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# environment - Sunday 20 May, 2012

Local Governent This post contains a poll

Explainer: Does Dublin need a directly-elected mayor and how likely is it?

Sun, 8:00 AM 1,999 Views 19 Comments

It has been suggested for years, it even came close to happening two years ago but what chance a Boris Johnson or a Micheal Bloomberg for Dublin and Ireland’s other cities. TheJournal.ie investigates…

# environment - Tuesday 15 May, 2012

Bat Protection

Bat experts gather in Dublin Castle to discuss ‘hot topics’

15/05/12 1,195 Views 4 Comments

Dene nene nene nene…EUROBATS!

Dry Cleaning

New regulations to address dry cleaning certificate monopoly

15/05/12 2,482 Views 6 Comments

Just one company is currently providing mandatory certificates for dry cleaning operators.

# environment - Wednesday 9 May, 2012

Exxon Valdez This post contains videos This post contains images

Gallery: India’s top court bans Exxon Valdez from anchoring

09/05/12 2,650 Views 3 Comments

The Exxon Valdez disaster in 1989 saw millions of gallons of crude oil spill into Alaska’s Prince William Sound. Indian authorities say the ship is toxic.

# environment - Thursday 3 May, 2012

Household Charge

Hogan rules out extension to household charge registrations

03/05/12 5,747 Views 139 Comments

“Everybody knew what the deadline was,” says the environment minister.

# environment - Saturday 28 April, 2012

Household Charge

Less than a million properties registered for household charge

28/04/12 5,413 Views 120 Comments

Nearly a month after the deadline for the €100 tax, the government is still some way off its target of raising €160 million to fund local authorities.

# environment - Friday 27 April, 2012

Phil Hogan

Minister proposes to strengthen building control system

27/04/12 4,012 Views 57 Comments

Phil Hogan has released new proposals to strengthen building controls – saying the failings in building quality “which have been a regular occurrence for homeowners and tenants in recent years” should not be repeated.

# environment - Sunday 22 April, 2012

Water Charges

Varadkar apologises over water charges confusion

22/04/12 6,610 Views 97 Comments

The Transport Minister has apologised over the Government’s handling of the issue, adding that charges will not be applied for at least another two years.

# environment - Saturday 21 April, 2012

Mass Deaths

Mass deaths of dolphins off Peru remains a ‘mystery’

21/04/12 6,104 Views 23 Comments

Officials in Peru have not yet been able to pinpoint why hundred of dolphins and porpoises have been washing up dead on the counrty’s coastline.

# environment - Friday 20 April, 2012

From The Daily Edge Cleaning This post contains videos

How to…clean the whole world

20/04/12 2,035 Views 6 Comments

The World Cleanup 2012 has kicked off across three continents with thousands of volunteers expected to turn out to clean up their countries.

# environment - Wednesday 18 April, 2012

Septic Tanks

Unforeseen delay in rollout of septic tank registrations

18/04/12 3,201 Views 31 Comments

Phil Hogan is forced to acknowledge that registrations for tanks will be delayed, but there is no comment on why.

# environment - Tuesday 17 April, 2012

Global Warming

Ireland to breach EU targets for CO2 emissions

17/04/12 1,942 Views 21 Comments

The Environmental Protection Agency’s latest projections show that while Ireland will comply with its Kyoto obligations, it is expected to breach its annual obligations under the EU 2020 target.

# environment - Thursday 5 April, 2012

Your Say This post contains a poll

Poll: Do you agree with the protesting turf cutters?

05/04/12 6,982 Views 119 Comments

The turf cutters are in a stand-off with the Government in a row which pitches assertions of a historic right to cut on their land against bog protection legislation. What do you think?

# environment - Sunday 1 April, 2012

Household Charge

Dublin councillors to debate motion on abolition of Household Charge

01/04/12 10,344 Views 116 Comments

The motion is being tabled by Sinn Féin, whose councillors have accused Phil Hogan of showing “monumental hypocrisy”.

Shipping

Who gets to keep goods salvaged from ships – and at what risk?

01/04/12 8,111 Views 5 Comments

In the wake of the Rena and Concordia disasters, TheJournal.ie takes a look into ship salvaging and the ownership of ‘lost’ cargo.

Household Charge

Over 805,000 out of 1.6m register for household charge before deadline

01/04/12 9,242 Views 186 Comments

Just over half of those expected to pay the €100 tax did so before last night’s deadline.

# environment - Saturday 31 March, 2012

Household Charge

Hogan thanks 798,957 Household Charge registrants for ‘genuine patriotism’

31/03/12 19,799 Views 327 Comments

The environment minister says the charge is a “legacy left behind” and wouldn’t be pursued if an alternative had been found.

# environment - Thursday 22 March, 2012

From The Daily Edge Jailbird Celebs This post contains images

6 political activist celebrities (other than George Clooney)

22/03/12 458 Views No Comments

These temporary jailbirds put their star power behind issues from the Vietnam War to nuclear power.

Batteries This post contains a poll

Target for recycling of batteries exceeded says government

22/03/12 2,496 Views 3 Comments

Do you recycle your used batteries?

# environment - Monday 19 March, 2012

Action

Nama to Nature: Why we are planting trees on ghost estates Exclusive

19/03/12 14,543 Views 35 Comments

Group of friends urge fellow citizens to help Ireland’s 600 ghost estates return to nature rather than blight the landscape – Frank Armstrong describes one guerilla planting session in Co Leitrim.

# environment - Friday 16 March, 2012

Politics

St Patrick’s-related Press Release of the Day. (Sort of)

16/03/12 4,121 Views 34 Comments

No comment.

# environment - Friday 9 March, 2012

One Year In

TheJournal.ie’s progress report for the Government: Energy, environment

09/03/12 502 Views 2 Comments

Phil Hogan and Pat Rabbitte have been tasked with keeping us green and energy efficient. How have they done?

# environment - Thursday 8 March, 2012

Opinion

Column: The science is robust. Human-driven climate change exists.

08/03/12 2,808 Views 56 Comments

Scientific discoveries constantly make us revise what we know about the world – so why do some people still stick to dodgy dogma when climate change is a fact, asks John Gibbons.

# environment - Sunday 4 March, 2012

GM

Explainer: GM crop trials in Ireland

04/03/12 2,931 Views 50 Comments

We take a closer look at a proposal to start trials on genetically modified potato crops in Ireland – and the hopes, fears and challenges associated with GM foods.

# environment - Friday 2 March, 2012

Fracking

Polish report: shale gas extraction ‘not harmful’

02/03/12 2,103 Views 30 Comments

A study in Poland has found that shale gas extraction at one site produced some toxic refuse but that the waste was reused and didn’t harm the environment.

# environment - Wednesday 29 February, 2012

New Zealand

Ship’s officers plead guilty over New Zealand’s Rena disaster

29/02/12 1,053 Views No Comments

Rena’s collision with a reef off the New Zealand coast led to a serious environmental disaster in the form of a major oil spill.

# environment - Thursday 23 February, 2012

Changenation

In photos: Change Nation launches in Dublin, but what is it?

23/02/12 5,040 Views 6 Comments

The social innovation movement launched in Dublin today.

# environment - Sunday 12 February, 2012

Invasive Species

In pictures: Ireland’s ‘most unwanted’ list of invasive species

12/02/12 9,070 Views 28 Comments

But what should you do if you see any of them? Read on…

# environment - Tuesday 7 February, 2012

Septic Tanks

Hogan says there is ‘no excuse’ not to pay septic tank charge

07/02/12 5,010 Views 81 Comments

The Environment Minister was speaking after he announced that the mandatory inspection fee for owners of septic tanks was reduced to €5 for the first three months.

# environment - Tuesday 31 January, 2012

Environment

Plastic bag levy on way to Northern Ireland

31/01/12 1,159 Views 19 Comments

A similar – but more expensive – levy has been in place in the Republic of Ireland since 2002.

# environment - Sunday 29 January, 2012

Family History

Researchers find cancer in ancient Egyptian mummy

29/01/12 4,192 Views 8 Comments

Researchers say the discovery in the 2,200-year-old mummy is the second oldest known case of prostate cancer.

# environment - Tuesday 24 January, 2012

Septic Tanks

Explainer: What’s going on with Ireland’s septic tanks?

24/01/12 3,679 Views 35 Comments

The government’s under pressure over its plans to enforce mandatory inspections of septic tanks. So what’s the story?

# environment - Saturday 21 January, 2012

Costa Concordia

Fuel detected in sea around capsized Costa Concordia

21/01/12 1,703 Views 1 Comment

But it’s thought the substance is diesel from machinery aboard the stricken cruise ship – not the heavy fuel oil from its huge tanks.

# environment - Friday 20 January, 2012

Fracking

Senator says we should allow fracking – to create jobs

20/01/12 5,050 Views 118 Comments

Feargal Quinn suggests that companies could be asked to put up a bond equal to the clean-up cost of any possible environmental damage.

# environment - Friday 13 January, 2012

Septic Tanks

State won’t face septic tank fines in February despite government claims

13/01/12 2,978 Views 28 Comments

The government has rejected claims that it has misled the Dáil and the public over fines for failure to comply with EU regulations on septic tanks.

# environment - Thursday 12 January, 2012

Ryanair

Ryanair announces (another) new charge on passengers

12/01/12 8,209 Views 72 Comments

The airline says it needs to cover its bill for a new EU law which aims to combat climate change – but a Fine Gael MEP has said that the charge is “a complete joke”.

# environment - Wednesday 11 January, 2012

Fracking

Seven charged with corruption over shale gas exploration in Poland

11/01/12 1,725 Views 6 Comments

Those charged are believed to have been officials from Poland’s environment ministry and companies who carry out the controversial exploration for shale gas.

# environment - Sunday 8 January, 2012

New Zealand

Grounded cargo ship breaks apart on New Zealand reef

08/01/12 3,408 Views 2 Comments

The wreck had been described as New Zealand’s worst maritime environmental disaster even before the rear section of the ship, lashed by pounding seas, broke away overnight.

# environment - Friday 6 January, 2012

Septic Tank

Septic tank row continues as Fianna Fáil calls for expert advice

06/01/12 2,319 Views 31 Comments

Sinn Féin has also organised information meetings in Mayo next week to discuss the impact of the Septic Tank Bill.

# environment - Saturday 17 December, 2011

Cycling

Campaign launched after Dublin axes only cycling officer

17/12/11 4,500 Views 18 Comments

The public are being urged to contact councillors and TDs, after funding was ended for the advocacy role.

1 2 3 4

referendum

fiscal compact

NTMA: No access to ESM would mean no access to markets either

Patricia McKenna and Thomas Pringle are both seeking a referendum on the ESM treaty.
Referendum
Large majority of voters in favour of referendum on ESM treaty
Opinion
Vote No: The Treaty will bring the EU together – in economic stagnation
The credit union: an Irish institution
Opinion
Vote Yes: EU funds are like our credit union. Let’s not go to the loan sharks.
your questions
What do YOU want to know about the referendum?

Your say

View more polls
Poll: Are you satisfied with your quality of life?

Poll: Are you satisfied with your quality of life?

A NEW REPORT from the OECD has suggested people living in Ireland have some of the best lives in the world, with Ireland among the top countries in its Better Life Index.

The index finds that life expectancy, low pollution, positive experiences and a healthy work-life balance are among the factors that contribute to happy lives in Ireland.

It did note, however, that the gap between the rich and poor is wider in Ireland than elsewhere, while the gender gap in educational performance is also larger than average.

Today we’re simply wondering whether (assuming you live in Ireland) you’re satisfied with your quality of life.


Poll Results:





Read: How good is life in Ireland?


36
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Read Me

Selected opinions from around the web
David Hall
Column: The mortgage crisis is stoked by mistrust. Here’s how we might fix it.
By David Hall - @davidhall75

Aggressive banks are making mortgage resolution impossible, writes David Hall of New Beginning – and suggests a way to restore trust between lenders and borrowers.

Jim Clarken
Column: ‘Women are digging up anthills for the tiny grains inside’
By Jim Clarken

Children mine for gold in home-made pits, while parents risk their lives for food – Jim Clarken describes the harrowing scenes as a crisis unfolds in west Africa.

Michael Taft
Vote No: The Treaty will bring the EU together – in economic stagnation
By Michael Taft - @notesonthefront

Confidence and stability will be the last things to emerge from this dangerous experiment, writes Michael Taft.

Naoise Nunn
Vote Yes: EU funds are like our credit union. Let’s not go to the loan sharks.
By Naoise Nunn - @naoisen

A Yes to the Stability Treaty will give Ireland access to the ESM, writes Naoise Nunn – and keep us out of a potentially lethal game of chicken.

Seamus Breslin
Column: Parents bringing their children to be kneecapped. Yes, this is Ireland.
By Seamus Breslin

Self-styled republican vigilantes are terrorising a city, writes Seamus Breslin – and perceived neglect by authorities is fuelling the fire.

Mike Morris
Column: Another Priory Hall is coming down the tracks. Here’s why.
By Mike Morris - @nyderoleary

Phil Hogan is planning to introduce new regulations which are meant to make for better buildings. He’s making a major mistake, writes Mike Morris.

Jane Suiter
Column: Who are the winners and losers in the referendum campaign right now?
By Jane Suiter - @JaneSuit

With nine days to go before referendum day, Dr Jane Suiter of UCC analyses the parties and the latest polls to see how the campaign is playing out.

Micheál Martin
Column: Job creation is too important for party politics. Let’s work together.
By Micheál Martin

Writing for TheJournal.ie, Micheál Martin explains why Fianna Fáil’s new plan to tackle youth unemployment should be seriously considered.

Lisa McInerney
Column: National pride or bald-faced bigotry? Maybe neither, or both.
By Lisa McInerney - @SwearyLady

Being proud to be Irish is sometime looked on as a social gaffe, writes Lisa McInerney, but that’s not always fair… and it’s not always the best way to figure out who really is racist…

Lynn McDonald Byrne
Column: Some talk about the ‘magic’ of childbirth. To me, it was horrific.
By Lynn McDonald Byrne

For new mothers, the pressure can be so overwhelming it makes you ill. Lynn McDonald Byrne describes her experience of postnatal depression.

From BusinessEtc

HP Ireland: job losses will impact ‘every business and region’ HP Ireland

HP Ireland: job losses will impact ‘every business and region’

Shareholders file lawsuit over Facebook flotation
Facebook
Shareholders file lawsuit over Facebook flotation
Applause in auction room as woman buys back brother’s repossessed home
Irish auction
Applause in auction room as woman buys back brother’s repossessed home

From The Daily Edge

Weatherwatch: temperatures over 20°C, sunshine staying for the weekend Weather

Weatherwatch: temperatures over 20°C, sunshine staying for the weekend

VIDEO: Is this what you imagined when you read The Great Gatsby?
Work Can Wait
VIDEO: Is this what you imagined when you read The Great Gatsby?
Caption competition: What are Enda Kenny and David Cameron talking about?
Buds
Caption competition: What are Enda Kenny and David Cameron talking about?
Download the TheJournal.ie Android App

From The Score

I’ll play it cool at the Euros, Mario Balotelli warns Ireland Euro 2012

I’ll play it cool at the Euros, Mario Balotelli warns Ireland

Rushe: Dubs don’t have discipline problem
Capital Account
Rushe: Dubs don’t have discipline problem
Luke Donald craves maiden Major title
Golf
Luke Donald craves maiden Major title

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News in Photos

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  • In pictures: Ireland squad’s first full training session

News in Video

  • Mental health services inadequate, prisons below standards – Amnesty
  • Referendum roundup: 8 days to go
  • The Daily Fix: Wednesday
  • VIDEO: Is this what you imagined when you read The Great Gatsby?
  • VIDEO: DJ Prince Charles hits the decks, spins some tunes
  • Referendum roundup: 9 days to go
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