Environmental Pillar dismayed by Commission’s lack of agreement on climate policy

22 January 2013: The Environmental Pillar expressed its dismay today at the European Commission’s disarray over climate policy.  Spokesperson Michael Ewing commented: “The split in the Barroso Commission on climate policy is worse than ever. Industry and Energy Commissioners, responding to fossil fuel lobbies, are stymieing agreement on Europe’s 2030 targets. The Climate and Environment […]

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IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report is a bleak reminder of Government's inaction on climate change

27 September 2013: In light of the shocking Fifth Assessment Report released by the IPCC today, the Environmental Pillar is demanding that the government take urgent action to meet the biggest challenge of our time. Environmental Pillar spokesperson Michael Ewing said: “Ireland and other high-income OECD countries must take responsibility for ambitious emissions reductions by […]

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No basis for Minister’s decision to get rid of packaging levy and container deposit return scheme

12 September 2013: The Environmental Pillar is extremely disappointed at Environment Minister Phil Hogan’s announcement today that he will not go ahead with either a packaging levy or a container deposit and return scheme. ‘We’re very disappointed at the Minister’s decision,’ said Mindy O’Brien, spokesperson for the Environmental Pillar. ‘A properly constructed packaging levy won’t […]

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Environmental Pillar welcomes Ireland’s participation in the Climate and Clean Air Coalition

Statement from the Environmental Pillar, 5 June 2013: The Environmental Pillar welcomes Ireland’s participation in the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. We agree that air pollution and climate change need to be addressed in an integrated manner. Pollutants such as black carbon have a major impact on the climate as well as human health. We […]

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Aquaculture licencing appeals fees contrary to access to justice provisions of the Aarhus Convention

31 May 2013 Dear Minister Coveney, (cc. Minister Hogan) During the month of May you issued c.35 Aquaculture licences for the Castlemaine Harbour in Co Kerry. As you know, under  S.I. No. 309/2003 — Sea-Fishing Boat Licensing Appeals (Fees) Regulations 2003, anyone other than the applicant wishing to appeal against the issuing of these licences […]

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Ireland should take the lead on EU air quality, says Environmental Pillar

10 April 2013: The Environmental Pillar, a coalition of 26 Irish environmental organisations, is calling on Minister Hogan to show leadership in improving air quality across the EU during the Irish presidency period. This call comes in the lead-up to an Informal Council of EU Environment Ministers in Dublin on Monday 22 April, when Minister […]

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Environmental Pillar’s letter to Minister Hogan on action to improve air quality

Re: Upcoming discussion on “air quality and urban environment” during the meeting of the Informal Council of European Union’s (EU) Environment Ministers of Monday 22 April 2013 9th April 2013 Dear Minister Hogan We are writing to you in view of the upcoming Informal Council of EU Environment Ministers of Monday 22 April to ask […]

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Climate Action Bill won’t be worth the paper it’s written on warns Environmental Pillar

Press release from the Environmental Pillar Climate Action Bill won’t be worth the paper it’s written on warns Environmental Pillar Insertion of Targets Urged The Environmental Pillar has welcomed the publication of the heads of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill but has expressed its disappointment that after many months and much to […]

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Environmental Pillar deeply disappointed at Hogan's abandonment of climate change targets

Environmental Pillar deeply disappointed at Hogan’s abandonment of climate change targets Calls on TDs to support Independent Climate Change Bill 11 February 2013: The Environmental Pillar has expressed its great frustration that Minister Hogan plans to bring a toothless Climate Change Bill to the Cabinet tomorrow. According to leaked information in the media today, the […]

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Phil Hogan reveals true colours by delaying Climate Bill

The Environmental Pillar expressed disappointment at today’s announcement by the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, that a Climate Change Bill is not a priority. This represents a significant backtrack on the Government’s commitment to deliver climate change legislation by 2012. Commenting on behalf of the Pillar today, Tara Connolly, convenor of the Pillar’s Climate […]

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Hogan’s decision to axe Sustainable Development Council strange and mistaken

Environmental Pillar criticises the abolition of Comhar, the National Sustianable Development Council.  The Environmental Pillar of Social Partnership has expressed disappointment and concern at yesterday’s decision by the minister for the Environment Phil Hogan to abolish Comhar (the National Sustainable Development Council). Commenting on behalf of the Environmental Pillar, Pat Finnegan of Grian, a member of Comhar council […]

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Levy on Incineration: letter to Minister Hogan

Full text of letter to Minister Hogan Ref: Levy on Incineration Dear Minister Hogan, It must be stated from the outset that the Environmental Pillar is opposed to the use of mass burn incineration as a part of the waste management strategy.  This opposition is based on the many impacts that incineration will have on […]

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