Whitmore renews call for wildlife crime unit within An Garda Síochána

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has urged the Government to establish a dedicated wildlife crime unit within An Garda Síochána. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on biodiversity, said: “A report published today by the Journal Investigates shines disturbing new light on the extent of Ireland’s underground wildlife trade. Detailing unspeakable acts of cruelty, […]

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Man-made barriers to fish migration in Ireland’s rivers must be addressed

A multi-agency approach is needed to remove or remediate thousands of man-made barriers to fish migration in Ireland’s rivers, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on biodiversity, said: “What is happening across Ireland’s network of rivers and streams is nothing less than an ecological tragedy. “Man-made barriers […]

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Ireland must scale-up its ambition to achieve WHO air quality targets

Significant investment in greener public transport and renewable energy will be key if Ireland wants to meet challenging World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality targets, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate and energy, said: “The latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that […]

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Government must include regulation of nicotine pouches as part of disposable vapes ban

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has urged the Government to include the regulation of nicotine pouches in proposed legislation to ban disposable vapes. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “Under proposals being brought to Cabinet today, the sale of disposable vapes will be banned, with further measures planned to restrict flavours […]

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Jennifer Whitmore TD joins great white shark research expedition

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has taken to the seas today to join a groundbreaking research expedition aimed at establishing if great white sharks frequent Irish waters. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate and biodiversity, has a background in ecology, marine science and environmental law. Deputy Whitmore said: “I am excited to […]

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Data centre growth putting climate action targets further out of reach

Increased electricity demand from data centres means we are running to stand still in trying to meet our climate action targets, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate and biodiversity, said: “Analysis published today by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) shows that all the […]

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Government failure to reduce child poverty is shameful

A failure to reduce child poverty numbers will be one of this Government’s most shameful legacies, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “Despite record budget surpluses, there are more than 260,000 children living in poverty in Ireland – an increase of 30,000 in the […]

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Ireland facing billions in fines because of Government’s failure to meet climate targets

It is scandalous that Ireland is facing billions of euros in fines because of the Government’s failure to meet its climate targets, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate and biodiversity, said: “According to the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report, Ireland is set to miss […]

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Getting rid of best before dates would help reduce food waste

Getting rid of best before dates would dramatically reduce food waste in Ireland, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate and biodiversity, said: “At today’s meeting of the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action, I pointed out that a million tonnes of food is thrown […]

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