Environmental Pillar

28/07/2026

28/07/2026

The Environmental Pillar’s - Restore Nature: Native Woodlands project - supports Ireland’s National Restoration Plan by identifying high conservation value native woodlands with strong potential for restoration and improved connectivity using public lands. Using GIS analysis, the project maps priority woodland clusters and highlights opportunities to expand and reconnect these important habitats.

Ireland’s remaining native woodlands are small, fragmented, and often isolated, yet they are critical for nature restoration and climate action. This project identifies opportunities to contribute to the EU Nature Restoration Regulation by supporting the re-establishment of protected native woodland habitats, with a focus on improving their condition, extent, and connectivity.

The project maps high conservation value woodlands, including Ancient and Long-Established Woodlands and Annex I habitats, and groups them into landscape-scale clusters with strong restoration potential. In total, 29 clusters have been identified nationwide, with 14 prioritised based on ecological value, scale, and opportunities for expansion on public land. These include Killarney National Park, Glendalough and Clara Vale, the Avoca Valley, and Glengarriff Woods.

Crucially, the analysis highlights the strategic role of public land in overcoming barriers to large-scale restoration in Ireland’s fragmented ownership context. Of the 274.52 km² of native woodland identified, 129.28 km² is already on public land, with a further 72.71 km² immediately adjacent. In addition, 1,942.30 km² of public land lies beside native woodland, presenting significant opportunities for expansion and reconnection.

By linking ecological data with land ownership, the project provides a spatially explicit and actionable framework to guide restoration efforts. It offers a robust evidence base to inform the design and implementation of Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan and to support targeted action that strengthens woodland connectivity, biodiversity, and long-term ecosystem resilience.

Restore Nature: Native Woodlands Project:https://www.environmentalpillar.ie/app/uploads/2026/07/Kelly-Duarte-Campos-2026-Restore-Nature-Native-woodlands-project-Environmental-Pillar_Final.pdf

24/07/2026

Ireland could be a leader in introducing a Universal Basic Income

“It is well-established now that the ecological transition will require a broad economic transformation. Changes are needed not only in production and consumption patterns, but also in overarching economic objectives. Universal Basic Income is a prime example of the type of ‘big thinking’ that’s required to achieve this, and Ireland is ideally placed to lead the world on implementing it.”

Ireland could be a trailblazer in introducing a national-level Universal Basic Income, according to a new publication from the Irish Environmental Pillar.  The paper Universal Income and Wellbeing Economy was produced on behalf of the Environmental Pillar’s Circular and Wellbeing Economy Hub by...

08/07/2026

Marine Protected Area legislation to safeguard our seas is long overdue and the publication of the Heads of the Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill is very welcome news. But it's just the start - now we need to see robust legislation enacted to restore ocean health

Fair Seas has welcomed the publication of the Heads of the Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill.

25/06/2026

With your help we ensured that the Nature Restoration Law was adopted. Now help us to ensure we secure an ambitious plan to by taking part in the public consultation.

Be a voice for nature - make a submission to the public consultation on the Nature Restoration Plan: https://www.environmentalpillar.ie/have-your-say-on-the-nature-restoration-plan/

24/06/2026

Have your say! Irish people have a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a difference for nature. Speak up for nature – help shape how we restore our landscapes, waters, and wildlife for decades to come by making a submission to the public consultation on the Nature Restoration Plan. https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/consultations/first-public-consultation-on-irelands-draft-national-nature-restoration-plan/

22/06/2026

Make difference for Ireland’s nature!

Irish people have a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a difference for nature. The public are being asked for their views on Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan, which is a generational opportunity to restore nature at scale.

The Environmental Pillar is urging members of the public to make a submission to the public consultation on the plan. To support and inspire the public's input, the Environmental Pillar has identified nine key priorities for Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan.

Find out how you can be a voice for nature: https://www.environmentalpillar.ie/have-your-say-on-the-nature-restoration-plan/

17/06/2026

Ireland must accelerate investment in reliable public transport and EV infrastructure to reduce emissions and exposure to fossil fuel shocks, says Climate Change Advisory Council https://www.climatecouncil.ie/news/press-release-annual-review-2026---transport.html

Earlier this week, the Environmental Pillar made the same points to the Government at the National Economic Dialogue.

Rather than throwing money at fossil fuel subsidies, we need targeted short-term measures for those in energy poverty and low-income households, while looking long-term to address a number of key issues:

· A national retrofit mobilisation to urgently scale up delivery, for warmer homes, lower costs, and energy security
· Investment in public transport and active travel
· Ensuring that there is a nationwide network of reliable electric vehicle chargers to facilitate transition to EVs, particularly for people in rural Ireland who don’t have the same access to public transport.

This section has the most up to date news from the Council, including press releases, advice, calls for quotations, opportunities and other current information.

17/06/2026

Water quality will not improve unless nutrient pollution
is reduced. Right now, there is no clear sign of long‑term
reductions in nutrient levels, making it unlikely that we will
see meaningful improvements in water quality anytime soon........The overall message is clear. Without a sustained reduction in nutrient pollution, meaningful improvements in water quality are unlikely. Protecting and restoring Ireland’s waters will require continued effort to reduce pollution from land and other human activities, particularly in areas where pressures are highest.

Another stark warning on water quality from the EPA in its Water Quality in 2025 report
https://www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring--assessment/freshwater--marine/EPA-Water-Quality-2025-An-Indicators-Report-Accessible-FINAL.pdf

15/06/2026

Ireland should invest in nature, retrofitting and food and energy security to mitigate against current and future shocks, the Environmental Pillar will tell the Government at the National Economic Dialogue https://www.environmentalpillar.ie/prudent-investment-in-nature-retrofitting-and-food-energy-security-needed-to-insulate-ireland-from-external-shocks/