AGP Executive Report

Air Quality & Health: IFI has approved €77,303 for salmon and sea trout work in Cork’s River Blackwater, including a genetic study to guide habitat restoration. Water & Climate Resilience: A new IFI push also targets riparian habitat planning at Killavullen, aiming to boost spawning and nursery areas. Local Planning & Housing: Templemore is set for a major boost with a planning application for 56 new A-rated homes, with councillors citing infrastructure capacity as the key bottleneck. Transport & Emissions Pressure: Dublin Airport’s passenger cap is set to be scrapped within weeks, a move that could reshape growth and pressure on transport systems. Community & Greenways: Belgooly residents are challenging plans for the Cork to Kinsale Greenway route, disputing “quiet road” traffic claims near a school. Food & Health: Truly Irish launches nitrites-free rashers made with fruit and spice extracts, rolling out nationwide via major retailers. Weather Watch: Met Éireann forecasts unsettled conditions ahead, with rain and cooler temperatures likely to disrupt plans. Public Trust: Ireland’s news trust is slipping and news avoidance is rising, according to the Digital News Report for Ireland 2026.

Dereliction & Housing Powers: Tánaiste Simon Harris says local authorities have “badly failed” on abandoned-property levies and is pushing a new derelict property tax through Revenue, sparking councillors’ backlash that councils are already stretched across housing delivery, planning, regeneration and climate duties. EU Research & Security: UCD is set to lead the €8m Shield-6G project to build AI-driven, privacy-preserving and energy-aware security resilience for 6G networks. E-waste Recycling Push: WEEE Ireland reports Waterford recycled 7.3kg of e-waste per person in 2025, with a national record of 21.1 million items diverted from landfill, while warning EU tracking misses longer product lifespans and newer waste streams. Climate Skills & Savings: Clare sustainability trainer Fifty Shades Greener says its programme helped Irish firms cut energy costs by an average 27% (about €66,000 each). Hydrogen Collaboration: Hydrogen Ireland and UK hydrogen bodies are uniting to improve odds for a shared hydrogen region. Weather & Heat Context: Met Éireann updates point to changeable conditions with heavy rain risk before warmer spells.

Jobs & AI investment: OpenText says a €105m push will create 400 roles across Cork and Galway over three years, focusing on enterprise AI, cybersecurity and cloud services, with the Taoiseach backing it as a boost for Ireland’s EU-facing competitiveness. Weather & flood risk: Met Éireann warns of a changeable week with rain and showers, some heavy, plus breezy conditions; later in the week, heavy rainfall is expected to raise flooding risk. Biodiversity on the ground: A nature reserve extension has boosted rare bats, with new habitat created by replanting and wildflower sowing after land purchase. Community grants: Amazon’s first South West Cork Community Fund is handing out up to €10,000 to 22 local projects, including restoring a historic timber racing boat and supporting community groups. Energy & climate debate: A UN-linked report highlights a “critical gap” in how AI’s climate impact is estimated, while separate coverage argues AI efficiency gains can come with higher energy costs. Local impacts of data centres: Ireland’s data-centre boom is framed as a cautionary tale for nearby communities, raising concerns about power use and environmental effects. Wildlife protection: A minister urges people to “Check, Clean and Dry” boats and fishing gear to protect wildlife, as crayfish plague is reported in Dublin.

Wildlife & Public Health: A wildlife expert dismisses the popular “Irish Spring soap” DIY trick for keeping skunks away as myth, saying there’s little evidence it works. Marine Conservation: Zoomarine and the Portuguese Navy returned six sea turtles to the Atlantic after rehabilitation, including cases of malnutrition, injuries and plastic ingestion. Animal Welfare & Roads: The NSPCA is calling for urgent legal action to ban sulky horse activity on public roads, citing safety risks and recent deaths, and wants stronger enforcement and reporting. Biodiversity on the Ground: Westmeath County Council has commissioned a countywide survey of semi-natural grasslands with the NPWS, aiming to map plant and habitat diversity to support its biodiversity plan. Community Climate Action: Nominations are open for Ireland’s Greenest Places 2026, inviting communities to submit projects with measurable environmental impact and ongoing engagement. Heat & Weather Watch: Multiple reports flag an increasingly warm spell, with Met Éireann updates raising hopes for late-summer heatwave conditions. Coastal Nature: A report highlights Dublin homes facing coastal erosion pressures, underscoring the growing local impacts of sea-level and storm risks.

Climate & heat risk: Scientists warn planetary heating is intensifying, with Earth observation systems under threat and warming tracking toward 1.5C around 2030, while Irish forecasts point to a late-summer heatwave possibility and Met Éireann flags warm spells. Energy transition: Ireland confirms a new €8,500 ICE2EV scrappage pilot starting July 1, 2026 via SEAI, plus homeowners are urged to use the Better Energy Homes Scheme for upgrades that can also help keep houses cooler. Food safety & public health: The FSAI issued seven closure orders in May, including a Dublin pub shut over rodent droppings, underscoring ongoing hygiene enforcement. Biodiversity on farms: Teagasc highlights practical ways to boost biodiversity—like flowering hedgerows, solitary bee nesting sites, and protecting species-rich grassland—without costly overhauls. Wildlife & land: A Dorset trial will test “Raggy,” a robot to detect and remove ragwort mechanically, aiming to cut chemical use and protect animals. EU climate science: A new study links record warmth and marine heatwaves to deteriorating monitoring capacity, raising alarms for tracking global warming.

Climate Risk & AI: A new investor-focused explainer argues AI is turning climate risk into a direct financial issue, driven by data-centre power, water, land, cooling and grid needs. Ireland-Canada Partnership: Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed Canadian PM Mark Carney in Dublin as both sides set out cooperation on trade, AI, food security and climate during Ireland’s EU Council presidency. Water & Wastewater: Uisce Éireann confirmed an upgrade to the Cootehill Wastewater Treatment Plant under the CRU framework to 2029, aiming to protect environmental quality. Heat & Forecasts: Met Éireann’s latest outlook hints at above-average temperatures later in the summer, with September flagged as the strongest bet. Biodiversity & Seas: UK experts warn great white sharks may become “inevitable” off Britain as warming waters shift marine life ranges. Farming & Soil: Farmers are urged to catch up on lime spreading as Ireland misses targets, with wet weather blamed for delays. Energy Efficiency: Barretstown’s €1.2m deep retrofit (SEAI-backed) is reported to cut annual energy costs and improve comfort for families. Local Litter: IBAL’s latest survey keeps Mullingar “clean” in 15th place, while Sligo tops the ranking.

Climate & Weather: Scientists warn of intensifying planetary heating and worsening climate indicators, with record human-driven warming and marine heatwaves raising the stakes for Earth observation funding. Health & Care Backlog: Ireland’s public hospital waiting lists hit a new record of 1,008,600 people, including sharp rises for first outpatient appointments and GI endoscopy scope waits. Wildlife & Biodiversity: A Poplar Hawkmoth and a Tree Bumblebee are identified in Irish homes/gardens, with the Tree Bumblebee’s spread linked to climate-driven range expansion. Conservation: A red kite sighting highlights the species’ comeback after near-extinction, showing how reintroduction and protection can restore wildlife. Sustainability Tech: Dublin’s Superfy says it’s on track to close a €2m funding round, using smart-bin tech to cut unnecessary waste collections and save fuel. Agri-Environment: CAP deadlines are looming, including Organic Capital Investment (June 16) and Solar Capital Investment (June 19; next tranche Sept 4). Water & Wildlife Safety: Boaters and anglers are urged to Check, Clean and Dry equipment to protect wildlife, as crays and other species face risks. Transport & Built Environment: Dublin Boulevard works are set to shift into final traffic configuration by June 15, with temporary closures and signal changes.

Community Environment Funding: Monaghan County Council has launched a major Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) boost, adding €50,000 to local Tidy Towns and community groups via IPB Insurance’s nationwide €3M+ initiative, aimed at biodiversity, green spaces and climate action. Local Litter Crackdown: Monaghan councillors heard the council spent €1.32M on litter in 2025, with a new three-year litter plan prioritising prevention, enforcement and community engagement. Water Conservation Win: St Bricin’s College, Cavan, is named regional Water Schools of the Year at An Taisce Green-Schools for student-led water saving, leak checks and awareness work. Wildlife & Public Health: The FDA issued emergency authorisation for nitenpyram to treat New World screwworm in dogs and cats as cases widen, raising risks for pets near affected areas. EU Climate Finance: Curaçao and other Dutch Caribbean islands could see far more EU Overseas Countries and Territories funding under a proposed budget overhaul, with climate adaptation and biodiversity protection among the targets. Tech & Environment Watch: A UN report warns AI data centres’ water and power demands could surge sharply by 2030, framing it as an environmental justice issue.

Climate & Industry: Aughinish Alumina has complained to the EU Commission that it can’t decarbonise fast enough because of “lack of access to public funds”, after shifting from fossil fuels to natural gas but hitting barriers to electrification. Energy Costs: A new global ranking puts Ireland among the most expensive places for residential electricity, highlighting how energy policy and infrastructure pressures are feeding household strain. Asylum & Migration: Minister Jim O’Callaghan welcomed the commencement of the International Protection Act 2026, aiming for a faster, EU-aligned asylum process with screening, biometric checks and quicker appeals via a new tribunal body. Nature & Wildlife Protection: A minister urged boat users to “Check, Clean and Dry” equipment to protect wildlife, as craysfish plague has been confirmed in Dublin. Weather & Risk: Reports warn that record heat and extreme climate events are becoming the norm, with climate monitoring threatened by the same conditions. Tech & Research: Horizon Quantum says it will install a second quantum computer in Dublin, betting on Ireland’s talent and university ecosystem to strengthen EU deep-tech capacity.

Biodiversity & Biosecurity: Minister Christopher O’Sullivan is urging people to “Check, Clean and Dry” boats and fishing gear after a plague linked to a water mould was confirmed in the River Camac, threatening the white-clawed crayfish. Heat & Health: The WHO has issued updated guidance for heat-health action plans as El Niño develops, warning extreme heat risks are rising across Europe. Energy Transition & Policy: The ECB raised eurozone interest rates to 2.25%, citing inflation pressures linked to the Middle East energy shock. Local Planning: Dublin City Council granted permission for 618 apartments at the former Chivers factory in Coolock despite rodent-migration concerns raised by Cadbury’s owner. Climate Tech & Industry: Siemens’ Transform returns to Manchester (15–16 July) showcasing industrial AI, digital twins and smarter grids aimed at greener operations. Nature & Design: TU Dublin students won recognition at the Future Timber Design Awards for a sustainable shelter built from timber offcuts. Water & Climate Governance: A new report highlights Indigenous-led watershed stewardship in Canada’s Okanagan region, stressing long-term planning and reverence for water.

Climate & Weather: Copernicus says May 2026 was the second-warmest on record globally, with Europe—including Ireland—hit by an intense early-season heatwave and major temperature records, while rainfall swung sharply between drought and flooding across the continent. Coastal Erosion in Dublin: A Dublin homeowner in Portrane describes rapid coastal erosion eating into gardens and homes, with rock-barrrier works underway along the most at-risk stretch. Nature Restoration & Biodiversity: An opinion piece argues nature restoration can also serve as “utility” protection, pointing to wetland and peatland projects along Europe’s borders as a climate and biodiversity win. EU Policy Focus: Ireland’s Tánaiste outlines priorities for EU Finance Ministers ahead of the Irish EU Council presidency, including resilience, competitiveness and sustainable growth. Agriculture & Soil: A co-operative framework for regenerative agriculture is highlighted, bringing dairy and beef co-ops together to scale soil-health focused farming. Food & Waste: FoodCloud’s origin story shows how linking charities with surplus food can cut waste while supporting communities. Health Innovation: RCSI researchers develop a low-cost artificial mitral valve model to mimic heart mechanics and speed up better treatments. Local Community Health: The All-Ireland Social Prescribing Conference in Dundalk brings North and South together to expand community-based supports for wellbeing.

Heatwave Watch: Copernicus says May 2026 was the world’s second-hottest on record, with an unusually early European heatwave pushing records in Britain, France, Ireland and Portugal and showing extremes are becoming the “new normal.” Water & Wastewater: Two popular Dublin beaches face extended summer swimming bans after a sewage pump failure at Tower Bay Wastewater Pumping Station, with “do not swim” notices potentially lasting up to two months. AI’s Environmental Cost: A UN report warns AI data centres could consume vast electricity and water by 2030, adding a hidden environmental burden beyond carbon alone. EU Policy Focus: Ireland’s EU Council presidency priorities put energy security, affordability and sustainability front and centre, with grids and fossil-fuel dependence expected to dominate. Farming & Soil: Teagasc’s Johnstown Castle open day highlighted research on soil health, water quality and emissions cuts, with local “know your soils” guidance for farmers. Coastal Pressure: The EU unveiled first strategies for islands and coastal regions, citing climate change, pollution and tourism pressures.

Climate Extremes: Copernicus reports May 2026 as the world’s second-hottest on record, with a sharp early heatwave hitting western Europe hard, including Ireland, as “feels-like” temperatures reached 35–40C in places and El Niño conditions loom. Coastal Crisis: A new report says Ireland must start preparing managed retreat for coasts facing erosion, with thousands of properties and hundreds of kilometres of roads flagged at risk over 25 years. EU Climate Accountability: Ireland is facing an EU court case over failure to protect carbon-rich bogs, adding pressure on peat and turf policy. Food Waste Recycling: Cork households and businesses are driving a 70% surge in brown bin waste collections, with 1.4m households now using food waste recycling services. Energy Storage Push: A €2bn long-duration energy storage project in Carlow would pair 600MW renewables with hydrogen production and grid dispatch. Biodiversity: An Irish Bee Conservation Project’s 3D-printable bee lodge has been nominated for an MTU innovation award, aiming to replace lost nesting habitats. Water Pollution: Co Louth faces a major biodiversity shock after agricultural discharge is linked to a fish kill affecting over 20,000 fish.

EU Presidency Prep: Climate and energy minister Darragh O’Brien met EU commissioners ahead of Ireland’s six-month EU Council Presidency, flagging work on grids, energy affordability and climate priorities. Security & Neutrality: Kaja Kallas told Ireland neutrality won’t shield Europe from Russia, with maritime security and critical infrastructure protection set as key Presidency themes. Food & Farming: Teagasc research says Ireland’s land-based systems can meet annual protein needs for 20m people (35m with digestibility), with milk topping protein quality. Heat & Climate Risk: Met Éireann warns a potentially major El Niño could drive record temperatures, with 2027 “almost certain” to be the hottest year on record. Deposit Return Success: Re-turn Awards at Croke Park highlighted schools using recycling and the Deposit Return Scheme, including a Waterford school winning for a bus fundraising campaign. Waste & Circularity: Green Space Innovations launched the UK’s first office food digester, turning workplace food waste into compost on-site. Data Centres Debate: An Oireachtas AI committee heard calls to separate “good AI” (like faster, lower-cost weather forecasting) from “bad AI” and to scrutinise data-centre power and policy impacts. Water Pollution: Co Louth’s river fish kill linked to agricultural discharge is back in focus as findings are expected. Energy Transition Project: Spirit Energy hit a milestone at the MNZ Peak Cluster CCS project, moving towards permits to store CO2 in depleted North Sea fields.

EU Aviation Carbon Costs: Airlines warn the EU’s plan to extend emissions trading to international flights could push up ticket prices, with IATA arguing the sector lacks realistic fuel alternatives. Obesity & Public Policy: An ESRI study finds a sharp gap between Irish public views and experts: people blame individual choices more, while clinicians point to environmental drivers like food availability and car-dependent neighbourhoods. AI & Weather: UCD’s Aimsir director says AI is making weather forecasting far more efficient, with forecasts improving from hundreds of kilometres error to far tighter ranges. Data Centres’ Power Crunch: Oireachtas AI committee hears data centre expansion could drive electricity demand to levels comparable to the country’s biggest-ever peak demand, with data centres already using 22% of electricity. Wildlife Crime Enforcement: Reports of habitat destruction and wildlife crime have nearly doubled, but prosecutions lag, raising questions about NPWS enforcement capacity. Louth River Fish Kill: The IFI says agricultural discharge caused a major fish kill in the River Glyde, with more than 20,000 fish feared dead. Peat & Bogs in Court: Ireland faces further EU legal action over failure to protect carbon-rich bogs and peat extraction. Farm Decarbonisation: New biomethane and precision farming items land in the spotlight, including safety-first AD planning and spot-spraying tech to cut chemical use.

Farm impacts from heavy rain: June downpours are starting to hurt cows and stall field work on Ireland’s heavier soils, with wet gaps disrupting slurry spreading and silage, while warmer late-May weather is also linked by some farmers and vets to more lungworm coughing in cattle. Renewables and nature access in Mayo: Oweninny Windfarm Visitor Centre opens to the public this summer, with free entry and family-friendly exhibits, while Minister Alan Dillon backs progress on Moorehall Nature Reserve and Walled Garden, including protections for the lesser horseshoe bat and new biodiversity improvements. Biodiversity and community projects: A new family service at Cork’s Coolmine Therapeutic Community targets parents and children affected by addiction, and Waterford’s Minister Calleary marked openings and sod turnings including a Cappoquin loop walk and regeneration works. EU climate diplomacy focus: Ahead of COP31, the EU—via the Irish presidency—wants “shorter, sharper and more strategic” climate talks to avoid last year’s deadlock. Energy storage plan: Net Zero Energy unveiled a €2bn long-duration storage project near Tullow using excess wind/solar to make and store green hydrogen for later electricity. Litter and clean towns: Monaghan and Cavan both rank in the top ten in the IBAL litter survey, with Monaghan praised as “cleaner than European norms.” Heat and water quality watch: Swimmers face extended bans at popular Dublin bathing spots due to poor water quality.