps launched in 2023 predict air quality for up to three days ahead, using real-time data from 113 ambient air quality monitoring stations nationwide. While air quality in Ireland is generally good, there are concerning localised issues from particulate matter due to burning solid fuel, and nitrogen dioxide from traffic.
Waste generation continues to rise, and recycling rates are not keeping pace. Ireland remains overly reliant on unpredictable export markets for significant quantities of waste sent abroad.
EPA research shows the Irish public overwhelmingly believe climate change is already affecting Ireland, and they support climate action. While our data shows a small reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, emissions aren’t declining fast enough to meet Ireland’s commitments for 2030 and beyond.
Working with others
In 2023 the EPA partnered with a range of organisations to support the protection of Ireland’s environment. Collaborations with An Taisce and the city councils of Cork and Galway helped grow citizen science initiatives aiming to improve air quality. And coinciding with its 30th anniversary, the EPA kicked off a novel partnership with the National Library of Ireland to creatively document Ireland’s environment.
Concluding, Ms Burke said: “Three decades on from its establishment, the EPA’s role to protect, improve and restore Ireland’s environment, through regulation, scientific knowledge and working with others, is more relevant than ever”.
Further information is available in the EPA’s Review 2023, HERE
Early this morning two road sweepers made an appearence on Kickham Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
The big road sweeper machine passed up and down the street at least 3 times, same gathering up the gravel it failed to suck up on Friday last.
New street sweeper machine continues to be operated, while unable to suck up filth and dirt. The waste of taxpayer’s money, by Tipp. Co. Co. continues without any reduction in intensity or strength. Pic: G. Willoughby 29th January 2024.
The small road sweeper machine with the worn out left hand brush was taxed with sweeping the footpaths; in an attempt to remove the gravel flung at the fronts of homes of street residents and unsuspecting pedestrians, by the daily heavy traffic.
You will note that this editor didn’t use the word ‘cleaned’ in any of the above text, since this small machine only collected and left a ridge of dirt and filth behind it; same neatly piled in the centre of the footpaths. (See image shown above).
Something we have learned over the years here in Co. Tipperary is that politicians, councillors and their officials are chosen mainly by their ability to provide spin. Such silence is also displayed by our local newspapers and some local radio broadcasters; latter who are supposed to generate a certain power and remain important to our democracy, but no longer can be perceived as promoters of community responsibility.
In the interests of openness and transparency, Tipperary Co. Council senior officials have been notified.
All 4 major Supermarkets at least, here in Thurles, have been busy preparing for the launch of the new Deposit Return Scheme, same expected to commence with effect from Thursday February 1st next, 2024.
This new scheme will see consumers pay a small deposit on drinks contained in plastic bottles and cans. However, this added purchase cost will be given back, when consumers return their drink containers to these participating supermarkets.
Drinks containers with an individual Re-Turn Logo are expected to start appearing in shops from February 1st; however, only cans and plastic bottles featuring that logo will be accepted into these now ready to roll reverse vending machines.
With this long awaited new venture about to be launched, it is hoped that the scheme will help Ireland to reach its recycling goals; part of the current EU single-use plastics directive.
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