Latest news with #JenniferWhitmore
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Future of Wicklow rivers in jeopardy as TD warns of weakened protections
Jennifer Whitmore says proposed changes to water quality standards could lead to pollution and long-term ecological damage in Vartry and Dargle rivers. Wicklow People A Wicklow TD with a background in ecology, marine science and environmental law fears that a recent government decision will weaken environmental protections which could have 'disastrous' consequences for Wicklow waterways such as the Vartry ad Dargle rivers. The draft River Basin Management Plan aims to set out the measures that are necessary to protect and restore water quality in Ireland. Under the draft River Basin Management Plan, protections for 456 water bodies nationwide are at risk of being diluted by being classified as 'highly modified'. If this goes ahead, it will mean that these water ways will no longer be subject to water quality standards. In Wicklow, rivers like the Vartry and Dargle, both currently rated as having 'good' ecological status, could face increased pollution and degradation if these changes are introduced.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Future of Wicklow rivers in jeopardy
The draft River Basin Management Plan aims to set out the measures that are necessary to protect and restore water quality in Ireland. Under the draft River Basin Management Plan, protections for 456 water bodies nationwide are at risk of being diluted by being classified as 'highly modified'. If this goes ahead, it will mean that these water ways will no longer be subject to water quality standards. In Wicklow, rivers like the Vartry and Dargle, both currently rated as having 'good' ecological status, could face increased pollution and degradation if these changes are introduced. Social Democrat TD Jennifer Whitmore said: 'This is yet another hit to our natural environment. We've already seen consistent degradation of our rivers and government inaction on it. Now, they're trying to quietly lower the standards for water quality across the country, not because it's the right thing to do, but because they're failing to meet the standards we already have. Rather than trying to address the problems head on, it feels like government are throwing in the towel on our rivers.' Deputy Whitemore gained two diplomas at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology and later graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science and Ecology from the University of Ulster. During the ten years she resided in Australia, she studied Environmental Law at the University of Sydney. She has particular concerns over the potential impact on the Vartry and Dargle rivers. 'The Vartry and Dargle are vital arteries in Wicklow's ecosystem,' she said. 'They support biodiversity, provide clean water, and are central to our tourism and recreation. Weakening protections now will only lead to long-term damage that will be far more costly to fix. We've seen what happens when we don't take water quality seriously. Lady's Island Lake in Wexford is a cautionary tale, where pollution and mismanagement have led to serious ecological decline. We cannot let that happen here in Wicklow. 'The government's approach is not just short-sighted, but dangerous. This is about more than just water. It's about our health, our environment, and our future. Every time the government chips away at environmental protections, they're making it harder for us to meet our climate and biodiversity goals.' She is calling on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to immediately halt any plans to lower water quality standards and instead invest in proper monitoring, wastewater treatment, and nature-based solutions to restore and protect Ireland's rivers and lakes. 'We should be strengthening protections, not weakening them. We should be restoring our rivers, not polluting them. And we should be listening to communities who care deeply about their local environment, not sidelining them,' added Deputy Whitmore. 'The people of Wicklow want clean rivers, healthy ecosystems, and a government that takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. It's time for the government to stop making excuses and start protecting what matters.'
Agriland
6 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Government ‘delusional' on emissions targets
The government is 'delusional' if it believes Ireland won't face billions of euro in EU fines for missing its 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets. That's according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore, following the latest publication today by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It has stated that total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agriculture sector 'will range from a 1% increase to a 16% decrease over the period of 2018 to 2030″. According to the EPA, these projections are based on the level of adoption of measures contained in the Climate Action Plans, AgClimatise and the Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC). Social Democrats Deputy, Jennifer Whitmore, who is the party's spokesperson on climate, said: 'The latest analysis from the Environmental Protection Agency offers a bleak assessment of the government's efforts to meet our legally binding 51% emissions reduction target in five years' time. 'The report warns that even if every measure in the Climate Action Plan is fully implemented on time, the best we can hope for is a fall of 23% 'This is even lower than the 29% reduction projected by the EPA last year, showing that Ireland is going backwards when it comes to our climate responsibilities,' Whitmore added. 'Despite dire warnings from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and the Climate Change Advisory Council that Ireland could face EU fines of up to €26 billion for missing our targets, the government continues to be in denial, with the Taoiseach recently dismissing these fears as 'highly speculative'.' The Wicklow TD has claimed that the current approach by the government will cost Ireland, not just economically, but also in terms of the severe risks posed by more extreme weather events caused by global warming. 'According to the EPA report, we are making insufficient progress in areas such as onshore wind, offshore wind, electric vehicles and district heating,' Whitmore continued. 'In transport and agriculture, emissions are projected to remain well above the sectoral ceilings for 2030. And despite the growth in renewable energy, this is negated by our continued reliance on gas during times of peak demand.' Deputy Whitmore has also raised concerns abut 'logjams' in the planning system which she said could result in wind power companies pulling out of Ireland. 'Today's report represents a major setback for our climate ambitions. How many more wake-up calls does this government need before it takes this issue seriously?' Deputy Whitmore concluded.
Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Wicklow's St Catherine's Special School hosts garden party to mark 50th anniversary
The joyful garden party held under clear blue skies was brought together by past and present staff, students, and supporters. The day was filled with music, dance, and heartfelt reminiscence as attendees reflected on the school's journey from humble beginnings in 1972, operating from a borrowed room in Newcastle Hospital, to its present-day status as a vibrant and growing educational community with 89 students and a new purpose-built campus in Kilcoole on the horizon. Kilcoole Thrift Shop surprised the St Catherine's Special School community with a very generous donation towards the running costs of their school bus. Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, Jennifer Whitmore, was part of the celebrations, and praised everyone involved in the success of the school over the past five decades. She stated: 'There was such warmth in the air, in the smiles of students, the stories of long-time staff, and the pride of parents. It's a reflection of what this school has meant to so many people across Wicklow. It's not just a school, it's a symbol of determination, compassion, and the unwavering belief in every child's right to an education that supports and values them. 'I want to congratulate everyone who has been part of this incredible journey, from the visionaries who first gathered in the Royal Hotel in Arklow over sixty years ago, to the current staff and school leadership who are carrying that legacy forward. "Principal and staff at St. Catherine's continue to demonstrate what is possible when education is rooted in care, courage and community. I am particularly excited for the future of the school, with the announcement of a state-of-the-art new facility in Kilcoole. It's a testament to the continued commitment to giving every child the space, support, and respect they deserve.' The stars of the show at the garden party were the schools 'Lámh to Dance' group and singing group. The family and friends of staff member Anne Reburn donated the celebration cake along with some fabulous bunting and decorations as a gesture of appreciation for all the love, encouragement and support their treasured Vicky got from everyone in St Catherine's, during her time with the school. The Verve donated the deck chairs, gazebos, bean bags and parasols which enriched the atmosphere of the garden party, while Gaelscoil Inbhear Mor were thanked for lending the marquee that was used. Fresh Today donated all of the refreshments served on the day, and The Coffee Place, Newtown, provided the cakes and sweet treats. Pupils from St David's School, Greystones, gave up their first-day of the summer holidays to help out with all the parking on the day.
The Journal
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
TDs call to end 'State-sanctioned cruelty' to badgers
CALLS TO END Ireland's controversial badger culling programme intensified in the Dáil yesterday after TDs raised serious concerns about the government-licensed practice. It followed revelations by The Journal Investigates that over 80% of badgers destroyed as part of the Department of Agriculture's TB eradication strategy were free of the disease. In a debate marking National Biodiversity Week, Jennifer Whitmore of the Social Democrats and People Before Profit's Paul Murphy both questioned the scientific basis of the killing programme and its impact on biodiversity commitments. The Journal / YouTube Speaking to Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan, Whitmore highlighted contradictions at the heart of current policy. 'This matter is in the news at the moment. It is another instance where a species that is protected under the Wildlife Act is also being hunted or killed under that Act,' she said. 'The evidence is clear that the culling of badgers is not impacting on or reducing the incidence of bovine TB on farms.' The TD added that while bovine TB outbreaks are having a 'devastating' effect on Irish farmers, 'we need to work with them to make sure that the solutions that are put forward are actually working' 'They are not working at the moment,' she added. Advertisement Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called for an end to badger culling (File photo). Alan Rowlette / Alan Rowlette / / Badger kills 'horrific' Referencing The Journal Investigate's investigation, Murphy criticised the 'the ongoing slaughter of badgers by the Department of Agriculture.' 'The Department has killed more than 66,000 badgers in the past ten years. The way the badgers are killed is horrific. 'They are trapped in snares leading to internal organ damage, ruptured bladders and even disembowelment. This includes pregnant and lactating badgers, leaving their cubs to starve to death.' The TD also referred to figures obtained by The Journal Investigates , which showed how more than 4,300 foxes were mistakenly snared in controversial Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) badger traps. He added: 'According to opinion polls, in excess of two thirds of people in Ireland want it banned as well. 'England has promised to phase out killing badgers and replace it with a vaccination programme following scientific research that found that all the slaughter had no significant impact on bovine tuberculosis incidents in cattle.' The Journal has contacted DAFM for comment on the TDs' remarks. Referring to DAFM research indicating that vaccination is 'no less effective than culling', Murphy said the real cause of the country's bovine TB epidemic 'is not badgers,' but the expansion of industrial farming and larger dairy herds. People Before Profit TD referred to the DAFM badger culling programme 'State-sponsored cruelty' (File photo). Sasko Lazarov / Sasko Lazarov / / 'State-sanctioned cruelty' The People Before Profit politician also questioned the rationale behind the current culling policy. He said: 'The Department of Agriculture admits that killing badgers is not sustainable in the long term due to its ultimate impact on badger ecology. Related Reads Over 80% of badgers culled in government TB programme found to be free from the disease 'It's the next worst thing to losing a family member': The toll of Ireland's bovine TB crisis 'It knows it does not work to control bovine tuberculosis. Why on earth did it then slaughter more than 7,000 badgers last year, which was the highest number in a decade? Concluding his statement, Murphy asked the Minister of State to if he would commit to ending the 'irrational, State-sanctioned cruelty and biodiversity destruction'. On Wednesday, The Journal Investigates revealed that of the 10,301 badgers culled and tested in the last five years, 8,211 were found to be clear of mycobacterium bovis – the bacteria that causes bovine tuberculosis. Figures obtained under Access to Information on the Environment also revealed how a total of 7,319 badgers were culled by DAFM in 2024 alone – the highest number recorded in the last 10 years. In total, over 66,000 badgers have been destroyed since 2014, despite a 2018 government pledge to phase out the killings in favour of vaccination. The investigation comes as Irish farmers continue to battle soaring TB rates on farms, with many experiencing a huge financial and emotional toll as a result. — Patricia Devlin is an investigative reporter with The Journal Investigates . Our investigative unit is dedicated to lifting the lid on how Ireland works. This takes time and it takes resources. 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