Menu
17/09/2015
'Bee Highways' To Be Created Across Ireland
Sinn Féin has called on the government to ban genetically modified crops in an effort to protect biodiversity in Ireland.
MEP and member of the European Parliament's Environment committee, Lynn Boylan, made the call as she welcomed a decision to create "bee highways" across the state.
These corridors of wild flowers are being brought in to help save bees from possible extinction.
Deputy Boylan said: "As a former ecologist and a co-author of an upcoming EU biodiversity report I am very pleased to hear that action is starting to be taken to address the serious decline of the bee population. Their importance as pollinators for some crucial crops cannot be understated. Without their free pollinating service for crops it would cost the agricultural sector an astronomical amount to do the same job.
"Inspiration for these bee highways has come from Norway. I now call on the Irish government to also follow Norway's example on genetically modified crops, where they are heavily restricted.
"Genetically modified crops are associated with the growth of large areas of land being covered in monoculture crops which are dosed in damaging pesticides and ultimately lead to a devastating loss of biodiversity.
"If the Irish government is serious about protecting biodiversity, it is time they formally applied for a ban on GM crops being grown in Irish soil."
(MH/CD)
MEP and member of the European Parliament's Environment committee, Lynn Boylan, made the call as she welcomed a decision to create "bee highways" across the state.
These corridors of wild flowers are being brought in to help save bees from possible extinction.
Deputy Boylan said: "As a former ecologist and a co-author of an upcoming EU biodiversity report I am very pleased to hear that action is starting to be taken to address the serious decline of the bee population. Their importance as pollinators for some crucial crops cannot be understated. Without their free pollinating service for crops it would cost the agricultural sector an astronomical amount to do the same job.
"Inspiration for these bee highways has come from Norway. I now call on the Irish government to also follow Norway's example on genetically modified crops, where they are heavily restricted.
"Genetically modified crops are associated with the growth of large areas of land being covered in monoculture crops which are dosed in damaging pesticides and ultimately lead to a devastating loss of biodiversity.
"If the Irish government is serious about protecting biodiversity, it is time they formally applied for a ban on GM crops being grown in Irish soil."
(MH/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 April 2019
Local Authorities Invited To Apply For Increased Biodiversity Funding
The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is inviting applications from local authorities on increased biodiversity funding as part of €2 million of additional funding. Minister Joseph Madigan announced an increased allocation of grant funding yesterday, Thursday 11 April.
Local Authorities Invited To Apply For Increased Biodiversity Funding
The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is inviting applications from local authorities on increased biodiversity funding as part of €2 million of additional funding. Minister Joseph Madigan announced an increased allocation of grant funding yesterday, Thursday 11 April.
10 January 2014
Ireland's Crops Threatened By Lack Of Pollinators
Ireland's agricultural industry could be threatened by a lack of wild pollinators to meet growing levels of crop production. Research involving botanists from Trinity College Dublin has shown the demand for "financially critical pollination services" has risen five times as fast as the number of honeybee colonies across Europe.
Ireland's Crops Threatened By Lack Of Pollinators
Ireland's agricultural industry could be threatened by a lack of wild pollinators to meet growing levels of crop production. Research involving botanists from Trinity College Dublin has shown the demand for "financially critical pollination services" has risen five times as fast as the number of honeybee colonies across Europe.
03 September 2019
Govt Contribute Further €100,000 To Biodiversity Fund
The government will contribute €100,000 towards the Community Foundation for Ireland's Biodiversity Fund, the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD, has announced. The total grant allocation this year through the fund will be €370,000.
Govt Contribute Further €100,000 To Biodiversity Fund
The government will contribute €100,000 towards the Community Foundation for Ireland's Biodiversity Fund, the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD, has announced. The total grant allocation this year through the fund will be €370,000.
17 July 2019
Hedgerow Biodiversity To Be Protected
Regulations that would have allowed general roadside hedge cutting in August will not be introduced to protect biodiversity and nurture native flora and fauna.
Hedgerow Biodiversity To Be Protected
Regulations that would have allowed general roadside hedge cutting in August will not be introduced to protect biodiversity and nurture native flora and fauna.
01 July 2008
Waterford To Get €4m Biodiversity Park
A bog and former landfill site is to be transformed into a multi-million pound Biodiversity park, Waterford council has announced.
Waterford To Get €4m Biodiversity Park
A bog and former landfill site is to be transformed into a multi-million pound Biodiversity park, Waterford council has announced.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Showers today, occasional north and west of Lough Neagh, but only a few isolated light outbreaks expected for Belfast and county Down where the best of the winter sunshine is expected. West to northwest winds brisk around the coasts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers focused across northern areas of the Province, with most in the south staying dry, with a frost developing for many here. Northwest winds fresh around the coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
