Elaine McGoff
@elainemcgoff.bsky.social
PhD. Head of Advocacy for An Taisce. Water floats my boat. 🚲 powered. Views are my own.
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Elaine McGoff
@elainemcgoff.bsky.social
· Jun 20
SWAN member, @antaisce.bsky.social, had their Head of Advocacy @elainemcgoff.bsky.social on Primetime last night talking about the pollution crisis in Lady's Island Lake.
Watch the full piece here: 👇https://www.rte.ie/player/series/prime-time/SI0000000825?epguid=IH10008770-25-0050
Watch the full piece here: 👇https://www.rte.ie/player/series/prime-time/SI0000000825?epguid=IH10008770-25-0050
Lady's Island lake is the end result of decades of agricultural nitrogen water pollution.
The only way we can turn the agricultural nitrogen pollution problem around is if those in power admit that their measures aren't working.
It's time to actually listen to the evidence, not the spin.
The only way we can turn the agricultural nitrogen pollution problem around is if those in power admit that their measures aren't working.
It's time to actually listen to the evidence, not the spin.
I spoke to Pat Kenny earlier about the derogation decision
'In theory, we should only get the derogation on the condition that it not impact on water quality. We’re not holding up our end of the bargain, and we haven’t for decades '
www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
'In theory, we should only get the derogation on the condition that it not impact on water quality. We’re not holding up our end of the bargain, and we haven’t for decades '
www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
EU commission recommends an extension to Ireland's nitrates derogation | Newstalk
Michael McGrath has said the European Commission has recommended to extend the nitrates derogatio...
www.newstalk.com
November 28, 2025 at 1:59 PM
I spoke to Pat Kenny earlier about the derogation decision
'In theory, we should only get the derogation on the condition that it not impact on water quality. We’re not holding up our end of the bargain, and we haven’t for decades '
www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
'In theory, we should only get the derogation on the condition that it not impact on water quality. We’re not holding up our end of the bargain, and we haven’t for decades '
www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Dr. @elainemcgoff.bsky.social:
"This derogation decision is meant to be based on science, but the evidence is very clear that we have a serious nitrogen pollution problem in Ireland & the measures we’re putting in place to address that are not working”
Yet again agri power trumps pollution reality.
"This derogation decision is meant to be based on science, but the evidence is very clear that we have a serious nitrogen pollution problem in Ireland & the measures we’re putting in place to address that are not working”
Yet again agri power trumps pollution reality.
Water quality key condition as appeal to extend nitrates derogation goes to vote
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Water quality key condition as appeal to extend nitrates derogation goes to vote
European Commission proposed granting Government’s request to continue derogation from nitrates regulations
www.irishtimes.com
November 28, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Dr. @elainemcgoff.bsky.social:
"This derogation decision is meant to be based on science, but the evidence is very clear that we have a serious nitrogen pollution problem in Ireland & the measures we’re putting in place to address that are not working”
Yet again agri power trumps pollution reality.
"This derogation decision is meant to be based on science, but the evidence is very clear that we have a serious nitrogen pollution problem in Ireland & the measures we’re putting in place to address that are not working”
Yet again agri power trumps pollution reality.
This quote from Rebecca Solnit is exactly what I needed to read today.
November 28, 2025 at 11:28 AM
This quote from Rebecca Solnit is exactly what I needed to read today.
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
You may have heard about Ireland looking for a "nitrates derogation" in the news. But what does it mean? Why are nitrates a problem? Why does the government want Ireland to be allowed to use more than the normal limits?🤔
Read our explainer and take the action. 💙💦🙌
swanireland.ie/nitrates-pol...
Read our explainer and take the action. 💙💦🙌
swanireland.ie/nitrates-pol...
Nitrates Pollution - Sustainable Water Network
Here’s what’s happening with nitrates in Ireland and what you can do to help stop this pollutant. Nearly half (44%) of our rivers have nitrate concentrations that are too high. The biggest cause is a...
swanireland.ie
November 27, 2025 at 5:31 PM
You may have heard about Ireland looking for a "nitrates derogation" in the news. But what does it mean? Why are nitrates a problem? Why does the government want Ireland to be allowed to use more than the normal limits?🤔
Read our explainer and take the action. 💙💦🙌
swanireland.ie/nitrates-pol...
Read our explainer and take the action. 💙💦🙌
swanireland.ie/nitrates-pol...
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
The European Commission failed to follow proper lawmaking procedure when drafting its plan to cut red tape, the EU ombudsman said in a damaging assessment released today.
EU watchdog slams Commission over red-tape cutting workflow
European Ombudsman hits the executive for “procedural shortcomings” in its attempt to quickly pass legislative amendments to simplify rules for business.
www.politico.eu
November 27, 2025 at 10:23 AM
The European Commission failed to follow proper lawmaking procedure when drafting its plan to cut red tape, the EU ombudsman said in a damaging assessment released today.
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Our great Advocacy team were invited to attend a Joint Oireachtas Committee session on solar regulations last night, and highlighted the importance of early public participation, and ecologically-sensitive siting of solar farms
For more:
www.antaisce.org/news/an-tais...
For more:
www.antaisce.org/news/an-tais...
November 26, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Our great Advocacy team were invited to attend a Joint Oireachtas Committee session on solar regulations last night, and highlighted the importance of early public participation, and ecologically-sensitive siting of solar farms
For more:
www.antaisce.org/news/an-tais...
For more:
www.antaisce.org/news/an-tais...
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Deregulation is not the answer, despite what some billionaires (!!!) say. Not in planning, not for environmental protection, and not for human rights. But there is a concerted push to present this tried & failed approach as a new, high-tech innovation. It isn't.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Lorcan Sirr: Judicial reviews are not the problem – and deregulation is no answer
We have seen before how cutting ‘red tape’ leads to disaster, especially in planning and housing
www.irishtimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Deregulation is not the answer, despite what some billionaires (!!!) say. Not in planning, not for environmental protection, and not for human rights. But there is a concerted push to present this tried & failed approach as a new, high-tech innovation. It isn't.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
It's no wonder water quality is not improving, derogation farmers are being told to do things that will not stop nitrates from getting into the water — An Taisce's Head of Advocacy Dr Elaine McGoff with Philip Boucher-Hayes on RTÉ Radio 1 CountryWide
#nitratepollution
@elainemcgoff.bsky.social
#nitratepollution
@elainemcgoff.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 9:19 AM
It's no wonder water quality is not improving, derogation farmers are being told to do things that will not stop nitrates from getting into the water — An Taisce's Head of Advocacy Dr Elaine McGoff with Philip Boucher-Hayes on RTÉ Radio 1 CountryWide
#nitratepollution
@elainemcgoff.bsky.social
#nitratepollution
@elainemcgoff.bsky.social
Great to see some strong EPA enforcement against North Cork Creameries for continuing to breach their licence.
They're not allowed to discharge again until the EPA are satisfied they'll be compliant with their licence, which, given their track record, won't be easy
thecurrency.news/articles/208...
They're not allowed to discharge again until the EPA are satisfied they'll be compliant with their licence, which, given their track record, won't be easy
thecurrency.news/articles/208...
North Cork Creameries temporarily halts production after EPA wasterwater order - The Currency
North Cork Creameries has temporarily ceased production at its major dairy facility in Kanturk after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice to suspend all discharges from its wastew...
thecurrency.news
November 24, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Great to see some strong EPA enforcement against North Cork Creameries for continuing to breach their licence.
They're not allowed to discharge again until the EPA are satisfied they'll be compliant with their licence, which, given their track record, won't be easy
thecurrency.news/articles/208...
They're not allowed to discharge again until the EPA are satisfied they'll be compliant with their licence, which, given their track record, won't be easy
thecurrency.news/articles/208...
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Half of Cork farms inspected by Council failed water quality protection regulations
www.independent.ie/regionals/co...
www.independent.ie/regionals/co...
Half of Cork farms inspected by Council failed water quality protection regulations
Half of the farms inspected by Cork County Council under the National Agriculture Inspection Programme (NAIP) this year have failed to comply with the government’s Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) reg...
www.independent.ie
November 24, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Half of Cork farms inspected by Council failed water quality protection regulations
www.independent.ie/regionals/co...
www.independent.ie/regionals/co...
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Over the 19 years Ireland has had a derogation from the nitrates directive we have backed ourselves in to a corner. Which now leaves us having productive and economically viable farms or cleaner rivers and lakes, but not both.
Listen: 👉 www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Listen: 👉 www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Nitrates derogation
Back in the early nineties all across the EU a rule was introduced to protect rivers and streams from agricultural run off. At the last count 7,000 out of 137,000 farms in Ireland had received a derog...
www.rte.ie
November 22, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Over the 19 years Ireland has had a derogation from the nitrates directive we have backed ourselves in to a corner. Which now leaves us having productive and economically viable farms or cleaner rivers and lakes, but not both.
Listen: 👉 www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Listen: 👉 www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
I had the a welcome opportunity to move beyond the standard Punch & Judy media setup to properly look under the derogation hood, & explore why the Government measures are failing our waters & failing our farmers.
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Nitrates derogation
Back in the early nineties all across the EU a rule was introduced to protect rivers and streams from agricultural run off. At the last count 7,000 out of 137,000 farms in Ireland had received a derog...
www.rte.ie
November 22, 2025 at 10:02 AM
I had the a welcome opportunity to move beyond the standard Punch & Judy media setup to properly look under the derogation hood, & explore why the Government measures are failing our waters & failing our farmers.
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
We're constantly being told that pollution prevention measures are working and more time is needed to show results. But the rivers don't lie.
www.independent.ie/regionals/co...
www.independent.ie/regionals/co...
Half of Cork farms inspected by Council failed water quality protection regulations
Half of the farms inspected by Cork County Council under the National Agriculture Inspection Programme (NAIP) this year have failed to comply with the government’s Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) reg...
www.independent.ie
November 22, 2025 at 8:40 AM
We're constantly being told that pollution prevention measures are working and more time is needed to show results. But the rivers don't lie.
www.independent.ie/regionals/co...
www.independent.ie/regionals/co...
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
A ‘national embarrassment’: Ireland in breach of multiple water quality rules, court finds
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
A ‘national embarrassment’: Ireland in breach of multiple water quality rules, court finds
European Court of Justice ruling raises questions about Government’s system of water charges
www.irishtimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:34 PM
A ‘national embarrassment’: Ireland in breach of multiple water quality rules, court finds
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
🔖 Must read
“On Environmental Democracy & the Collisons’ “Abundance-Verse”
a fact-packed response by Dr Andrew Jackson, UCD ..to the fact-free claims of John Collison’s Irish Times essay #Planning #Housing #Speirgorm @ucddublin.bsky.social @andrewlrjackson.bsky.social
elajucd.com/2025/11/21/o...
“On Environmental Democracy & the Collisons’ “Abundance-Verse”
a fact-packed response by Dr Andrew Jackson, UCD ..to the fact-free claims of John Collison’s Irish Times essay #Planning #Housing #Speirgorm @ucddublin.bsky.social @andrewlrjackson.bsky.social
elajucd.com/2025/11/21/o...
On Environmental Democracy and the Collisons’ “Abundance-Verse”
Andrew Jackson 21 November 2025 I. Introduction A clamour of praise greeted John Collison’s “how to get Ireland moving” Op-Ed following its publication in the Irish Times on 25th October: the Irish…
elajucd.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:28 PM
🔖 Must read
“On Environmental Democracy & the Collisons’ “Abundance-Verse”
a fact-packed response by Dr Andrew Jackson, UCD ..to the fact-free claims of John Collison’s Irish Times essay #Planning #Housing #Speirgorm @ucddublin.bsky.social @andrewlrjackson.bsky.social
elajucd.com/2025/11/21/o...
“On Environmental Democracy & the Collisons’ “Abundance-Verse”
a fact-packed response by Dr Andrew Jackson, UCD ..to the fact-free claims of John Collison’s Irish Times essay #Planning #Housing #Speirgorm @ucddublin.bsky.social @andrewlrjackson.bsky.social
elajucd.com/2025/11/21/o...
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Andrew Jackson really cooked Collison here.
Hilarious that Collisons think tank Progress Ireland are asking “How will you avoid getting pigeonholed as right-wing tech bros?” - a question you should never ask publicly if you dont want to be labelled a right-wing tech bro
elajucd.com/2025/11/21/o...
Hilarious that Collisons think tank Progress Ireland are asking “How will you avoid getting pigeonholed as right-wing tech bros?” - a question you should never ask publicly if you dont want to be labelled a right-wing tech bro
elajucd.com/2025/11/21/o...
On Environmental Democracy and the Collisons’ “Abundance-Verse”
Andrew Jackson 21 November 2025 I. Introduction A clamour of praise greeted John Collison’s “how to get Ireland moving” Op-Ed following its publication in the Irish Times on 25th October: the Irish…
elajucd.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Andrew Jackson really cooked Collison here.
Hilarious that Collisons think tank Progress Ireland are asking “How will you avoid getting pigeonholed as right-wing tech bros?” - a question you should never ask publicly if you dont want to be labelled a right-wing tech bro
elajucd.com/2025/11/21/o...
Hilarious that Collisons think tank Progress Ireland are asking “How will you avoid getting pigeonholed as right-wing tech bros?” - a question you should never ask publicly if you dont want to be labelled a right-wing tech bro
elajucd.com/2025/11/21/o...
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
A ‘national embarrassment’: Ireland in breach of multiple water quality rules, court finds
A ‘national embarrassment’: Ireland in breach of multiple water quality rules, court finds
European Court of Justice ruling raises questions about Government’s system of water charges
www.irishtimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:02 PM
A ‘national embarrassment’: Ireland in breach of multiple water quality rules, court finds
This is a fantastic deep dive rebuttal to this widely lauded John Collison Op Ed.
Recommended reading.
Recommended reading.
I’ve written something on John Collison’s Op-Ed and environmental democracy
Next time you’re out in Dublin, check if you’re being “socially de-risked” by a friendly face from his think-tank
elajucd.com/2025/11/21/o...
Next time you’re out in Dublin, check if you’re being “socially de-risked” by a friendly face from his think-tank
elajucd.com/2025/11/21/o...
On Environmental Democracy and the Collisons’ “Abundance-Verse”
Andrew Jackson 21 November 2025 I. Introduction A clamour of praise greeted John Collison’s “how to get Ireland moving” Op-Ed following its publication in the Irish Times on 25th October: the Irish…
elajucd.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:18 PM
This is a fantastic deep dive rebuttal to this widely lauded John Collison Op Ed.
Recommended reading.
Recommended reading.
Ireland once again in the dock, for issues that @antaisce.bsky.social & SWAN have long highlighted as being legally problematic.
Amongst other serious issues, this judgement highlights that the arterial drainage act is not compliant with the WFD.
Time to give that archaic legislation the boot!
Amongst other serious issues, this judgement highlights that the arterial drainage act is not compliant with the WFD.
Time to give that archaic legislation the boot!
BREAKING: EU's top court has ruled that Ireland has widespread non-compliance with EU's main water law e.g. a lack of regulation on physical damage to our waters, & poor monitoring & control of water abstractions.
We face daily fines & further decline if not fixed.
swanireland.ie/2025/11/land...
We face daily fines & further decline if not fixed.
swanireland.ie/2025/11/land...
Landmark EU water ruling shows systemic and abject failure of Irish government to protect water - Sustainable Water Network
The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN), a network of 25 environmental organisations, has welcomed yesterday’s European Court of Justice ruling [1] that Ireland is in breach of its obligations under the ...
swanireland.ie
November 21, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Ireland once again in the dock, for issues that @antaisce.bsky.social & SWAN have long highlighted as being legally problematic.
Amongst other serious issues, this judgement highlights that the arterial drainage act is not compliant with the WFD.
Time to give that archaic legislation the boot!
Amongst other serious issues, this judgement highlights that the arterial drainage act is not compliant with the WFD.
Time to give that archaic legislation the boot!
The first really wintery swim of the season. Breathtaking but beautiful.
November 21, 2025 at 10:21 AM
The first really wintery swim of the season. Breathtaking but beautiful.
“As President, I will use my role to foster awareness and inspire action... because tremendous work is being done ...by communities, scientists and activists working for change, and to build … on the real and close connection between Irish people & nature”
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Moral duty ‘to act now’ on climate change for future generations, President Connolly says
Figures of possible fines of between €8bn and €26bn for breaching emissions targets ‘incredible’, President says
www.irishtimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:54 PM
“As President, I will use my role to foster awareness and inspire action... because tremendous work is being done ...by communities, scientists and activists working for change, and to build … on the real and close connection between Irish people & nature”
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
An absolute honour to be able to host An Uachtarán in Tailors Hall today for this incredible @antaisce.bsky.social event.
Labhair an tUachtarán Connolly tráthnóna inniu ag ócáid a d’eagraigh An Taisce dar teideal: “Léargas ar an athrú aeráide agus a thionchar ar ár leas”
This afternoon, President Catherine Connolly spoke at an event hosted by An Taisce: ‘Snapshots on climate change and its impacts on our welfare’
This afternoon, President Catherine Connolly spoke at an event hosted by An Taisce: ‘Snapshots on climate change and its impacts on our welfare’
November 19, 2025 at 3:50 PM
An absolute honour to be able to host An Uachtarán in Tailors Hall today for this incredible @antaisce.bsky.social event.
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Excellent letter in The Irish Times about proposed new restrictions on judicial review and access to justice…
November 19, 2025 at 7:31 AM
Excellent letter in The Irish Times about proposed new restrictions on judicial review and access to justice…
Reposted by Elaine McGoff
New day. New un-evidenced & easily disproved claim about #Planning & #housing
This is every day #7
“latest plan for 580 apartments rejected over fears for wellbeing of migratory light-bellied brent geese”
Truth: The site is playing fields, zoned for green space www.irishtimes.com/business/202...
This is every day #7
“latest plan for 580 apartments rejected over fears for wellbeing of migratory light-bellied brent geese”
Truth: The site is playing fields, zoned for green space www.irishtimes.com/business/202...
Housing stuck at the bottom of planning priorities
Ireland may have a crisis in finding homes for its people but when it comes down to it, they are not as important as geese
www.irishtimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:29 AM
New day. New un-evidenced & easily disproved claim about #Planning & #housing
This is every day #7
“latest plan for 580 apartments rejected over fears for wellbeing of migratory light-bellied brent geese”
Truth: The site is playing fields, zoned for green space www.irishtimes.com/business/202...
This is every day #7
“latest plan for 580 apartments rejected over fears for wellbeing of migratory light-bellied brent geese”
Truth: The site is playing fields, zoned for green space www.irishtimes.com/business/202...