The project proposes the installation of 16 pumping stations (7 electric and 9 wind driven pumps) located within the identified polders. The selection of electric versus wind driven pump solutions was derived based on size and characteristics of the land protected within the polder.

The pumps will augment the existing gravity drainage system that formed part of the original drainage scheme by pumping water from existing drainages channels on the defended side of the embankment into the river side, regardless of the water level or head differential in the river. The pumps will operate periodically, during the grazing period (March-October), when gravity discharge requires supplementation such as during periods of high rainfall or tidal inundation The project endeavors to return the drainage scheme to the original standard, in line with the OPW’s statutory requirements, while ensuring that the proposed preferred option is environmentally acceptable, is technically achievable and offers a robust practical solution to the main issues currently experienced.

Since 2008, at least 79 wind turbines have been built in Ireland on recognised blanket bog

https://www.farmersjournal.ie/building-wind-farms-on-peatlands-could-undermine-green-transition-765718

IFI carried out 1,986 inspections in 2022

How is this data recorded and used ? There are very few IFI prosecutions each year, so is it the case that inspections are not identifying any issues ?

https://www.farmersjournal.ie/fisheries-agency-warns-that-convictions-can-follow-farm-water-pollution-767162

I refer to your further request made on 11 May, and subsequent email correspondence of 18 May.

Nature Partners CLG will not provide you with the information requested on a voluntary basis.

Yours sincerely

Joseph O’Rourke

On behalf of HMP Secretarial Limited, Company Secretary to Nature Partners CLG

Joseph O’Rourke | McCann FitzGerald LLP | Senior Associate | Direct +353-1-607 1232  | Mobile  +353-87-967 9735
Riverside One, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, D02 X576

I refer to your request made to the info@naturetrust.ie email address on 20 February 2023.

You requested all information related to afforestation application CN90557, Stralongford, Co. Leitrim made to DAFM in the name of Nature Partners CLG including information relating to the donation, purchase and / or leasing of the lands concerned by or from Coillte.

We hereby refuse your request on the grounds that Nature Partners CLG is not a public authority for the purposes of the European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007 (“AIE Regulations”), and, as Nature Partners CLG is not subject to the AIE Regulations, it is therefore not required to disclose the information requested.

Yours sincerely

Joseph O’Rourke

On behalf of HMP Secretarial Limited, Company Secretary to Nature Partners CLG

Joseph O’Rourke | McCann FitzGerald LLP | Senior Associate | Direct +353-1-607 1232  | Mobile  +353-87-967 9735
Riverside One, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, D02 X576

Note: this issue could be addressed through the proposed change to Coillte’s mandate, which passed second stage in Seanad Éireann. Provision could be made via legislation to prevent Coillte from establishing or participating in joint ventures which would limit public transparency and accountability

Judgment By Humphreys J.

Court: High Court

Date Delivered: 22 May 2023

An interim order was sought staying the effect of a foreshore licence prior to the grant of leave to seek judicial review to challenge that licence

Refused as Coillte “no longer owns the land”

Eastern RBD Inland Fisheries Ireland – Coillte Clearfell 2022 – Batch 2

Received 151% more appeals in 2022 compared to 2021, which was itself a record year for appeals

Completed 227 cases, an increase of 144 on 2021

Delays at any stage of the AIE request process, or inappropriate refusal to release information, jeopardise the ability of requesters to participate in environmental decision-making.

The AIE Regulations and AIE Directive make it clear that there is a presumption in favour of the release of environmental information.

In comparison with recent years, 2022 saw a slight reduction in activity for the OCEI in relation to hearings and judgments. As of 31 December 2022, our Office had five live cases before the Courts, two of which were initiated in 2022.