AGP Executive Report

Local Climate Funding: Galway City Council has welcomed €400,000 from the new €2m “Cities Mission Accelerator” fund to deliver practical climate measures, including retrofitting council buildings to cut emissions, boost resilience and support biodiversity. Transport & Safety: Galway City and County Councils have launched a road safety strategy aiming to halve deaths and serious injuries by 2030, with a 50% target by 2030 and interim reductions by 2027. Farming Under Pressure: A farm contractor survey says less fertiliser and slurry were spread in 2026 than in 2025, with drought and unusual growing conditions disrupting normal nutrient management. Water Protection on Farms: Guidance highlights that sheep dipping facilities must be sited to protect watercourses, with correct methods and safer design choices to reduce pollution risk. Flood Disaster Response: Nepal flash floods and landslides have displaced communities and left thousands missing, with an Irish Red Cross emergency appeal launched for affected areas. Climate Politics in the Pacific: A UNEP report warns small island states face an emergency from overshooting 1.5°C, urging a just transition away from fossil fuels. Weather Watch: Ireland faces renewed storm and heavy rain risk, with Met Éireann issuing warnings across multiple counties.

EU Climate Funding: Cork is set to receive €800,000 from the EU Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, alongside €800,000 for Dublin and €400,000 for Galway, to cut emissions and improve resilience and city life. Fire Safety & Housing: A Cork fire safety expert links a 36% rise in Irish fire deaths (34 fatalities in 2025) to overcrowding, cost-of-living pressures, and long-running poor construction standards that hit vulnerable people hardest. Public Services Strike: Over 70,000 public sector workers backed industrial action in a major pay dispute, with health, education and local government services likely affected. Wind Farm Consultation: Community events are planned for the Bellair Wind Farm (80–90MW) on Offaly/Westmeath bogs, with draft turbine plans and environmental studies on the table. Roadside Litter Crackdown: Litter fines in Ireland rise from €150 to €250 from September 1, with a new €250,000 fund to help councils tackle illegal dumping and dog fouling. Storm Season Names: Met Éireann has released the 2026/27 storm list (including Austen, Evelyn, Miriam and Shaun), as the service marks 90 years of forecasting. Transport & Emissions: SIMI data shows electric car registrations up sharply in Mayo, with 55% growth year-to-date, while Ryanair warns high oil prices could push fares higher and squeeze capacity. Nature & Community: A free public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing is set for east Mayo, pairing climate and nature risk awareness with a facilitated discussion.

Grass biorefinery in Cork: A €3m on-farm grass biorefinery and anaerobic digestion demo plant has opened at Shinagh Estate, aiming to turn grass into multiple high-value outputs like protein feed, sugar-based ingredients, and press cake for winter cattle feed—showing new income routes for grassland farmers. Climate education in Mayo: Three St Muredach’s College students won the EirGrid Cleaner Climate Award at SciFest@College for work comparing wilted vs non-wilted grass dry matter, spotlighting practical STEM for climate and energy challenges. Public transport and emissions: An ESRI study says better public transport access helps people delay learning to drive, with a five-year delay linked to driving about 1,500km less per year—supporting long-term car-use cuts. Digital safety for children: CyberSafeKids reports under-16 social media access hasn’t reduced despite new age-assurance rules, with more exposure to scams and harmful content. Litter crackdown: Mayo has increased litter fines to €250, adding to wider moves to tackle roadside rubbish and dog fouling. Storm naming: Met Éireann and the Met Office have released new storm names for 2026/27, including names drawn from public submissions. Health data for rare disease: Irish health tech Cushla is pursuing a merger with Clirinx to give rare disease patients one continuous research and clinical record via a unique patient ID. Community climate finance: The Pacific Resilience Facility is taking 14 community projects to pre-COP events and COP31, covering water security, food production, coastal restoration, sanitation, renewable energy and resilience.

Storm naming and warnings: Met Éireann marked its 90th anniversary by publishing a new 2026/27 storm-name list, with 21 names chosen alongside the UK Met Office and the Netherlands’ KNMI, including tributes to Irish meteorology figures and public picks like Heather, Laoise and Phelim. Wind energy planning: BnM and SSE launched fresh public information events for the proposed Bellair Wind Farm (80–90MW) on Offaly/Westmeath boglands, with draft layouts and environmental studies on the agenda. Circular economy enforcement: Mayo’s litter fines rise from €150 to €250 from today, alongside funding for dog-fouling infrastructure and a renewed “Bin it or bring it home” message. Biodiversity and nature culture: Laois Heritage Week’s “Turbary Writes” event highlighted the shift from peat harvesting to bog restoration and community sanctuary, using a guided walk through a restored landscape. Transport and emissions: SIMI reported electric car registrations up 55% year-to-date, while the NTA is consulting on expanded pet access rules for public transport.

Storm naming for 2026/27: Met Éireann has unveiled the first named storms of the season, with 21 names agreed with the UK Met Office and the Netherlands KNMI, including Austen, Boelo, Chloe, Evelyn, Kilian and Miriam—aimed at helping people track severe weather and prepare. Weather risk and public readiness: The wider run-up to autumn is bringing repeated Met Éireann warnings for heavy rain and thunderstorms, with guidance urging households to get ready for flooding impacts. Biodiversity-friendly hedgerows: As Ireland’s hedge-cutting season starts (Sept 1 to Feb end), landowners are reminded to keep roadside vegetation from blocking safe road use, while treeline and topped hedges are highlighted for their different wildlife value. Water and wildlife protection: Inland Fisheries Ireland reports illegal fishing in Co Waterford, alleging an illegal net and seizure of a green net and 24 trout. Mosquito control: Health officials plan extra mosquito fogging after West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes were found in additional Louisville neighbourhoods, underscoring how warm weather can boost mosquito risk. Energy and climate policy context: A new study maps a pathway for Ireland to reach climate neutrality while increasing food and energy production, feeding into the country’s transition planning.

Solar Surge in Ireland: Minister Darragh O’Brien says installed solar capacity has passed 3 GW, with utility-scale solar hitting a new peak of 1.3 GW and at times supplying a third of the grid—another sign of fast-moving clean power rollout. AgriTech Push at Teagasc Moorepark: VistaMilk Research Ireland Centre launches VistaMilk Explore, a new agri-innovation test-bed to help companies develop and trial farm technologies with researchers, labs and working farms. Biodiversity & Farming Support: Ailbhe Gerrard’s Brookfield Farm in Tipperary shows how diversification and on-farm food processing can link to future CAP policy, with Field Exchange bringing farmers, artists and researchers together around land use and biodiversity. Weather Watch: Met Éireann warns of unsettled conditions with showery rain and heavier spells, including breezy, wet periods—another week where flooding risk stays on the radar. Nepal Floods Update: Nepal’s death toll from flash flooding and mudslides rises to 903, with thousands still missing and rescue efforts focused on workers trapped in hydropower tunnels. EU AI Oversight: Brussels designates ChatGPT as a very large online service under the Digital Services Act, triggering tougher scrutiny into its impact on Europeans.

Carbon Tax Pressure: Fuels for Ireland is calling for a “full cost review” before the Government changes its carbon tax trajectory, warning against slowing fuel tax rises without looking at the wider fuel-policy bill. Flood Risk & Weather: Met Éireann issued nationwide rain and thunderstorm warnings, with “intense” downpours expected to raise flood risk across all 26 counties. Biodiversity & Habitat: A role for hedgerows in boosting biodiversity is being highlighted as climate pressures mount on wildlife and plant life. Nepal Floods: Search and rescue continues after glacier-triggered mudslides on the Nepal–Tibet border, with hundreds dead and thousands missing, including Irish nationals reported among the unaccounted for. Recycling Rules Hit Small Firms: EU waste recycling and labelling compliance fees are already driving complaints from Irish micro-businesses, warning the admin costs could block sales into other EU markets. Energy & Climate Tech: Ireland’s solar capacity is reported to have reached record levels, pushing PV output higher as the country expands renewables. Children in Care: Tusla figures show up to 42 children missing under its care at one point this year.

Extreme Rain Alert: Met Éireann has issued a nationwide Status Yellow rain and thunderstorm warning from midday to 9pm, with widespread heavy showers, lightning and hail, and risks of localised flooding, poor visibility, difficult travel and outdoor event disruption. Flooding & Climate Links: Across the Nepal–China border, a glacier-triggered mudslide and floods have pushed deaths to at least 734, with thousands missing; Chinese officials link the disaster to long-term climate warming and say rescue efforts are complicated by a barrier-lake risk. Biodiversity on Farms: National Hedgerow Week coverage highlights how healthy hedgerows can cut heat stress, reduce flooding, buffer nutrients and boost biodiversity—urging farmers to avoid damaging annual low cutting. Livestock Health: DAFM says Ireland’s bluetongue vaccine supply for BTV-3 is secure, with vaccination still the most effective protection as UK cases rise. Conservation Spotlight: Birdwatch Ireland Westmeath is hosting a talk on corncrake conservation and the Traonach / Corncrake Life project. Waste & Environment: MediBack is rolling out nationwide, letting people return unused or expired medicines to participating pharmacies for safe disposal.

Flood & Storm Watch: Met Éireann has issued fresh warnings for “very heavy and persistent” rain, with localised flooding and possible thunderstorms expected to hit parts of Ireland over the weekend and into September. Water Infrastructure: Uisce Éireann has lodged a planning application for a major Limerick (Bunlicky) wastewater upgrade and regional bioresource centre, framed as critical capacity for housing growth and protection of the Shannon Estuary. Climate Risk & Policy: A new levy for sustainable flood insurance is being proposed, as questions continue over how warnings and preparedness are handled. Biodiversity & Wildlife: A warning has been raised about an algal bloom at Lough Muckno, alongside ongoing concerns about water quality and habitat pressures. Local Environment Stories: Free e-waste collection days are set for Limerick, and Inland Fisheries Ireland is backing youth angling events at Barfinnihy Lake with a conservation focus. Global Disaster Impact (Ireland links): Nepal flash-flood deaths have climbed to 682, with two Irish citizens reported among the missing, and Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs providing consular support.

Flooding & Storm Warnings: Met Éireann warns of “very heavy and persistent” rain today, with localised flooding possible, and flags further thunderstorm risk tomorrow. Water & Waste Safety: A new “MediBack” service will let people bring unused or out-of-date medicines to pharmacies for safe disposal, aiming to cut poisoning risk and support antimicrobial resistance goals. Climate & Farming in Focus: A “Rocks to Roots” event in south Roscommon spotlights karst farming and biodiversity-friendly grazing, while a Roscommon council DIY wind turbine course (EU Just Transition Fund) trains people to build small turbines for resilience and lower energy costs. Regional Infrastructure Pressure: In Midleton, population growth is pushing a debate over whether an outdoor lido could replace plans for an indoor leisure centre. Energy Transition on Farms: Irish farm coverage asks whether electric tractors can realistically compete with diesel, focusing on charging speed and field “refuel” limits. Screen & Jobs Outside Dublin: Sligo production firms back a permanent 8% Regional Section 481 uplift to keep filming and jobs growing in the North West. Road Safety Debate: A national outcry follows calls to toughen laws after reports of deliberately driving the wrong way on motorways, with social media blamed for normalising dangerous behaviour.

Nepal flood response: Two Irish citizens are named among 537 tourists missing after deadly flash floods in Nepal, with Ireland’s Foreign Affairs saying it is working with partners to account for them. Extreme weather impacts: The wider disaster has killed hundreds and left more than 1,500 missing, as rescue efforts struggle and families fly in to search. Storm risk at home: Met Éireann has issued new storm names and warnings as Ireland braces for heavy rain and flooding risk over the weekend. Water and land pressures: Farm groups are urging changes to fertiliser and slurry spreading deadlines after dry conditions, while ministers warn shifting dates could affect water quality and fodder supply. Renewables momentum: Ireland’s solar push continues, with installed PV capacity passing the 3 GW milestone and grid-scale solar generation hitting record levels. Circular economy and waste: Calls continue for better waste handling, including proper gum disposal and tackling litter that can end up in waterways.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Met Éireann has named the 2026/27 storm season list, including Austen, Evelyn, Kilian and Miriam, to boost public awareness and safety messaging as Ireland braces for more high-impact conditions. Extreme Rain Impacts: Heavy downpours left parts of Dublin and Kerry underwater, with Phoenix Park recording over 40mm in two hours and Killarney hit by “worst flooding in a lifetime,” damaging homes and businesses. Nepal Flash Floods: The Irish Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal for communities devastated by Nepal’s glacial lake outburst flood, as the death toll rises and hundreds remain missing, including two Irish citizens. Climate & Land Use: A radical farm sector overhaul is proposed to help Ireland reach climate neutrality by 2050, including major beef herd reductions, rewetting drained peatlands, and scaling up forestry. Energy Transition: Kildare ranks fourth nationally for household solar adoption, with 1,084 solar installs already in 2026, while Ireland’s solar capacity continues to climb. Agriculture Policy: IFA warns proposed CAP cuts could cost Galway €21m a year and put jobs at risk, pushing farmers to lobby ahead of key decisions. Circular Economy & Waste: The Gum Litter Taskforce roadshow highlights progress and ongoing gaps in chewing gum disposal, supporting cleaner communities and a circular approach to waste.

Weather & Flood Risk: Met Éireann extended a Status Yellow rainfall warning to add Dublin and Kildare, warning of heavy rain, possible thunder, localised flooding and difficult travel overnight. Water Pollution & Farming: An Taisce has lost an EU bid for an “internal review” of Ireland’s nitrates derogation extension, arguing the decision isn’t justified on environmental grounds and that agricultural nitrogen is worsening water pollution. Climate & Disaster Response: The Irish Red Cross launched an urgent appeal after Nepal flash floods on the Nepal–Tibet border, with two Irish nationals feared missing as rescue teams continue amid fears of further flooding. Renewables & Energy Transition: Ireland’s solar push continues with record levels reported for solar generation and PV capacity reaching 3GW, as the country ramps up clean power. Circular Economy & Waste: Limerick is set to roll out free electronic waste collection days, aiming to make recycling easier for households. Biodiversity & Nature: A warning highlights threats to wildlife habitats, including concerns around development pressures. Solar Innovation (Local): DCU students tested Ireland’s first solar-powered racing car at Mondello Park ahead of a public unveiling at the Helix. Public Health: A Midlands hotel temporarily closed after a gastroenteritis outbreak, with HSE and environmental health officers investigating the source.

Solar surge: Ireland’s solar generation hit record levels, with utility-scale output surpassing 1.3GW on the grid and installed solar capacity passing 3GW for the first time, as rooftop and school solar rollouts keep expanding. Flood insurance fight: Insurance Ireland is backing a proposed €24-a-year levy to plug a “flood insurance protection gap”, arguing it’s needed to keep homes insurable as flood risk rises. Water and wastewater: Uisce Éireann is seeking public submissions on a new national plan for small wastewater treatment plants in towns and villages, aiming to protect the environment while planning future investment. Native woodland recovery: Galway City Council is moving to restore Merlin Woods as native woodland after Storm Eowyn, with biodiversity and red squirrel protection central to the replanting plans. Just transition fairness: A Just Transition Commission report finds 81% of people think climate action is unfair to some groups, with rural residents and farmers among those most concerned. Electric Picnic logistics: Festival-goers get a weather-and-travel rundown for Electric Picnic 2026 at Stradbally, including transport, drop-off points and on-site guidance. Taxi sector shift: The NTA reports the highest number of taxi licences in 10 years, alongside growth in wheelchair-accessible vehicles and electric taxis. Nepal flood context: Scientists link the Himalayan flash floods to glacier collapse and cascading hazards, with climate change raising the risk of destabilising high-mountain ice and rock.

Heat & health planning: An Irish Climate and Health Alliance report says parts of Cork City can run up to 15°C hotter during heatwaves, urging Cork City Council to start heat-health action plans for 2027. Public trust in climate policy: A Just Transition Commission/Ipsos poll finds fewer than a third of people think Ireland will be carbon neutral by 2050, with affordability and fairness concerns front and centre. Flood insurance gap: Insurance Ireland proposes a €24 household levy to fund “sustainable flood insurance”, plus resilience measures backed by grants and a new flood performance certificate. Extreme weather impacts farming: Irish Farmers Journal data estimates 2026 cereal yields fell after hot, dry conditions, with cereal output down on 2025. Consumer rights & travel disruption: European Consumer Centre Ireland handled 4,182 complaints in 2025; air travel issues made up 34%, including cancellations, baggage disputes and weather-related disruption. Biodiversity & habitat watch: Wildlife experts warn Dunsink habitat must be left “undisturbed as possible”. Disaster abroad with Irish links: Nepal–Tibet flash floods have killed at least 95 and left hundreds missing, including two Irish nationals reported missing by a tour operator.

Data Centres & Power Demand: Ireland is reopening debate on nuclear power as data centres drive electricity use to nearly a quarter of consumption, with pressure to expand generation by 2032. Farm Water & Nutrients: The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors is asking for a controlled extension to slurry spreading beyond 1 October, arguing exceptional weather is disrupting grass growth while still protecting water quality. Weather & Flood Risk: Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow heavy rain warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow, with thunderstorms possible and local flooding risk from Thursday afternoon into Friday early hours. Climate Targets & Forestry: Afforestation rose 61% in 2025 to 2,527ha, but remains far below the 8,000ha-a-year Climate Action Plan target. Biodiversity & Coasts: A new bilingual field guide on Inis Meáin documents coastal folklore and seaweed harvesting, linking local traditions to biodiversity and ecological knowledge. Circular Economy & Recycling: A report highlights Europe’s low recycling rate (around 12%), arguing training and skills can speed the shift to a circular economy. Agriculture & Pollinators: Queen’s University Belfast research shows marmalade hoverflies’ visit behaviour boosts pollination success for strawberries and apples, supporting food production and biodiversity. Community & Heritage: Limerick’s Sailors’ Home is set for permanent public ownership after a council bid, aiming to restore the landmark as a cultural space.