Noteworthy

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IN THE DOCK: Why are unauthorised developments on the Shannon going unchallenged?

Shannon River

There are dozens of unauthorised developments on the River Shannon and its lakes, including full blown commercial developments that lack proper planning permission.

1 Backer raised €20 of €4420

Funded

WATER WORKS: Is discharge from Ireland’s largest water treatment plant wrecking the Liffey?

Kildare

Our biggest drinking water treatment plant discharges wastewater into the Liffey at a point in Kildare where locals say flow is not strong enough to dilute the nutrient-dense material.

5 Backers raised €3770 of €3770

Completed

SHALL NOT PASS: Is the State supporting hydropower at the expense of the natural world?

Ireland

The diversion of water to hydropower stations, often combined with problematic or non-existing fish passes, can have considerable impacts on important fish populations, such as salmon.

59 Backers raised €2755 of €2730

Completed

WITH GREAT POWER: Why is a Wexford power plant causing concern?

South East

An independent report alleges there was a ‘major issue’ with water quality monitoring near the Great Island Power Station operated by SSE.

1 Backer raised €500 of €500

Open

PIPE DREAM: Is rural development being delayed by poor water infrastructure?

Ireland

Government policy to encourage development of rural towns and villages is being hit by underinvestment in water supply and wastewater infrastructure that is now limiting housing and business growth.

15 Backers raised €440 of €2200

Completed

BREAKING THE BANKS: Are Irish riverside habitats under threat from over-maintenance?

Ireland

Clearing of vegetation from waterways is a regular occurrence across the country as part of the mandated maintenance of over 11,500km of channels and 800km of embankments.

82 Backers raised €3130 of €3100

Open

SOAKED UP: Why are river water abstraction rules so lax for big business?

Ireland

Lax State control over large volumes of water abstracted from our rivers, lakes and groundwater by private companies is putting pressure on nature and local water supplies for communities.

31 Backers raised €1008 of €2640

Completed

TROUBLED WATERS: Are salmon fish farms harming our marine ecosystem?

Ireland

The fish farming industry is in a phase of rapid growth; it overtook global beef production in 2012.

43 Backers raised €2400 of €2400

Completed

RED FLAG: Is swimming off Ireland's coast under threat from pollution?

Ireland

While almost 80% of our bathing water was classed as excellent in 2022, a wave of swimming bans have hit beaches across the country in recent years due to water quality issues linked to pollution problems and our changing climate.

65 Backers raised €1690 of €1690

Completed

WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE: How much did a controversial road scheme in Kilkenny City actually cost and has it delivered what it was supposed to?

Kilkenny

It was one of the most controversial road developments of recent years in Ireland, a plan to build a new bridge across the River Nore in Kilkenny.

46 Backers raised €1371 of €1350

Completed

SEPTIC SWIM: Is enough being done to keep Dublin Bay safe for swimmers this summer?

Dublin

Effluent leaks have resulted in pollution incidents along the eastern coastline at least twice so far this year - and bathing restrictions were put in place at popular Dublin beaches.

2 Backers raised €400 of €400