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Government response on sprat trawling too little too late

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 […]

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Whitmore introduces emergency Bill to protect sprat stocks

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 […]

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Ireland’s waterways paying a high price for nitrates derogation

The government cannot continue to take a head in the sand approach to high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous in our rivers, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s environment spokesperson, was responding to the latest water quality monitoring report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She said: “The […]

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Chief executives of local authorities must be held to account for failing to clamp down on illegal peat extraction

The chief executives of Ireland’s local authorities must be hauled into a meeting by the Minister for the Environment and read the riot act for failing to clamp down on illegal commercial peat extractors, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate and environment, said: “A report […]

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Whitmore calls for multi-agency response as ecological disaster unfolds in Wexford

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called for a multi-agency response to reverse the creeping destruction of an environmentally sensitive site in County Wexford. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on biodiversity, said: “It is heartbreaking to witness the critical state of Our Lady’s Island Lake, a historically and ecologically significant area which is […]

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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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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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