AGP Executive Report

Wildfire & Air Quality: A major wildfire on Slievenamon in Co Tipperary has entered its fourth day, with smoke reaching Cork and crews struggling with steep terrain and narrow roads; the blaze has spread into a Coillte forestry plantation after a wind shift, and residents downwind are being told to keep windows and doors closed. Water Stress & Restrictions: A nationwide hosepipe ban is now in force, starting in Mayo from midnight, as Uisce Éireann extends a six-week Water Conservation Order amid hot, dry conditions that are stressing groundwater sources. Farm Resilience: Farmers in parts of Munster report grass growth has stalled and some tillage crops have been “dragged in” due to drought, while others in the west and northwest say pressure is lower. Climate-Smart Farming: Teagasc-linked AgNav is helping tillage farmers measure farm carbon footprints from rotation and input data, turning emissions tracking into a practical management tool. Biodiversity & Community: An eco-arts tour called Dinnseanchas is bringing climate and biodiversity conversations to Skibbereen as part of the Skibbereen Arts Festival. Critical Infrastructure: The IIEA warns Ireland’s subsea cables and data centres face a “radically deteriorating” security environment, with 75% of transatlantic cables passing near Irish waters.

Wildfire & Air Quality: Public warned not to use BBQs or light campfires after a damaging Glencree wildfire during last week’s heatwave, with smoke and fire crews stretched across Wicklow and beyond. Water Stress: Uisce Éireann extended hosepipe restrictions nationwide as supplies show signs of strain, with further bans and conservation orders rolling out across counties. Recycling Push: ACE Ireland urged €3.5m for automatic sorting upgrades at Ireland’s MRF network and better data on packaging streams, warning the system is entering a “critical period” as EU packaging rules land in August 2026. Climate Policy in Dublin: EU environment and climate ministers meet in Dublin Castle, prompting temporary traffic restrictions and security road closures. Farming & Sustainability: Tirlán launched FarmElevate with eight dairy “lighthouse” farms for peer-to-peer learning on nutrient management, grassland, renewable energy and resilience. Biodiversity & Heat Impacts: Reports highlight pollinator stress in heatwaves, including concerns about insects declining during extreme conditions.

Water Crisis: Uisce Éireann is extending a nationwide Water Conservation Order (hosepipe ban) from 00:01 Friday 24 July to Wed 26 August, as hot weather and low rainfall push supplies to the limit; the rules restrict hose use for garden watering, car/boat cleaning, and filling pools/fountains, with some night-time limits still in place for specific schemes. Local Governance & Environment: The EPA says most local authorities met environmental enforcement standards in 2025, but 17% fell short on key priorities, with farm inspection enforcement needing stronger action. Energy & Land Use: A Mullingar Kinnegad councillor raised alarm over data centres’ electricity demand and the knock-on growth of solar farms, warning it could hit food security and local infrastructure. Circular Materials: Footprint has bought a PE-free, home-compostable cup platform from Transcend Packaging, aiming to scale recyclable alternatives across Europe. Climate & Society: A government-commissioned report backs an income supplement and retirement support for fishers to cushion quota cuts tied to climate pressures. Weather Outlook: Met Éireann signals a shift as Atlantic fronts return more often in early/mid-August, bringing more rain to end the dry spell.

Circular Economy & Waste Policy: The Irish government has opposed a bill to overhaul Dublin bin collection, arguing it could raise costs and disrupt the current private-company model, while the bill’s backers say change is needed to tackle long-running litter and dumping. Renewables & Industry Decarbonisation: Activ8 Solar Energies has started work on what it says will be Ireland’s largest rooftop solar installation at Mannok’s Ballyconnell sites (6MW), expected to cut about 792 tonnes of carbon emissions a year. Energy Storage for the Grid: Energy Dome plans a CO2-based battery in County Offaly, backed by EirGrid with a 10-year capacity contract, aiming to store surplus wind and solar for longer periods. Water Stress & Drought Planning: With hosepipe bans and low rainfall in the background, guidance highlights how farmers can drill and manage private wells safely, including testing and proper sealing. Heat & Health: Met Éireann forecasts point to major shifts after a hot spell, with heatwave conditions easing and rain returning in parts of Ireland. Climate Risk on the Move: River cruise operators warn that hotter summers are already lowering water levels on Europe’s Rhine and Danube, forcing cancellations and route changes.

Wildfire Watch: A “very large” blaze on Slievenamon in Co Tipperary is subdued after fog helped overnight, but crews say it has reignited with flames increasing again; residents are urged to keep windows and doors shut due to heavy smoke, and the cause may never be known. Circular Economy Push: Ireland’s Repak Resource Awards open for entries, spotlighting waste prevention, reuse/refill, sustainable packaging and circular solutions, with new categories including SUP reduction/removal and battery/WEEE champions. Rural Housing Clarity: Senator Victor Boyhan says more information is needed on rural housing options, calling for a Q&A pack on the national planning statement and clearer timelines and processes for one-off homes on family land. Planning & Transport: Roscommon County Council rejects a proposed Lidl store in Monksland, citing car dependency and lack of connectivity with the district centre. Energy & Climate Costs: Aer Lingus plans up to 500 job cuts and route reductions, citing higher fuel and carbon costs alongside wider economic pressures. Heat & Weather Outlook: Met Éireann forecasts a shift toward more changeable conditions as high pressure weakens, with rain and cooler temperatures likely later in the week.

Renewable Heat & Anaerobic Digestion: Ireland’s Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment says the Renewable Heat Obligation bill is still due before the end of summer, and a second round of €200m capital grants for anaerobic digestion plants remains on track, with an expression-of-interest process expected in Q3 2026. Water Stress in the West: Irish Water reports overnight water restrictions for Pettigo due to demand outstripping treated supply, with measures in place from 10pm to 7am until further notice. E-scooter Enforcement Push: Sinn Féin says the under-18 e-scooter ban will “mean nothing” without properly resourced garda enforcement, while Greens call licensing and registration “collective punishment” if it makes legal use impossible. Community Biodiversity & Circular Living: Cross Community Group in Cavan is named a provincial finalist for its community garden project, aimed at biodiversity, reducing waste and building circular-economy connections. Skills for Sustainable Farming: Teagasc is opening applications for a Level 7 farm manager apprenticeship starting September 2026, combining paid on-farm training with off-the-job blocks at Kildalton and Moorepark. Data Centres Under Scrutiny: A new brief warns Ireland and other host countries that data centre expansion for AI is driving rising concerns over energy, water, land use, e-waste, pollution and community rights—pushing sustainability plans into approvals and financing decisions. Wildfire Risk Watch: Tipperary Fire and Rescue is assessing risks to surrounding forestry after a fire in Slievenamon, with aerial support requested and public advised to avoid the area.

Climate & Industry Research: Kingspan has signed a multi-year €3m collaboration with Innovate for Ireland to fund PhD iScholars across Irish universities, with projects tied to climate action, sustainability, green building materials, the circular economy and clean energy. Biodiversity & Food Systems: A three-year study finds escaped farmed salmon have interbred with Ireland’s endangered wild Atlantic salmon, with farm DNA traces showing up in about one-third of juvenile fish tested—prompting calls for tighter farm security and faster escape response. Energy & Infrastructure: Gas Networks Ireland says a planning application for the State’s proposed LNG facility in Co Clare is expected before year-end, after legislation gives the energy minister powers to bypass normal planning steps. Water & Heat Resilience: Met Éireann reports warm, mostly dry conditions continuing with highs around the mid-20s, but with some rain or drizzle possible, keeping pressure on heat and water planning. Transport & Emissions Pressure: Ryanair reports a 34% slump in first-quarter profits, blaming higher jet fuel costs and weaker demand linked to the Middle East conflict. Local Environment & Waste: KMK Metals Recycling has been granted permission for a new battery processing building in Kilbeggan, adding capacity for battery recycling.

EU Carbon Market Overhaul: The European Commission has proposed major changes to the EU ETS, slowing the emissions cap and extending free allowances for heavy industry, while also expanding coverage to more sectors like waste incineration—setting up a tough negotiation round across member states. Water Stress & AI: A Cape Town tribunal backed a hyperscale data centre rezoning, reigniting questions about how much water AI-driven data centres consume and what that means for local supplies. Ireland Heat & Water Safety: Met Éireann forecasts and warnings keep attention on rainfall risk and heatwave impacts, as Ireland also faces practical water rules—hosepipe bans and public guidance—while councils weigh safety and water quality for river swimming spots. Wildfire & Outdoor Safety: Fire crews are battling blazes including a “devastating” Killarney National Park fire linked to human activity, with calls to curb disposable BBQ use during hot, dry conditions. Biodiversity & Seas: Warmer seas are shifting marine life, with Mediterranean species moving into UK waters, and Irish coverage highlights ongoing concerns for wildlife and habitat change. Local Environment Governance: Kildare and Mayo stories include planning and community efforts tied to safety, health, and environmental conditions.

Water Crisis & Hosepipe Ban: As Ireland’s dry spell bites, Uisce Éireann has imposed a hosepipe ban in parts of the country, with Dublin and parts of Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Tipperary and Wexford facing restrictions until August 26, plus fines for breaches. Heatwave Aftermath: Ireland narrowly missed a record-matching heatwave, but a high-temperature advisory remains in place, with Met Éireann warning of knock-on risks for water safety, heat stress, dehydration, animal welfare, drought and wildfires. Circular Economy Push: Circular.ie has launched the Full Circle Awards 2026, inviting nominations for circular living, repair and reuse projects across Ireland, backed by Government funding. EU Fashion Rules: The EU’s new ban on companies destroying unsold clothes and shoes kicks in, aiming to force resale, repurpose or donation—while critics warn enforcement and penalties may not be strong enough. Livestock & Climate: The Texel Sheep Society is targeting long-term methane cuts through breeding, building on research showing potential reductions across the sheep sector. Community Climate Funding: Kildare County Council has launched the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) to back biodiversity, waste reduction, water conservation and climate resilience projects led by local groups. Wildfire Risk: Tesco has halted sales of disposable barbecues in Ireland after wildfire concerns, as fire danger stays a live issue during hot, dry conditions.

Heatwave & water stress: Met Éireann says Cork’s record-breaking heat has eased, with rain more likely next weekend and temperatures cooling into the low 20s. Wildfire risk: Limerick Fire & Rescue warns Condition Orange remains in place, blaming dry vegetation and disposable barbecues for blazes and urging people to keep cooking in gardens and leave the countryside if a fire appears. Solar push: Ireland’s solar sector is growing fast, with 190,000 homes already on panels, but grid connection delays and limited storage capacity are slowing projects. Climate-smart farming: Farmers are being urged to consider bluetongue vaccination as risk remains uncertain, while heatwave guidance covers protecting animals and managing fertiliser decisions. Biodiversity & nature: A call is out for nominations to Ireland’s Greenest Places 2026, including a new Net Zero Hero category. Energy & infrastructure: The EU ETS overhaul is under debate as government claims gains while business says more support is needed.

Heat & health: A new Climate and Health Alliance warning says Ireland’s cities are not ready for extreme heat, with ESRI projecting that by 2030 more than 200 people could die each year from excess heat. Water stress: Dublin and nearby counties face hosepipe restrictions as demand surges, with Uisce Éireann pointing to heat-driven pressure on water systems. Renewables planning fight (Mayo): Mayo councillors backed a draft renewable energy strategy that keeps a key buffer-zone approach despite the Office of the Planning Regulator pushing to remove it, highlighting the tug-of-war between local plans and regulator guidance. Wildlife & biodiversity: Inland Fisheries Ireland says farmed salmon genes are showing up in about one third of wild Atlantic salmon populations, raising concerns about genetic dilution. Circular plastics: DePoly has opened a depolymerization showcase plant in Switzerland aimed at turning used PET into virgin-quality raw materials. Community climate action: A pollinator-focused All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is being promoted as voluntary, aiming to rebuild biodiversity-rich habitats across the island.

Heatwave & water stress: Met Éireann extended a nationwide high-temperature advisory through the weekend, warning of heat stress, dehydration, transport disruption, animal welfare risks and drought/wildfire danger; several counties also faced hosepipe bans. Wildfire prevention: Tesco removed disposable barbecues from sale nationwide after wildfire concerns, following government requests amid ongoing blazes including Killarney National Park. Energy waste & poverty: EnergyCloud says Ireland wastes about €1.65m a day of surplus wind power due to no policy to redirect it, while 550,000 homes face energy poverty—calling for a national approach. Transport debate: Dublin Commuter Coalition rejects calls for a complete e-scooter ban as “farcical,” arguing regulators haven’t enforced existing rules. EU farm policy: Irish MEP Seán Kelly’s CAP environment committee opinion backs protecting payments for part-time farmers while targeting “armchair” non-farm recipients. Renewables auction timetable: Ireland’s RESS6 qualification opens 30 July, with bidding in late October/early November and dispatch-down compensation retained. Community climate health: CUAN Cancer Support Centre fundraising aims to buy a second-hand dragon boat to support survivors’ physical and mental wellbeing.

Aviation & Jobs: Aer Lingus says it will cut capacity by 6% and axe up to 500 jobs, discontinuing three US routes (Dublin–Denver, Minneapolis and Las Vegas) as fuel costs and tougher transatlantic competition bite. Transport & Environment: President Catherine Connolly has signed the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Act 2026, setting up a process to ease the 32m passenger cap after environmental assessments. Heat & Water Safety: Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow high-temperature warning for nine counties, with impacts including heat stress, higher wildfire risk and water-safety concerns. Data Centres & Local Impact: Amazon has denied plans for a data centre near Clonakilty after fresh local worries, as residents point to potential water and electricity use. Tourism Disruption: Cork’s Dursey cable car closure for ESB works has sparked frustration from councillors and businesses during peak season. Rural Sustainability: Midlands-North-West MEP Maria Walsh met Irish Rural Link in Moate to discuss rural development, climate action and CAP funding priorities. Biodiversity & Public Engagement: Trinity College Dublin leads a Horizon Europe-funded project to boost public confidence in drones for low-emission urban air mobility, with Irish demonstrations planned in Shannon.

Heat and health planning: A coalition of Irish health experts is urging city councils to publish heat-health action plans, warning that urban heat islands and vulnerable groups face serious physical and mental health risks as extreme heat becomes a local issue. Water stress and fire risk: Met Éireann’s latest status yellow heat warning comes with a six-week hosepipe ban in parts of Ireland, while Cavan firefighters tackled a grass fire at Fleming’s Folly and urged caution during the hot spell. Biodiversity and coasts: A new study says Irish waters are a seasonal refuge for endangered basking sharks, with long-standing hotspots around the Blasket Islands, south Cork and Donegal. Wildlife in churchyards: The Church of England voted against a 30% rewilding motion, but Irish churchyards are highlighted for biodiversity gains. Transport emissions debate: Ireland has enacted law to lift the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, with ministers citing connectivity and “sustainable development” while environmental concerns remain. Sun protection policy: A TD is calling for zero VAT on sunscreen, arguing it should be treated as public health prevention. Outdoor summer ideas: Coillte is promoting forest visits in Donegal, and Love Your Coast’s Clean Coasts competition crowned a Cork otter-and-crab photo as “Photo of the Year.”

Heatwave Watch: Met Éireann has issued a new Status Yellow high-temperature warning for nine counties (Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford) from midday Friday to 8pm, with maximums above 27C and knock-on risks including heat stress, drought and higher fire danger. Water Stress: Uisce Éireann has also put a hosepipe ban in place for parts of Dublin and surrounding areas until 26 August, alongside night-time restrictions on 39 supplies, as warm weather drives up demand. Wildfire Warning: A blaze in Killarney National Park is being blamed on human activity, with officials saying it was “not a natural disaster”. Farm Transition: The Just Transition Commission says farmers need long-term clarity and funding to cut emissions and protect biodiversity, warning uncertainty is undermining willingness to act. Circular Economy Policy: Ireland is seeking views on a draft textile EPR scheme, aiming to boost collection, sorting, reuse and recycling ahead of April 2028. Energy & Industry: Intel plans a €5bn expansion at Leixlip to scale AI chip production, while Uisce Éireann defends its €4.6bn Shannon-to-Dublin water pipeline as having “negligible” local impact. Local Biodiversity: Kildare County Council is tackling artificial light at night, linking light pollution to wildlife and dark-sky loss.

Nitrates Directive: A new European Commission evaluation says Ireland should keep its nitrates derogation, warning it can weaken the directive’s effectiveness if used carelessly, while also noting EU common manure nitrogen limits have helped curb environmental harm. It also urges more support for circular manure between farms and simpler farm-level implementation as markets and climate pressures shift. Heatwave & water: With Ireland facing hot conditions and fire risk, retailers are being asked to pause sales of disposable barbecues during the Status Orange wildfire warning, after a Killarney National Park blaze was linked to such items; meanwhile, water stress is driving restrictions and advice to conserve. Farming under pressure: Teagasc highlights grass utilisation and paddock grazing as heatwave conditions affect growth, while tillage farmers report confusion over straw chopping and scheme approvals, leaving some in limbo over support. Wildlife & safety: Tramore RNLI rescued two paddleboarders after they got into difficulty offshore in strong winds, underscoring the need to check conditions and carry a way to call for help. Energy & policy: Oireachtas committee talks progress on rules for plug-in solar panels, aiming to clear safety and grid hurdles so more households can generate power.