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Progress, economic prosperity, and health all threatened unless Ireland increases the scale, pace, and ambition of environmental action.
Dul chun cinn, rathúnas geilleagrach agus sláinte i mbaol mura méadaíonn Éire scála, luas agus uail.(Irish Language Translation: Progress, economic prosperity and health are at risk if Ireland does not increase scale, speed and ambition (pride).
- Ireland has modernized and prospered since joining the EU over 50 years ago – future prosperity and health are threatened unless we better protect our environment.
- We are continuously playing catch-up – a forward step in one area is often matched by one or two steps back in another.
- Actions on many fronts are having positive impacts but are entirely inadequate to deliver a healthy environment.
- For too long we have merely aimed to ‘get by’, aspiring to only minimum standards – in many instances, we don’t even reach those.
- Serious action cannot be postponed – we need a rapid and resolute advance in environmental performance driven by a national policy position on the environment.
For too long, the Report says, we have merely aimed to ‘get by’ aspiring to only minimum standards, and then in many instances not even meeting those. The report shows that actions on multiple fronts to address issues are not keeping pace with growing pressures and our environment continues to degrade. What is now needed, the report continues, is a strategic leap, a shared vision for how we will adapt our lives and work to protect our own existence within the next decade, and a national policy statement on the environment that articulates and drives this transition.
Speaking at the launch of the report, Ms Laura Burke, Director General of the EPA said: “We have made immense progress as a nation. Our membership of the EU helped us achieve that. We now look back to a time when we had serious industrial pollution of our rivers, when we relied on over a hundred municipal dumps, when we burned smoky fuel in our cities – and we can never go back to that”.
“But where we are right now,” Ms Burke added, “while it is better, is nowhere near good enough. We are always playing catch-up. We now have virtually no seriously polluted rivers, but we have hardly any pristine ones left, either. We now recycle more, but produce more waste than ever and export much of it. We are taking positive actions across multiple fronts, but they are not keeping pace with the growing pressures, and our environment is being squeezed. Increments now are not best use of scarce time and resources: We need to make a fundamental shift.”
That fundamental shift, according to the report, would start with a national policy position on the environment, that allows for long-term planning and would ensure that the environment is prioritised consistently across decades.
- The report identifies five key essential areas we must prioritise to deliver the impact we need:
- We urgently need a national policy position on the environment.
- We must rigorously implement existing environmental plans and programmes to achieve the benefits that they were developed to deliver.
- We need to transform our energy, transport, food and industrial sectors.
- We need to scale up investment in water, energy, transport and waste management infrastructure.
- We need to understand the absolute link between protecting our environment and protecting our health – harm one and we harm the other.
“We know what we have to do” Ms Burke added. “Our energy, transport, food and industrial sectors are the core of where this transformation can, must, and will happen. We must harness all of our resources to meet this challenge. Not acting now only postpones inevitable change that will be much more difficult, and more costly, later on.”
Dr Micheál Lehane, EPA Director said: “It is clear that our environmental challenges are interconnected and they are complex. We need to drive action across climate, biodiversity, sustainable consumption and pollution goals. This will not be easy and we cannot underestimate the challenges of moving to a path of a less wasteful, regenerative society. The IPCC has highlighted that there is now a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all. It is not negotiable. We need our air, water and natural environment to continue to prosper. You either change for the environment now or the environment will irrevocably change us and how we live later. We, in Ireland, must do our part in making this sustainable future a reality.”
Ms Laura Burke, Director General of the EPA concluded: “We can no longer take the environment for granted. By taking determined actions, we will ensure we are not going to go back, or playing catch-up. This time, we need to be ahead. A healthier environment is attainable for all and is within our reach.”
This comprehensive State of the Environment Report is available to download from the EPA website by clicking HERE.
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Tuesday 1st October 2024, of Mr James Cashin, Ballintaggert, Ballingarry (South Riding), Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Pre-deceased by his grandparents Paddy and Maggie Cashin and Johnny and Kitty Stokes; Mr Cashin, sadly, passed away suddenly.
His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; parents Pat & Helen, brothers Patrick and Johnny, sisters Catherine, Marguerite, Ashling and Caroline, beloved daughter Kayla, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Mr Cashin will repose at O’Connell’s Funeral Home, Killenaule, Thurles, (E41 HH66) on Friday afternoon next, October 4th, from 4:00pm until 9:00pm.
His remains will be received into the Church of the Assumption Ballingarry (SR), Thurles on Saturday morning, October 5th, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:30am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in the adjoining graveyard.
The extended Cashin family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
In ár gcroíthe go deo.
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Tuesday 1st October 2024 of Mr Walter (Wally) Hackett, (Retired Garda Sergeant), River Valley, Swords, Co. Dublin and formerly of Drangan, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Pre-deceased by his parents Charlie and Ciss and infant daughter Aoife; Mr Hackett passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at CareChoice Nursing Home, Swords, Co. Dublin.
His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; wife Jacinta, daughter Karen, son Robert, son-in-law Pino, daughter-in-law Hilary, adored grandchildren Luka and Mia, brothers, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Mr Hackett will repose at Rock’s Funeral Home, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin on tomorrow afternoon, Thursday October 3rd from 4:00pm until 5:30pm.
His remains will be received into the Church of St. Finian (RC), River Valley, Swords, (K67 KC67), on Friday morning, October 4th, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 10:00am, followed by a cremation ceremony, immediately afterwards, in Dardistown Crematorium, Collinstown Cross, Old Airport Rd, Dardistown, Dublin, (K67 HP26).
For those persons who are unable to attend the funeral service for Mr Hackett, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended Hackett family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Note Please: Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to the Irish Cancer Society.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
- Funding secured to support safer communities and modernised immigration system.
- €2.5 billion for An Garda Síochána – over half a billion euro increase on 2020.
- DSGBV funding trebled.
- €3.2m to support Youth Justice Strategy including two new Youth Diversion Programmes.
A record €3.61 billion for current expenditure and €310 million for capital investment was allocated in the budget yesterday, for the Justice sector, which will be targeted to enhance public safety, improve crime prevention, ensure safe prisons, and drive end-to-end modernisation across Ireland’s immigration systems.
The major investment of almost €4 billion across the Justice Sector, will equip front-line Gardaí with the necessary tools and resources to strengthen crime prevention and detection; support the rollout of 36 Community Safety Partnerships nationwide; and strengthen efforts under the Zero Tolerance Strategy to combat domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV). In addition, significant funding is allocated for targeted road safety initiatives and to recruit additional prison staff and alleviate the acute pressures of overcrowding within our prisons.
A key focus in this Budget is on the reforming of family law. Over €11m has been allocated to increase staff and improve our Courts Service. An additional €3m will enable the use of expert reports as outlined in the Family Justice Strategy to ensure the voice of each child impacted by family break ups can be heard and to safeguard their needs within the justice system. Through the enactment of the Family Courts Bill, the Minister will move to establish the Family District Court, the Family Circuit Court and the Family High Court, in order to transform our family justice system and make it more user friendly for families.
Budget Highlights
An Garda Síochána.
- Garda funding has increased by over €500m (up 27% since 2020), bringing the total budget to €2.48 billion.
- This will provide funding to recruit between 800 and 1,000 new Gardaí, along with 150 Garda staff and move towards 1,000 Garda reserves.
- Garda overtime has been boosted by 13%, rising to €150 million, to enhance high-visibility policing efforts and serious crime investigation.
- The Garda trainee allowance will have almost doubled to €354 per week, effective from 1st October 2024 (up from €184 in 2023).
- €1.5 million has been allocated for Garda workforce wellbeing measures, including medical expenses.
- €5m to be provided for Public Order Units including two new water cannons, crowd control barriers, expansion of the dog unit and more body armour for frontline Gardaí.
- €9 million in additional funding to enhance road safety.
Capital Investments.
- €100m of funding for ICT to equip Gardaí with the necessary tools to enhance crime prevention and detection, including Body-Worn cameras and the development of a digital evidence management system which will facilitate the nationwide roll-out of body worn cameras and the introduction of facial recognition technology.
- €62m investment in the Garda estate across the country with major projects progressed in 2025 including Portlaoise, Macroom, Clonmel and Newcastlewest.
- Fleet upgrades, including new public order vehicles and investment in a range of specialist vehicles to support modern policing.
- The delivery of a new helicopter in Q1 2025 for the important work of the Garda Air Support Unit.
Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) & Community Safety.
- DSGBV funding is increasing to €70m. This is more than treble the funding for DSGBV services when Minister McEntee first became Minister for Justice, and a further significant increase for 2025.
- Increased funding for Cuan to €67m including additional resources to support the implementation of the Zero Tolerance strategy, with funding for 80 additional refuge spaces.
- €800k for Cuan will provide for research and data analytics to develop an impact-led approach for evidence and knowledge development to achieve effective DSGBV prevention, protection, prosecution, and policy co-ordination.
- A further targeted open call will be launched in 2025 to allow services to come forward with proposals.
- €9.5 million allocated for nationwide Community Safety Partnerships and the establishment of a National Office for Community Safety and the Community Safety Innovation Fund.
- An expanded Youth Justice Strategy with an increase of total funding by €3.2m and 10.8% bringing the total to €33 million.
Prisons and Probation.
- Record funding of €525m has been secured to increase prison capacity and tackle overcrowding. This is an increase of €79m or 18%.
- Recruitment of 150 Prison Officers in addition to the 240 Prison Officers recruited in 2024.
- An additional €6.2 million to fund 130,000 additional staff hours in our Prisons.
- €53m in Capital Funding which will provide for the completion of 155 new prison spaces by the end of 2024 as part of a programme of works.
- The Probation Service will receive an additional €4 million bringing the total budget to over €60m to expand crime diversion programmes, support step down facilities, restorative justice, and community-based alternatives to imprisonment.
Immigration Modernisation.
- €25m package for end-to-end investment in the immigration system including Service Delivery, International Protection Office, International Protection Appeals Tribunal and the Legal Aid Board. €2m is provided for ICT capital expenditure.
- Significant additional resources will be directed to streamline the international protection process, with approximately 400 further staff to be recruited. This will provide for over 25,000 IPO decisions compared to over 14,000 cases in 2024.
- Included in the package is €5m in increased investment in digital systems to modernise immigration systems, reduce processing times, increase removals (including with a new charter plane service), and strengthen border security.
- Readiness work for the introduction of the EU Asylum and Migration Pact requirements in 2026.
Courts.
- €11.1m to Courts Service which will include 50 additional staff to support the expanding Judiciary bringing its budget to over €195m.
- This funding will help reduce backlogs and ensure quicker administration of justice.
- It includes €2m to support modernisation measures including outsourced jury minding to free up thousands of Garda hours for frontline policing services.
- Separately, an additional funding of €3m is to provide a pilot project to support the voice of children in family justice proceedings, including the recruitment of 8 staff as well as other services to assist in these proceedings.
- The budget for criminal legal aid will increase in 2025 by over €9m which will include an 8% increase in fees from 1 January 2025. This is in addition to the 10% increase in fees secured in Budget 2024.
Funding the Transformation resulting from the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.
- A total funding package of €28m provided for new bodies including Fiosrú (replacing GSOC), the Policing and Community Safety Authority, and the Office of the Independent Examiner.
- Together with 36 Community Safety Partnerships nationwide and the National Office of Community Safety will strengthen effective cross-agency working in partnership with local communities on public safety.
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Monday 30th September 2024, of Mr Patrick (Pat) O’Callaghan, Ballycurrane, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Holycross, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Pre-deceased by his wife Winifred (née O’Donoghue), parents Patrick and Mary, father-in-law John; Mr O’Callaghan passed away unexpectedly following a short illness, while in the care of staff at ICU Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; daughters Laura (Hassett) and Paula (O’Brien), son David, sons-in-law Eoin and Jamie, daughter-in-law (intended) Amy, grandchildren Tadhg, Eve, Emily and Darragh, sisters Mary and Imelda, mother-in-law Kay (O’Donoghue), nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law John, Billy and Paddy, sisters-in-law Teresa, Anita and Katie, extended relatives, Missy, work colleagues in Dr Morris Park, neighbours and friends.
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Mr O’Callaghan will repose at Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles on Thursday afternoon, October 3rd, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, same evening.
His remains will be received into the former Cistercian Monastery Abbey, at Holycross, Thurles, on Friday morning, October 4th, at 11:00am, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:30am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
For those persons who are unable to attend the funeral service for Mr O’Callaghan, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended O’Callaghan and O’Donoghue families wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
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