General Information » Environment » Environmental Issues

Ireland’s traditional dependence on agriculture and its late industrialisation meant that its environment remained relatively unspoilt until well into the 20th century. By the time modern industry took a foothold and urban sprawl emerged, the Irish were able to exercise at least some damage control based on the experiences of their European neighbours. Low population density and a climate that tends to wash everything away facilitated their efforts, as did the fact that the predominant industries to gain ground were considered ‘clean’, but the task was no less daunting. Despite great measures, a number of Irish native plants remain under threat today, with at least six species on the brink of extinction.

Successive governments have made it their objective to protect the Irish environment, working closely with the EU in strategies like the Wild Bird Directive and the Habitat Directive. Every year, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (www.environ.ie) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.ie) jointly host the conference ‘Environment Ireland’, creating a platform for environmental organisations to discuss the most pressing issues.

In practical terms, however, the difficult task of conserving Ireland’s natural gems rests with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, which acts within the legal framework provided by EU and Irish law.

James Joyce’s ‘dear, dirty Dublin’ itself is refreshingly clean as far as European capitals go. Rather than choking with air pollution or drowning in waste, Dublin’s biggest problem is the lack of space. Instead of playfully curling along the mouth of the Liffey, the city is bursting at the seams and spilling over into neighbouring counties. As house prices and availability drive Dubliners further afield, its residents are becoming increasingly dependent on their own set of wheels (thanks to a very lacking transport system), with the result that Dublin is now riddled with congestion.

While the continuing growth raises environmental concerns, Dublin has acted the vanguard in a number of green initiatives, proving to the prophets of doom that change is not always bad – even if you are a smoker (it’s outdoors only these days) and don’t like paying €0.15 for a plastic bag (it’s best to remember to bring your own!). Addressing an increase in waste, the old flat rate system was replaced by a new scheme in 2005, whereby residents are charged according to the amount of waste they produce (for instance, you will be charged less if your bin is emptied every second week, rather than every week). The idea as such was ...