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The government’s push to extend the nitrates derogation is completely anomalous with efforts to reduce rising pollution levels in Ireland’s waterways, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s environment spokesperson, said: “The latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that the quality of our rivers, lakes and […]

Farmers have been left in limbo when it comes to the future of the EU Nitrates Directive, according to Social Democrats environment spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “During the Agriculture budget conference, Minister Heydon said that the extension of the nitrates directive is his main priority, reiterating his commitment to retaining the derogation as […]

We’re well into the 11th hour when it comes to meeting our EU environment targets, yet the government remains asleep at the wheel, according to Social Democrats environment spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “It is now all but inevitable that Ireland will face billions in EU fines for not meeting its legally binding environmental […]

Our river life is at risk of further mass casualties if the agencies responsible for its health do not reform their response procedures, according to Social Democrats environment spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “Today’s multi-agency report asserts that a fish kill in the River Blackwater, County Cork in August which saw the deaths of […]

It’s beyond time this government takes the blinkers off and prepares for a future without the nitrates derogation for farmers, according to Social Democrats environment spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “Today, Ireland will present its case for renewal of the derogation to the EU’s Nitrates Committee – an application that, ultimately, looks doomed to […]

The threat posed to Ireland’s bee population by Asian hornets requires a coordinated national response, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s environment spokesperson, said: “The recent successful removal of an Asian hornet nest in Cork is a positive development and a testament to the hard work of local […]

The government must commit funding in the upcoming Budget to address pollution at Lady’s Island Lake, Co. Wexford, according to Social Democrats environment spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “I’ve submitted three parliamentary questions to the Minister of State for Biodiversity seeking clarity on funding, leadership and cross-departmental coordination when it comes to Lady’s Island […]

Due to the severity of August’s pollution incident in the River Blackwater, Cork, the Gardaí must be tasked with assisting in the uncovering of the fish kill’s root cause, according to Social Democrats environment spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “I welcome the expanded investigation into what was truly a disastrous event – our rivers […]

The government’s move to restrict 18-metre trawlers from fishing sprat has come years too late, failing to address the urgent need for a full ban, according to Social Democrats environment spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “This is a textbook example of delay and dysfunction – the government has been grappling with this issue since […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore will introduce a Bill in the Dáil today proposing a moratorium on commercial sprat fishing in Irish waters, citing urgent concerns for marine biodiversity and the lack of regulation around the species. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on the marine, said: “Sprat may be small, but it plays […]