Environment « Thurles Information

Ireland Meets EU Emissions Reduction Targets For All Five Major Air Pollutants.

In 2024, Ireland was compliant with EU Emissions Reduction targets for all five major pollutants: ammonia, non-methane volatile organic compounds, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter. Consistent implementation of existing national policies is key to meeting 2030 targets.
Taking the long view, many pollutants have seen significant decreases since the 1990s. Particulate matter, which can have significant impacts on human health, is down by 67 per cent. Pollutants associated with acid rain have also reduced dramatically: sulphur dioxide is down by 96 per cent and nitrogen oxide is down by 67 per cent.
Ammonia emissions, which arise almost entirely from agriculture, remained within EU limits for the third consecutive year.
Reductions in sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter were largely driven by lower fossil fuel use in power generation and residential heating.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today published its assessment of five key air pollutants which impact air quality, health and the environment for 2024.

The pollutants are:

ammonia.
non-methane volatile organic compounds.
sulphur dioxide.
nitrogen oxides.
fine particulate matter.

Agriculture accounts for over 99% of ammonia emissions in Ireland and was previously non-compliant with EU targets in 2020 and 2021. The ongoing adoption of low-emission slurry spreading, in combination with a reduction of dairy cattle and other cattle numbers, has brought ammonia emissions into compliance with the EU Emission Reduction target for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. This reflects the impact of on-farm adoption of a range of good farming practices.

Commenting on the findings Ms Roni Hawe, Director of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment said: “Ireland is on track to meet its 2030 EU Emissions Reduction targets for all five major air pollutants. The EPA’s assessment confirms that this progress is delivering clear benefits for air quality, human health and sensitive ecosystems, and shows that targeted policies and practical measures are achieving measurable reductions in emissions.”

She added: “Low-emission slurry spreading alone avoided an estimated 8,526 tonnes of ammonia being released to the atmosphere. That’s seven per cent of the national total, making it one of the most effective actions in reducing national ammonia emissions. Continued and wider adoption of these practices is essential to sustain progress on air quality.”

Beyond ammonia, Ireland is in compliance with EU Emission Reduction targets for the other air pollutants. In 2024, Sulphur dioxide decreased by 4.4 per cent; fine particulate matter by 1.9 per cent; nitrogen oxides by 1.3 per cent and non-methane volatile organic compounds by 1.0 per cent. Less fossil fuel use in power generation and residential heating has been key in reducing these emissions.

Commenting on these findings Dr Tomás Murray, Senior Manager of EPA Emissions Statistics said: “This is good news. We can hit our 2030 air pollutant reduction goals if we stay on course with the National Air Pollution Control Programme. By moving away from fossil fuels to generate our electricity and continued adoption of a range of good farming practices, we aren’t just achieving targets but also actively protecting our health and our environment.”

For further details on these figures, see the EPA report Ireland’s Air Pollutant Emissions: Trends and Outlook on the EPA website HERE.

Lyrid Meteor Shower Lights Up Irish Skies – Viewing Prospects For Tipperary.

Irish stargazers are being urged to look skyward this week as the Lyrid meteor shower reaches its annual peak, bringing a striking display of shooting stars visible across the country, including Tipperary.

A Rare Celestial Display.
The Lyrids are one of the oldest recorded meteor showers, occurring each April as Earth passes through debris left by Comet Thatcher, last seen in 1861.
In 2026, the shower is active from mid-April through to April 25–26, with peak activity expected on the night of April 22 into the early hours of April 23.

Under ideal conditions, observers can expect:

Around 10–20 meteors per hour.
Occasional bursts of higher activity.
Bright streaks and occasional “fireballs” lighting up the sky.
Strong Viewing Conditions in Ireland.

This year offers particularly favourable viewing conditions. A crescent moon will set early, leaving darker skies for much of the night, latter ideal for spotting meteors.

The best time to watch is:
After midnight through to dawn, when the constellation Lyra rises higher in the eastern sky.
No special equipment is needed, just clear skies and patience.

Viewing Potential in Tipperary.
Tipperary is well positioned to enjoy this celestial event, particularly in rural areas where light pollution is low.

Key Advantages:

Dark countryside skies improve visibility
Elevated and open landscapes provide wide viewing angles
Distance from major urban lighting enhances contrast
Best Practice for Viewing:
Travel to rural or elevated areas such as hills or open farmland
Avoid towns and artificial lighting
Allow 20–30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to darkness
Lie back or use a reclining chair for a full-sky view

Meteor activity will appear across the sky, not just near Lyra, so a broad, unobstructed view is essential.

What to Expect.
While the Lyrids are considered a moderate meteor shower, they are known for fast, bright meteors,
occasional dramatic fireballs and short bursts of increased activity. Even outside the peak night, the shower remains active for several days, offering multiple chances to witness the display.

Final Outlook.
If skies remain clear, observers across Tipperary should have an excellent opportunity to see more shooting stars than on a typical night. With favourable conditions and minimal moonlight, 2026 could be one of the better years to catch this historic meteor shower, right from your own doorstep.

RSPB England Issues New Seasonal Guidance On Garden Bird Feeding.

RSPB England Issues New Seasonal Guidance on Garden Bird Feeding to Prevent Disease Spread.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has issued new guidance urging the public to adopt seasonal bird feeding practices to help protect vulnerable garden bird populations from disease.
The charity is advising households across England to pause routine bird feeding between May 1st and October 31st, citing increased risks of disease transmission during warmer months, when feeders can become contamination hotspots.

Rising Concern Over Bird Disease.
The recommendation follows growing concern over trichomonosis, a parasitic disease that affects birds’ mouths, throats, and digestive systems, often making it difficult for them to eat or breathe. The disease spreads through contaminated food and water sources and has been linked to significant declines in several species.
Among the most affected is the greenfinch, whose population has dropped by an estimated two million birds in the UK, placing it on the conservation red list. Long-term monitoring data also shows a steep decline in sightings, with greenfinches falling from one of the most commonly recorded garden birds to much lower rankings in recent years.

Seasonal Feeding Approach Recommended.
Under its new campaign “Feed seasonally, feed safely”, the RSPB is encouraging the public to rethink year-round feeding habits. While feeding birds can provide benefits, especially during colder months, the charity warns that concentrated feeding in summer can facilitate the spread of disease.
Limited feeding may still be appropriate if done carefully. The RSPB advises offering only small quantities of food, such as mealworms or fat-based products, sufficient for one or two days at most.

Hygiene Measures Essential.

To reduce risks, the RSPB recommends:

Cleaning bird feeders at least once a week.
Regularly changing feeder locations to prevent waste buildup.
Providing fresh tap water daily if offering water.
Cleaning bird baths weekly.
Avoiding flat surface feeders, such as traditional bird tables, where contamination can accumulate more easily

The organisation has already begun phasing out flat feeders from its own product range.

Widespread Public Impact.
Bird feeding is a popular activity in England, with millions of households participating regularly and significant annual spending on bird food. The RSPB acknowledges that changing established habits may be challenging but stresses the importance of protecting bird populations.
The guidance has been developed in collaboration with scientific partners and is based on an extensive review of available evidence. While some industry groups have raised concerns about the changes, the RSPB maintains that precautionary action is necessary.

Supporting Birds Responsibly.
The RSPB emphasises that feeding birds can still play a positive role when done responsibly. However, it warns that continuing current practices without adjustment could contribute to further population declines.

“We cannot continue as usual,” the charity stated, highlighting the need for collective action to safeguard garden birds for the future.

Industry & Power Greenhouse Gas Emissions down by 5.5 %.

Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions from power generation and industry down by 5.5 per cent in 2025.

In 2025, greenhouse gas emissions from Irish power generation and industrial companies covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) decreased by 5.5 per cent.
Emissions decreased by 8.9 per cent from the electricity generation sector driven by cessation of coal use at Moneypoint, an increase in renewables and increased importation of electricity.
Manufacturing industry emissions decreased by 2.5 per cent driven by a variety of factors including the use of alternative lower carbon fuels and a decrease in clinker production in the cement sector.
In contrast, greenhouse gas emissions from aviation, reported to Ireland, increased by just under 2 per cent compared to 2024, which reflects continued growth in this sector.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), today released its preliminary analysis of greenhouse gas emissions in 2025 from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). In 2025, emissions from Irish power generation and industrial companies decreased by 5.5 per cent (over 620,000 tonnes) to 10.67 million tonnes of CO2. This compares with a decrease of approximately 6.9 per cent across Europe, according to data released by the EU Commission.

The decrease in emissions from Ireland’s power generation and industry sectors in 2025 was driven by a combination of factors.

Power generation: The use of coal at ESB Moneypoint ceased in June 2025 which has led to a 49 per cent reduction in emissions from this station. On a national basis, there was a slight increase in renewable electricity (up by 1 per cent as a percentage of demand) and an increase in net imports of electricity from 14 per cent to 17 per cent as a percentage of demand.

Cement industries: There was a 3.6% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from cement industries due to both a drop in production of cement clinker (a key component of cement) and an increase in alternative fuel use as the demand for less carbon intensive construction products has increased.

Commenting today, Dr Eimear Cotter, EPA Director General, said: “The reduction in emissions from power generation and industrial activities covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) indicates progress in Ireland’s shift toward cleaner energy and more sustainable manufacturing. Since the establishment of EU ETS in 2005, there has been a decrease in emissions of over 52 per cent for the relevant sectors in Ireland which highlights the importance of this policy tool in driving decarbonisation.”

Aviation: Emissions from flights within the European Economic Area reported to Ireland increased by almost 2 per cent compared to 2024, to over 13.4 million tonnes. This is now well above the pre-pandemic levels of 12.8 million tonnes and reflects the ongoing growth of traffic in this sector. The use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) has increased since 2024 but there is scope for further uptake of these fuels.

Dr Maria Martin, EPA Senior Manager, said: “There is a continued need for all sectors included in the EU ETS to play their part. While power generation and industry both recorded reductions in emissions, the dairy processing industries increased their emissions in 2025 suggesting that more work needs to be done to decouple growth in this sector from carbon emissions.”

Further details about Emissions Trading are available on the EU Commission’s website and on the EPA website.
Further information about Ireland’s overall greenhouse gas emissions and useful infographics and detailed greenhouse gas inventory are also available on the EPA website.

Rapid Response Contained Fire At Thurles Recycling Facility.

Renewed Focus on Waste Safety Risks.

Emergency services responded swiftly to a fire at a recycling facility in the Cabragh Business Park, south of Thurles, on the evening of April 8th 2026.

The alarm was raised shortly before 8:00pm, prompting the deployment of fire crews from Thurles and Templemore. The fire is understood to have been located within a shredding machine on site and was brought under control quickly, with no injuries reported.

Incident Overview.
The fire occurred in operational machinery used for processing recyclable materials. Thanks to the rapid intervention of local fire services, the incident was contained before it could escalate or pose a wider risk to nearby businesses or the surrounding community.
Firefighters utilised specialist equipment to isolate and extinguish the blaze, ensuring the site was made safe in a timely manner.

Safety Context and Industry Concerns.
While the exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, incidents of this nature highlight ongoing safety challenges within the recycling and waste management sector.

Industry data shows that:

Lithium batteries and electronic waste are a leading cause of fires in recycling facilities.
Fires can ignite when such items are damaged or compacted during processing.
Even a single improperly disposed device can trigger a significant incident.

Shredding machinery, where this fire originated, is particularly vulnerable due to the heat, friction, and mixed material inputs involved in the recycling process.

Call for Public Awareness.
This incident underscores the importance of responsible waste disposal practices. Members of the public and businesses are urged to:

Dispose of batteries, vapes, and electronic devices at designated recycling points.
Avoid placing hazardous materials in general waste or recycling bins.
Follow national guidance on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) disposal.

Proper segregation of waste is critical to protecting:

Emergency responders
Waste facility workers
Local infrastructure and the environment

Conclusion.
Although this incident was resolved without injury or major damage, it serves as a timely reminder of the hidden risks within modern waste streams. Continued vigilance, public awareness, and adherence to safe disposal practices are essential to preventing future occurrences.