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Contents
Chapter 11 Environment and Energy 174 Introduction 175 Current Position and Trends in Energy Use 176 Current Dependence on Fossil Fuels 176 Renewable Energy 177 The Residential Sector: the Second Largest Energy User (After Transport) 177 Building Energy Rating – Opportunities for Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings for Householders 178 A Significant Increase in Retrofitting of Homes and Businesses is Essential 179 Tipperary Energy Agency Warmer Homes Insulation Scheme 179 What is Being Done (Energy Policy) 180 Home Energy Storage Enters a New Era 180 The Energy White Paper – Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 181 Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015‑2030 181 Sustainable Energy Communities 181 Case Study of the Aran Islands’ Sustainable Energy Community 182 Future Energy Distribution Systems 182 Carbon Lock-in, Outlook and Future Challenges 183 Case Study of Aurivo Dairy Biomass Project 183 Fossil Fuel Subsidies 183 Energy Statements 183 Conclusions and Future Challenges 184 Key High Level Messages 184 References 185 Chapter 12 Environment and Agriculture 186 Introduction 187 Value of agriculture in Ireland 187 The Context of Irish Farming 187 Structure of Irish Farming 188 Economic challenges facing the farming community 189 Food Wise 2025 190 Current Trends 191 Greenhouse Gases and Agriculture 191 Ammonia and Other Emissions to Air and Agriculture 192 Biodiversity and Agriculture 192 The Burren Programme 194 Water Quality and Agriculture 194 Drinking Water and Agriculture 194 Farm Hazardous Waste Collection 196 What’s Being Done 197 Common Agricultural Policy 197 Nitrates Action Programme 197 Origin Green 197 River Basin Management Plans and the Water Framework Directive 198 Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 198 Industrial Emission Licences for Pig and Poultry Enterprises/Installations 199 Smart Farming 199 Research Responses 200 Innovation 201 Conclusion and Future Challenges 201 Key High-level Messages 203 References 203 Section V Key Messages 205 Chapter 13 Environmental Challenges and Emerging Issues for Ireland 206 Introduction 207 European Perspective 208 European State of the Environment Report 2015 208 The 7th Environmental Action Programme 209 Challenges Outlined in the State of the Environment Report 2012 209 Key Actions for Ireland in 2016 211 Key Action 1: Environment and Health and Wellbeing 211 Key Action 2: Climate Change 213 Key Action 3: Implementation of Legislation 215 Key Action 4: Restore and Protect Water Quality 217 Key Action 5: Sustainable Economic Activities 219 Key Action 6: Nature and Wild Places 221 Key Action 7: Community Engagement 222 Final Remarks 223 References 224 Acronyms/Abbreviations 226