Latest news with #AnTaisce
Irish Independent
16 hours ago
- Climate
- Irish Independent
Clare drops to seven Blue Flags as two beaches hit with bathing advisory notices within 48 hours
Routine bathing water samples have shown elevated levels of bacteria at the popular swimming spot, most likely caused by run-off from the catchment after exceptionally heavy rainfall. In accordance with An Taisce's Blue Flag programme, the Blue Flag at this bathing area will be removed until such time as the water quality improves. This is the second beach to have received a bathing advisory notice over the past two days, as heavy rainfall causes havoc along Ireland's west coast. On Wednesday, Fine Gael Clare County Councillor Joe Garrihy said the bathing advisory notice at Spanish Point 'shows the impacts of climate change'. 'We've had a great year this year in Clare with nine Blue Flag beaches given, so, this just highlights the fact that we need to monitor the causes of these things,' he said.
Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Waterford student impresses at national Green Schools awards
Jessica Ferguson was named as a winner in the Green Schools poster competition and received her award at a ceremony held in Dublin city centre. The award ceremony was held to recognise the efforts of primary and secondary students across the country who participated in the Green Schools Water Programme in the 2024-25 academic year, and to honour the winning students in this year's poster competition. The annual event marked the twelfth year of Uisce Éireann's sponsorship of An Taisce's Green Schools programme which supports schools working to gain a Green Flag under the water theme. The theme of this year's poster competition was 'Water is Life', and participating students were asked to design a poster focusing on the theme of water's intrinsic importance to every aspect of life on our planet. 'The response from pupils of the participating schools was phenomenal, with a record 4,300 entries received across the junior primary, senior primary and secondary categories,' said a spokesperson. 'The standard of entry was exceptionally high, and the judging panel had a hugely difficult task in choosing their winners.' Twelve regional winners were each awarded a €100 voucher and had their poster professionally framed, while three overall national winners were also announced at the ceremony. Uisce Éireann's Head of Customer Operations, Geoffrey Bourke, was on hand at the award ceremonies and said that the record number of entries was evidence of the Green-Schools Water Programme going from strength to strength around the country. 'The Green Schools awards are always a wonderful occasion and this year, the quantity and quality of the submissions across the various categories has been truly incredible. 'The vital work being done by Green-Schools in schools across Ireland is clearly bearing fruit in terms of how our young people think about water and the need to conserve and respect it. We in Uisce Éireann are proud of our long-standing sponsorship of the programme,' said Mr Bourke. Cathy Baxter, An Taisce Director of Education, said, 'The Green Schools Water Awards are one of the highlights of our year. 'They celebrate the creativity, commitment and teamwork of students and teachers working together to protect one of our most precious resources: water. These young people are leading by example and showing that real environmental change begins in our schools and communities. We're so proud of their efforts and inspired by their impact.' Throughout the current academic year, An Taisce has been engaging directly with 330 schools on the Water Flag, working with over 100,000 students and 10,000 teachers across the country. The Green Schools water theme is a grassroots sponsorship that aims to foster awareness and understanding of a range of activities, tailored to students at both primary level and secondary level. In addition to developing awareness around water conservation, the sponsorship incorporates wider engagement around stewardship of our water resources.
Irish Examiner
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Letters to the Editor: Like skorts, skirts should be a choice
If the Camogie Association can modernise its dress code for greater mobility, what's stopping schools from doing the same? At 15, I successfully campaigned for the option to wear trousers in my secondary school. I immediately switched to cycling — arriving faster and stress-free. Fifty years later, I still cycle regularly (with waterproof over-trousers when it rains), but now I find myself campaigning again — this time for my granddaughters. This week, Irish citizens are funding a new Government campaign to encourage children to be more active. With €1m a day in public funds spent on active travel in recent years, why are many schoolgirls still forced into skirts — impractical, unsafe, and a barrier to cycling? This outdated rule discourages the use of the very transport infrastructure their parents' taxes help fund. Only one in 250 teenage girls cycles daily (An Taisce, AndSheCycles). The Road Safety Authority advises cyclists to wear clothes that won't catch in chains or obscure visibility. Skirts, especially in wind, do both. Schools mandating skirts are ignoring these safety concerns. This isn't about banning skirts — it's about choice. Let's retire outdated uniform rules that undermine girls' health, safety, and mobility. Orla Farrell, registered primary and second-level teacher, address with the Editor Skorts solution may inspire integration Photos and video clips from last Saturday's Senior Camogie Championship games indicate the 'harmonious implementation' of the new rule change pertaining to players' dress code. Interestingly, Reuters, one of the world's largest news agencies, who had been following the 'clash of the skorts and the shorts' all along, carried immediate news of the outcome of last Thursday's Camogie Association special congress, headlined thus: 'Ireland's Camogie Association votes to allow players to wear shorts'. Such an international profile potentially added a further shade of crimson to an already embarrassing situation that was entirely avoidable. It should be acknowledged, once player intent became obvious, that the issue was addressed reasonably expeditiously and especially so in the context of the traditional and sedentary character of the GAA and its powers that be. Let's hope that the ongoing snail-paced integration process between the GAA, the Camogie Association, and the Ladies' Gaelic Football Association will not require another ignominious spectacle to get the process completed. Michael Gannon, St Thomas Sq, Kilkenny City Suitable name for children's hospital The name of the new children's hospital in Dublin must embrace all the children of Ireland. The All-Island Congenital Heart Disease Network is a collaborative healthcare initiative between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This recently-established network aims to provide comprehensive and high-quality care for children with congenital heart disease across the island of Ireland. Much co-operation has gone into its establishment, with surgery and interventional procedures now centred at CHI at Crumlin. Other collaborative initiatives are anticipated. The peaceful future of our country requires hands across the border. Has the Royal Belfast Children's Hospital been involved in the choice of name? Have political sensitivities of families in Northern Ireland been considered? Let our children lead us into that peaceful future by choosing an inclusive name for their hospital, such as, perhaps, the Ireland Children's Hospital. I believe Dr Kathleen Lynn would approve. Róisín Healy, consultant paediatrician (retired), CHI at Crumlin Grow up and face the US military's 'civilian' loophole While our politicians take some pride in our outlier stand in relation to the occupied territories in Gaza and the West Bank, they are also expert at the 'loophole' game. Take the use of Shannon Airport by the US military. This evening, Tánaiste and defence minister Simon Harris 'explained' that any 'civilian' aircraft passing through Irish airspace or landing in Shannon needs no permission from his department, blithely ignoring the fact that all those 'civilian' aircraft transporting troops and weapons and engaging in illegal [by American law] deportations are contracted by the American military so that we, the Irish, can engage in a neat bit of sophistry to stay on-side. It's past time we grew some cojones and spoke truth to power. I do give credit to our Taoiseach for calling what is happening in Gaza a war crime, but we should back it up with practical actions within our power. Con Hayes, Tower, Blarney, Cork Hope from Pope Leo XIV and MLK I agree with Colin Sheridan in his column ('We quibble over words as children burn in Gaza' — Irish Examiner, May 19) that the 2024/25 war in Gaza is the 'least ambiguous conflict since the Second World and the Holocaust'. At the same time, an interview with a British MP on the Al Jazeera channel of what he saw in a recent visit to the West Bank shows no ambiguity either. His assessment of the situation for the Palestinian people, in what is their legal territory, does not flinch from reality. I believe it is not anti-Israel to speak of the reality in the West Bank and Gaza, while not forgetting the brutal attack into Israel by Hamas in October 2023, killing over 1,200 people and taking of over 200 hostages into Gaza, many of whom were returned. Some tragically died or were killed. Israel's current government is still inflicting extreme punishment on a population, and most of Gaza is bombed to rubble. Some 55,000 of Gaza's citizens have been killed, including 16,000 children. The British MP said it is now close to midnight for the Palestinians. Their human rights, in the West Bank also, are now being crushed, and their situation has got much worse since October 2023. He saw a city in the West Bank of 50,000 people suddenly gated off by Israel's army with no explanation. It is the opposite of the new Pope Leo XIV's hope of shining a light into dark corners of the world and, in his first speech to the joyous multitude in St Peter's Square, saying: 'May peace be with you'. Dr Martin Luther King Jr said, in hope: 'The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.' It is not too late for the international community to protect the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza if the will is there to do so. One of the reasons for the UN is for the protection of vulnerable civilians in wars and famines. Mary Sullivan, College Rd, Cork US deportation and military flights I am an immigrant into Ireland, and I love this country, its people, the landscapes, cities, and even the weather. I have become a citizen, and I also love Ireland since we speak up about what is right, whether it be related to the island of Ireland or further afield. We have a long-standing commitment to neutrality, human rights, and international law, in part stemming from Ireland's historical challenges, famine, and colonisation. Myself and many other Irish citizens have huge concerns and object to the ongoing practice of allowing military flights to stop in Ireland (usually US military at Shannon), with focused objection to US military flights on their way to provide aid to Israel as they carry out genocide in Gaza. Myself and many others also object to allowing US deportation flights to land/refuel in Ireland. At present, these flights are linked to the delivery of weapons for Israel to help them continue committing war crimes, and the illegal forced deportation of migrants out of the USA. I live near Shannon and I see the planes as they fly overhead. It sickens me to think that Ireland is complicit with the massive destruction and deliberate famine taking place in Gaza. The wanton destruction of Gaza and its people by Israel is unconscionable, and it boggles the mind why the US government is blindly supportive of Israel, no matter what Israel's war crimes are. Ireland is profiting financially from these flights and that motivation for profit is not enough to support the continued killing of citizens in Gaza and the illegal forced deportation of migrants out of the USA. As we know too well from Northern Ireland, lasting peace will never be achieved if destruction and inhumane treatment continues. We must stop being so compliant. Now, we need full transparency and Government oversight regarding all of the military and illegal deportation flights. We need clear and consistent inspection processes and significant legal and financial repercussions for those attempting to violate the agreements. We cannot stand idly by while our country is used to support actions that fly in the face of Ireland's focus on human rights and dignity. Janet Grene, Ballybricken, Co Limerick Read More Letters to the Editor: Time for the State to do the right thing on Gaza
Irish Post
23-05-2025
- Irish Post
A clean sweep for Galway's beaches
CÉIBH an Spidéil beach has regained its coveted Blue Flag status after losing it in 2013. The announcement was made last week at the national Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards ceremony hosted by An Taisce at the Ravenport Resort in Curracloe, Co. Wexford. Céibh an Spidéil beach in County Galway, which has regained its coveted Blue Flag status (Pic: Galway County Council) The beach is among eight locations in County Galway to receive the prestigious Blue Flag for 2025, with a further six beaches recognised with Green Coast Awards. The Blue Flag is an internationally recognised symbol awarded to bathing areas that meet exceptional standards in water quality, safety, environmental education, and beach management. Alongside Céibh an Spidéil, this year's Blue Flag recipients include Long Point at Loughrea Lake, Portumna bathing area, Trá Inis Oírr, Trá an Dóilín (An Cheathrú Rua), An Trá Mhór (Indreabhán), Trá Chill Mhuirbhigh (Inis Mór), and Traught Beach (Kinvara). Six Galway beaches were also honoured with Green Coast Awards, which recognise clean water and pristine natural environments in more remote or less developed areas. The view from the promenade The Green Coast awardees are Trá Inis Oírr and Trá Poll na gCaorach (Inis Oírr), East End and Dumhach (Inishbofin), Aillebrack (Ballyconneely), and Renvyle Beach (Tully). 'County Galway's beaches are renowned for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty, and we are delighted that once again so many of them have received the coveted Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards," Cllr. Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, said. She continued: 'These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who clean our beaches. I am particularly happy to see that the beach at Céibh an Spidéil has regained its Blue Flag which will be very much welcomed by the local community.' Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said: 'These awards let our citizens and people around the world know that County Galway is a wonderful place to live in and to visit and that our beaches are clean, well-managed and safe to enjoy. "We are grateful to the staff in Area Offices, Community Wardens, and all the volunteers and beach clean groups for all their hard work and dedication in ensuring our coastline is kept clean. "Galway has some of the best beaches in the country and we are proud to maintain them.' See More: Beaches, Galway, Ireland, Travel
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Rosslare kids saddle up for bike week with a cycle to school in glorious sunshine
The kids from Scoil Mhuire, Rosslare Strand, were excited to use pedal power to get to school with a special escort on the morning from the flashing blue lights of local gardaí. Clocking up just over 1.6km, the convoy was quite a sight, with motorists kindly giving way and providing a safe environment for students of all ages and cycling abilities. When they made it inside the school gates, thirsts were quenched with healthy refreshments kindly donated by the local Centra in Rosslare Strand. The completion in 2024 of the Safe Routes to School works made Scoil Mhuire an ideal location for the cycle and the students were more than up for the challenge. Excitement was building all week, with bikes being dragged out of dark corners of many a shed. Clinton Donovan, Wexford County Council's recently-appointed Cycling & Walking Officer praised the event and its participants. 'It was fantastic to see the children so enthusiastic about their cycle to school and hopefully it will help show that cycling is fun and can be enjoyed by everyone," he said. He also commended the local motorists for their patience and support, noting the positive atmosphere contributed greatly to the experience for both cyclists and spectators. Arranging the cycle to school was a team effort led by the school Principal, Mr Bobby Kenny, parent reps Anita Power and Yvonne O' Sullivan, Clinton Donovan (Wexford County Council) and Lucy Murphy (Green-Schools Travel Officer with An Taisce), with the assistance of Garda John Hubbard.
