AGP Executive Report

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.

River Recovery: Early surveys from Ribble Rivers Trust report promising signs of Atlantic salmon returning, with some sites recording over 100 juvenile salmon and one seeing its first salmon in more than a decade—linked to river restoration and improved conditions. Data Centres & Renewables: The Government is preparing a rule requiring data centres to source at least 80% of their electricity from renewables on an hourly basis, as part of a push to manage the environmental impact of rapid data-centre expansion. Active Travel Payback: A new National Transport Authority report says walking and cycling can put money back in people’s pockets—estimating €3,480 in savings for cyclists and €620 for pedestrians annually—while also supporting jobs through active-travel investment. Student Housing Pressure: The Irish Property Owners Association warns that changes to private rental laws are shrinking the pool of student lets, citing a sharp rise in termination notices and warning of tighter accommodation options ahead of the next academic year. District Heating from Waste Heat: A Dublin data-centre expansion plan in Blanchardstown proposes piping waste heat into a district heating network to warm nearby buildings, aiming to cut fossil-fuel use. Oyster Restoration Risk: A new study flags that releasing genetically mismatched oysters could undermine North Sea reef restoration, warning conservationists to strengthen genetic monitoring before scaling up releases. Horticulture Charter: Major retailers including Aldi, Dunnes Stores, Lidl, M&S, SuperValu/Centra and Tesco back a new horticulture grower retail charter to support Irish fruit and veg supply amid climate and cost pressures.

Student Housing Pressure in Mayo: The Irish Property Owners Association says CAO offers are landing amid a critical accommodation shortage, with students squeezed by a wider private rental deficit and rising terminations. El Niño Drought Response (PNG): Papua New Guinea has approved emergency funding to provinces and districts to tackle worsening drought conditions, with water and electricity supplies flagged as critical in the National Capital District. Heat and Drought Hit Europe’s Farms: The EU’s JRC warns persistent heat and low rainfall are stressing summer crops and fodder across western and central Europe, with irrigation limits worsening impacts. Human Rights and Climate Justice: IHREC tells the UN Ireland must close gaps between rights commitments and lived experience, including concerns about housing, violence, disability, asylum—and climate/environmental justice. Cash Access Rules (UK): The FCA’s new “cash access” rules for 14 banks face a review, as branch closures continue to reshape local access. Solar Momentum in Mayo: SEAI records show one in 15 Mayo homes now has rooftop solar, with rapid growth in installations. Electric Picnic Weather: Met Éireann forecasts a wet weekend at Stradbally, with rain and showers likely across the festival days. Renewables Supply Chain (Scotland): A Caithness firm is providing specialist lifting services for Lairg II wind farm components at Port of Cromarty Firth. Waterford Infrastructure Gap: A report says no “critical infrastructure” projects were approved for Waterford in the latest government list.

Climate & Water Stress: Ireland’s dry spell is still biting: hosepipe bans have been extended for multiple counties (including Cork and Dublin), and Kildare is asked to conserve water until end-September as supplies recover. Extreme Weather Outlook: Met Éireann warnings point to more high-energy storms and heavy rain later this autumn, with El Niño expected to intensify conditions. Forestry & Storm Impacts: Forest Statistics Ireland reports storm damage in early 2025 drove an 18% jump in timber harvested in 2025, with salvage felling after Storm Éowyn affecting large areas. Transport & Safety: A large-scale search is underway for a man missing from a ferry in the Irish Sea, with Irish Coast Guard and RNLI lifeboats responding. Food & Emissions: Dawn Meats says suppliers cut emissions by 8.8% per tonne, and it reports major operational emissions reductions. Circular Economy Push: New EU-wide product repair rules come into force, strengthening repair rights as Ireland moves toward a more circular economy.

Water Scarcity Watch: Uisce Éireann has extended the Kildare water conservation order to 30 September, with supplies still under pressure after a hot, dry spell left demand at historically high levels and treatment plants near maximum output. Hosepipe Ban Update: The hosepipe ban is also extended for Cork, Limerick, Waterford and 10 other counties until end of September, while 13 counties get their restrictions lifted on 26 August. Coastal Resilience: A practical guide for coastal homeowners focuses on marine-grade materials and design choices to protect homes from wind and salt damage over the long term. Circular Economy Push: Ireland’s new right-to-repair rules come into force, adding repair obligations for some products, a standard repair information form, and a national repair platform using RepairMyStuff.ie. Local Environment Performance: Galway City Council is ranked among Ireland’s greenest councils in an EPA assessment of waste, water, air/noise and environmental governance. Climate Rights Lens: Sierra Leone’s Human Rights Commission warns climate change is increasingly threatening rights to water, food, shelter, healthcare and livelihoods. Data Centres Under Scrutiny: A South Africa human-rights submission argues data centre approvals are proceeding without basic details on water and electricity use, echoing wider concerns about the hidden environmental toll. Biodiversity in Dublin: OPW’s 10th annual Phoenix Park Biodiversity Festival and Honey Show returns on 5 September with free family activities. Weather Alert: Met Éireann forecasts unsettled, thundery conditions with heavy rain risk in parts of the country as temperatures swing back into the low 20s.

Right to Repair: New EU rules kick in today to push consumers toward fixing instead of replacing goods, with manufacturer repair obligations for repairable products like washing machines, vacuums, phones and tablets, plus free or reasonably priced repairs within a reasonable timeframe and access to spare parts and repair info via an expanded Irish repair directory, RepairMyStuff.ie. Coastal Safety: Donegal is set to pilot a “Coastal Location Code” at Narin Beach on Aug 24, after a near-drowning rescue last year highlighted the need for faster, more accurate identification of coastal locations during emergencies. Renewables Milestone: Ireland hit a solar record in July, with solar nearing 10% of electricity supply and renewables topping 30%, as EirGrid points to stronger renewable performance and ongoing grid upgrades. Invasive Species Action: Volunteers in Portlaoise helped remove Himalayan balsam from the Linear Park to protect native habitats and reduce erosion risk. Marine Litter Drive: An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Big Beach Clean returns Sept 18-20, with registrations open and last year’s results topping 60 tonnes of litter removed by nearly 11,000 volunteers.

Climate & Weather: Met Éireann is warning that an intense El Niño could bring “unprecedented” storms and heavy rainfall to Ireland this autumn, with forecasts pointing to unsettled conditions and possible thunderstorms. Heat Resilience: A new study says Dublin’s canal network can act like “natural air-conditioning”, cooling nearby neighbourhoods by about 1.5°C to 2.3°C during extreme heat. Biodiversity & Invasive Species: The Irish Wildlife Trust is urging a clear timeline to phase out and ban cherry laurel after a risk assessment found it’s a major driver of biodiversity loss, with impacts on native woodlands and protected species. Wildlife & Community Nature: A free “Nature After Dark” bat walk is set for Belturbet, while Farming For Nature’s “Inside the Gate” opens two Roscommon farms to the public on 30 August. Local Climate Action: Carlow County Council has started a €1.291m retrofit to cut energy use and emissions in its headquarters, aiming for a BER B rating. Food & Access: Limerick Food Partnership is launching a Local Food Environment Dashboard to map affordable food options and connect people, places, and food.

Biodiversity & Coastal Land Use: Wicklow County Council’s Bray Head Recreational Feasibility Study backs reinstating the Bray Head climb, but warns that unmanaged, informal trails and “trail braiding” are damaging habitats and biodiversity—pushing for tighter control of walkers and mountain bikers. Wildlife Protection & Planning: At Trump Doonbeg in Co Clare, a rare snail (Vertigo Angustior) has become a new legal hurdle for a planned 320-person ballroom, with An Bord Pleanála asking for extra reports on impacts to the microhabitat and hydrology. Climate & Weather Watch: Met Éireann says El Niño could bring more intense rain and storms, with a “last blast of summer” weekend before wetter, unsettled conditions move in next week. Fodder & Food Security: Irish Grain Growers Group warns the tillage sector is being “forgotten” during crises, arguing Irish straw and grain value is higher than support costs and urging real rewards as drought pressures livestock feed. Energy Transition: Solar is hitting new highs in Ireland’s generation mix, with Mullingar’s community spotlighting how rooftop and farm solar can cut bills and boost resilience.

Drought pressure on Irish farms: Met Éireann data shows only 3.4mm–4.5mm of rain in key stations over the past week, leaving pasture growth uneven and forcing many herds onto heavy supplementation, with Mayo worst hit and nitrate poisoning/grass tetany risks flagged if cattle gorge on rapidly growing grass. Weekend weather reset: Met Éireann says a “last blast” of drier, sunnier conditions is likely over the weekend and Monday, but rain and possible thunderstorms return from Tuesday, with heavier downpours expected in parts of Munster. Wildlife comeback in Mayo: Common tern chicks have returned to Lough Carra after an 86-year gap, with tern rafts helping protect ground-nesting birds from predators like invasive mink. Oyster reef restoration: New projects aim to re-establish oyster reefs, with “nature needs all the help it can get” messaging as funding supports marine biodiversity recovery. Built environment and sustainability: Property Industry Ireland has appointed architect Tony Reddy as chair, stressing research and a “sustainable and equitable built environment” as Ireland’s housing and construction sector faces major transition pressures. Energy transition planning (Wales): Milford Haven Port chief says ports will be vital to Wales’ low-carbon energy strategy, linking emissions cuts with jobs and community ownership.

Drought and farm crisis: Irish potato growers are reporting crop failure and “failure” in the field as the worst drought and high input costs bite, with heat leaving potatoes small and bruising-prone and even irrigated areas struggling to bulk up. Wildlife and climate impacts: A new Irish review warns warmer conditions and travel/trade are helping invasive mosquitoes and disease risk spread across Europe, while Irish gardens are already seeing more “somewhat exotic” species like the hummingbird hawk moth. Biodiversity under pressure: Chester Zoo’s chief executive says a proposed eco-pipeline route could rip through sensitive habitats, arguing low-carbon infrastructure must not come at nature’s expense. Community action: Limerick primary schools are taking part in the “Picker Pals” clean-up scheme, with kids leading weekend litter picks to tackle local mess. Water and pollution: Ohio’s H2Ohio grant programme is funding better salt storage to cut chloride pollution in waterways—an example Ireland water managers may want to watch.

Water Scarcity Watch: Ireland’s hosepipe ban may be extended, but no decision is yet on whether it goes beyond next Wednesday, as drought-hit rivers and lakes remain under pressure after exceptionally hot, dry weather. Planning & Communities: An Bord Pleanála has refused plans for a funeral home beside Dublin’s former Regency Hotel, citing the site’s zoning and unresolved parking management concerns. Energy Efficiency & Housing Value: SEAI analysis of nearly 50,000 home sales finds each step up the BER scale lifts sale prices on average, with the biggest boost in rural areas—while cutting bills and improving comfort. Heritage Meets Climate: Two Irish conservation projects won at the Europa Nostra European Heritage Awards 2026, including an OPW initiative focused on improving energy performance of historic state properties. Wildlife Rescue at Sea: British Army sailors rescued an exhausted barn owl 70 nautical miles offshore during the Round Britain and Ireland race, with the bird taken for recovery. Weather Outlook: Met Éireann signals a cooler weekend with sunny spells, then more persistent rain later next week.

AI & Power Demand: A new wave of AI data centres is driving a surge in electricity use, with projections that global demand could soar by 2030—raising alarms for Ireland’s grid planning and local permitting. Water Quality Warnings: Cavan authorities issued a “do not swim” caution after a cyanobacterial bloom in Lough Ramor, linked to nutrient runoff and rising water temperatures. Coastal Pollution Incident: Fingal County Council warned beachgoers at Portmarnock’s Velvet Strand to avoid swimming for four days after a pump-station overflow, with resampling arranged. Wildlife Rescue at Sea: British Army sailors rescued a bedraggled barn owl about 70 miles offshore during the Round Britain and Ireland race, coordinating with wildlife groups for recovery. Protected Species Planning Fight: A proposed Trump resort ballroom in Doonbeg, Clare, is being slowed by a challenge tied to environmental rules and a protected snail species. Local Regeneration: Downpatrick’s Irish Street redevelopment moves into pre-market engagement, with a proposed capital grant of up to £5.2m to shape a tourism-focused scheme.

Climate & Weather: Met Éireann is warning of a dramatic shift from the hot, dry spell to cooler, wetter conditions, with heavy and thundery showers expected in places this week before drier weather returns over the weekend. Biodiversity & Invasive Species: A risk assessment flags cherry laurel as a high-risk invasive plant, with Irish Wildlife Trust and the Gaelic Woodland Project calling for a clear nationwide ban timeline and moves to list it as a species of national concern. Marine Heat & Oceans: A new study using rapid attribution finds human-caused climate change drove unprecedented July sea surface temperatures across European coastal waters, pushing marine ecosystems past limits. Energy Transition: Perigus Energy’s 81MW Garreenleen solar farm in Co Carlow has entered full operation, exporting power to the grid and boosting Ireland’s operational solar capacity. Farming & Drought Impacts: Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon says Government won’t be “found wanting” on fodder supports as 40% of farmers report deficits, with transport support being considered. Wildlife Protection in Planning: A threatened endangered snail is at the centre of a legal fight over a proposed Trump-linked ballroom in Doonbeg, where a restoration plan is being challenged. Local Regeneration: Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched pre-market engagement for the redevelopment of Downpatrick’s Irish Street site, with a hotel-led regeneration vision.

Marine Heat & Biodiversity: A new study links Fungie’s DNA to both Shannon Estuary bottlenose dolphins and a larger offshore population, raising fresh questions about how solitary dolphins connect to wider ecosystems. Climate Impacts on Coasts: Scientists warn Europe’s marine heatwave is pushing sea temperatures to record levels, with knock-on risks for marine life and jellyfish surges, including around waters near Ireland. Irish Nature Under Pressure: Coillte has been ordered to stop felling in a Tipperary forest after allegations that native oaks were being cut, with an investigation now under way. Water & Local Environment: Neighbours report an Irish Creek pond breach after heavy equipment was used to breach a berm, raising concerns for fish and aquaculture. Energy, Food & Cost of Living: ECB economist Philip Lane says food price inflation is likely to be most visible in summer 2027, driven by energy costs and weather shocks. Regulation & Public Health: The HSE is urging stronger regulation of vapes and edibles after synthetic cannabinoids were found in products sold in Ireland. AI & Power Demand: Data centres are becoming a major electricity driver, with growing political backlash and stricter permitting pressures in parts of Europe and beyond.