Education « Thurles Information

EPA Announces Funding Of €10.5m For New Environmental And Climate Research.

The EPA announces funding of €10.5m for new environmental and climate research inviting innovative solutions to address medium- to longer-term environmental research needs.

Research proposals are invited for research across the following areas:

Addressing Climate Change Evidence Needs
Delivering a Healthy Environment
Facilitating a Green and Circular Economy
Protecting and Restoring our Natural Environment
Policy Implementation, Effective Regulation and Innovative Governance Models

Successful researchers will be supported by EPA to engage with policy makers to ensure that the research is impactful and effectively informs environmental policy in Ireland.

Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces research funding of up to €10.5 million for new environmental research. The EPA is inviting proposals from the research community for innovative projects to support the development and implementation of environmental policies in Ireland. In particular, multi- and trans-disciplinary teams are welcomed to bring diverse perspectives to complex environmental challenges.

Announcing the EPA funding call, Ms Roni Hawe, Director of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment said: “The launch of the EPA Research Call 2026 marks a significant opportunity for the research community to contribute to addressing Ireland’s most pressing environmental challenges. This investment will support the generation of robust evidence needed for good policy and for more efficient and effective decision-making, as well as building skills and expertise in critical areas related to climate, the environment and sustainability.”

Opportunities for research are identified in areas such as how to bring mitigation and adaptation together to support Ireland achieving its climate and environmental goals; understanding antimicrobial resistance in the environment; how to accelerate our transition to a circular economy and how we can protect the environment while accelerating infrastructure and simplifying environmental regulation.

Dr Ms Caroline Wynne, EPA Research Manager, said: “This year, we are pleased to invite proposals for larger scale projects that will allow researchers to develop new and innovative solutions as well as supporting the recruitment and training of highly skilled PhD students. We are particularly interested in supporting a wide cohort of the research community to bring social, economic and environmental perspectives together, which is essential to address complex societal challenges.”

The EPA Research Programme is a Government of Ireland initiative funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment. Under this year’s call, the EPA is delighted to be partnering with Met Éireann to co-fund projects in areas of mutual interest.

The deadline for proposals is May 28th 2026.

Further funding: Other EPA funding opportunities this year include EPA Fast-track to Policy Funding; Fulbright-EPA Scholarships and Fellowships; the Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship, as well as opportunities supported through EPA’s participation in European Partnerships. Details are available on our Research Funding webpage.

New Council Report Finds Climate Change Causing Significant Damage In Ireland.

The Climate Change Advisory Council’s latest report finds that climate change, driven by greenhouse gases, is having measurable impacts in Ireland. There is clear evidence in 2025 of rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events, with growing risks for communities, infrastructure, essential services and the economy.

The Council today launched Our Changing Climate 2025, the first publication in its Annual Review 2026 series, highlighting accelerating climate trends and the urgent need for Ireland to simultaneously reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and strengthen its preparedness for climate impacts. Our continued reliance on economically volatile imported fossil fuels leaves households, communities and businesses acutely vulnerable to shocks such as the current conflict in the Middle East. The Council has repeatedly stressed that there are viable alternatives which must be urgently pursued that would increase our economic resilience, reduce our dependency on the actions of others and simultaneously reduce our contributions to global warming.

The Council has identified gaps in how the economic, social and environmental consequences of extreme weather events are monitored, noting that robust data and evidence are essential to inform effective policy, planning and investment.

New attribution capabilities highlight the direct link between continuing greenhouse gas emissions and the weather we are experiencing today. Rainfall during Storm Claudia in November 2025 for example was made twice as likely and nearly 12% more intense than it would have been in a pre-industrial climate. This points directly to the impact of climate change on our weather patterns. Extreme conditions continued into 2026, with Storm Chandra bringing prolonged rainfall and severe flooding, as saturated ground conditions significantly increased flood risk.

The report also identifies impacts across natural systems, including shifts in the seasonal lifecycles of insects and wildlife, signalling broader ecological change. This can result in an increased risk of outbreaks of diseases such as ash dieback and avian influenza, invasive species such as the Asian Hornet, harmful algal blooms, and an increased risk of wildfires.

Key climate observations from the report include:

2025 was the second warmest year on record, with average summer temperatures 1.94°C above the 1961–1990 long-term average
Seven of the ten warmest years have occurred since 2005.
The meteorological autumn was the fourth wettest on record, and six of the ten wettest autumns have occurred since 2001, pointing to a clear trend of increasing rainfall.
Ireland experienced record-breaking warm conditions in spring and summer, with Uisce Éireann declaring 49 water supplies in 15 counties to be in drought status.
Ireland recorded its highest ever wind gust of 184km/h in January 2025
A record high minimum temperature for any calendar month of 19.0°C was also recorded in June.
Storm Éowyn, an event with record-breaking wind speeds, was the most expensive storm-related insurance event in Irish history with claims in excess of €301m. The storm exposed vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and essential services, including energy, water and telecommunications.
Globally, the 10 most costly extreme weather events in 2025 caused damage exceeding €100bn.

The Council has emphasised that adaptation must now become a central national priority, particularly in strengthening flood resilience and critical infrastructure. Protecting people, infrastructure and the economy will require sustained investment in climate resilience, alongside coordinated policy and long-term planning.

The report warns that future risks will intensify without action, with continued warming and more frequent and severe extreme weather events expected. Delaying action will increase future costs, risks and disruption for society.

Prof. Mr Peter Thorne, Chair of the Adaptation Committee of the Climate Change Advisory Council, said: “Climate change is no longer a future issue. Its damaging impacts are being felt across the environment, the economy and our communities. We are seeing clear evidence that a warming climate is leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events.
Ireland remains underprepared for these impacts. We must shift from reacting to extreme weather events to anticipating and preparing for them. Effective adaptation measures that tangibly increase resilience are essential to protect people, our economy and our way of life.
This must be underpinned by better data, stronger infrastructure and sustained investment to ensure we are ready for the challenges ahead.
Improving our resilience must also go hand-in-hand with reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, not only to address climate change, but also to protect households and businesses from volatile energy costs and strengthen Ireland’s energy security in an increasingly uncertain global context.”

As part of the Annual Review series in 2025, the Council has called for coordinated Government action, including investment in climate monitoring and infrastructure systems, strengthened policy and legislative frameworks, and a systemic approach to improving national resilience.

Tipperary Takes Centre Stage As Ireland Unlocks Its Heritage Treasures This Wednesday.

This Wednesday, April 1st, history comes alive across Ireland, but nowhere more vividly than in the heart of Tipperary. As part of the popular “Free Wednesday” initiative, visitors are invited to step beyond the everyday and into centuries of rich heritage, with free access to nearly 40 iconic sites nationwide. From majestic castles to hidden architectural gems, this unique opportunity opens doors, literally and figuratively, to Ireland’s past, offering unforgettable experiences for families, explorers, and culture enthusiasts alike.

**The Swiss Cottage, Cahir, Co. Tipperary.**

In Co. Tipperary, the spotlight shines brightly on a remarkable collection of historic landmarks, including Cahir Castle, Ormond Castle, Roscrea Castle, and the enchanting Swiss Cottage. These sites, steeped in stories of medieval power, elegant design, and rural life, showcase the county’s extraordinary contribution to Ireland’s built heritage. Many locations across the country have also recently reopened following conservation efforts, adding a renewed sense of discovery for returning and first-time visitors alike.

With no booking required and access granted on a first-come, first-served basis, this is a rare chance to immerse yourself in Ireland’s cultural legacy; completely free of charge. Whether wandering through ancient halls, admiring intricate craftsmanship, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of centuries gone by, tomorrow Wednesday promises a journey through time not to be missed.

Control Of Listeria monocytogenes In Production Of Ready-To-Heat Meals.

FSAI publishes guidance for the control of Listeria monocytogenes in the production of ready-to-heat meals.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today published a new Guidance Note, Control of Listeria monocytogenes and Ensuring Food Safety in the Production of Certain Cook/Chilled Ready-To-Heat Meals, providing practical recommendations to help food businesses strengthen their food safety management systems and better detect and control Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium that causes listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness that can have significant impacts on health, particularly in older people, people with certain existing medical conditions and pregnant women. The guidance was issued as part of the FSAI’s ongoing response to recent outbreaks of listeriosis, including the outbreak in Ireland in 2025 and one in the United States the same year, both linked to ready-to-heat meals. These outbreaks of listeriosis highlight the risks associated with these products, if effective food safety controls are not in place.

Ready-to-heat meals are fully cooked during manufacturing but still require thorough cooking by consumers to make them safe before consumption. Although these products are not classified as ready-to-eat foods under EU legislation, food businesses have a responsibility to ensure all food placed on the market is safe to eat. The FSAI advises that certain types of ready-to-heat meals* can still pose significant risks if contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes despite carrying instructions for cooking by the consumer.

Mr Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI, said: “Listeriosis is a rare but potentially serious infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which poses a particular risk to older people, people with certain existing medical conditions, and pregnant women. It is essential that consumers ensure that they handle these ready-to-heat meals as instructed on the pack and cook them thoroughly until piping hot, and in line with manufacturer’s instructions.”

“Protecting consumers from foodborne illness is a fundamental responsibility for all food businesses. This guidance highlights the importance of a proactive approach to controlling Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-heat meals. Food businesses must consider how these products are likely to be used in practice and ensure that appropriate controls are in place throughout the production process. By strengthening food safety management systems to better control Listeria monocytogenes, there will be less reliance on adequate cooking of the product by the consumer to make these products safe. We encourage all relevant food businesses to review this guidance and implement the recommended practices.”

The new guidance reminds food businesses that Listeria monocytogenes is a hazard that must be controlled during the production of these foods. The guidance will support the safe and consistent production, storage, handling and labelling of ready-to-heat meals. It emphasises that food businesses must take account of the “reasonably foreseeable use” of these products, recognising that some consumers do not always handle or fully cook them, as required by the manufacturer’s instructions on the pack.

The FSAI states that Listeria monocytogenes can survive and persist in food processing environments and may contaminate food after cooking, if effective hygiene and environmental controls are not in place. Ready-to-heat meals containing several components e.g. meat, vegetables, are particularly vulnerable where they are assembled after cooking and exposed to the processing environment prior to final packaging. If contaminated at this stage, domestic cooking may not always be sufficient to eliminate the risk, particularly where cooking instructions are not followed.

Guidance Note 46: Control of Listeria monocytogenes and Ensuring Food Safety in the Production of Certain Cook/Chilled Ready-To-Heat Meals

Special Education Teaching Allocations Finally Issued To Tipperary Primary Schools.

Today, Tipperary primary schools, together with all primary schools nationally, were told how many Special Education Teaching (SET) hours would be allocated to their school next year.

According to the Department of Education and Youth almost one third of schools nationally received more hours. Almost half of schools nationally stayed at the same hours as last year, and approximately one fifth had their Special Education hours cut.

The factors that influence how many hours a school gets include enrolment figures, educational profile of literacy and numeracy needs and educational disadvantage.

The Department of Education and Youth has been criticised for the late publication of these hours. Educational groups have consistently pleaded for allocation information to be issued early in the year. Whereas this information was released in early February last year, it was not released this year until today, that is, the end of March.

In the absence of information about hours allocated, it is difficult for schools to predict how many full-time and part-time special education teachers they will have in the forthcoming year.
Moreover, the hours allocated are not always enough and to fight for the hours they need, schools must engage in an arduous review process. The review process takes a lot of time and the later it starts, the later and longer schools wait in limbo to find out if they will get the hours they require to support pupils with special education needs in their school.

Today’s late release of allocation information follows significant backlash from parents, school communities and unions with regards to cuts in SNA allocations next year. It only serves to add to growing frustrations and anger in relation to government policy and provision for special education across Ireland.