George Lee

1 week ago | rte.ie | George Lee

Ireland has gone backwards in its attempts to achieve its greenhouse gas emissions targets, according to an updated analysis by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). The latest greenhouse gas emissions projections from the EPA said emissions could fall by up to 23% by 2030 if every climate policy and measures currently planned by the Government is fully implemented on time.

2 weeks ago | rte.ie | George Lee

Greenhouse gas emissions from Ireland's usage of energy are now at their lowest level for more than 30 years after falling for a third consecutive year. The reduction was 1.3% in 2024. This means energy emissions in Ireland are now 11% lower than when carbon emissions targets were introduced in 2021. Director of Research and Policy Insights at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Margie McCarthy, said this is something to celebrate and means Ireland is going in the right direction.

3 weeks ago | rte.ie | George Lee

A new scientific study has found that using smartphones on the toilet increases the risk of haemorrhoids. The study was presented at an annual meeting of medical experts in San Diego last week. It concluded that smartphone users spent significantly more time on the toilet and had a 46% increased risk for haemorrhoids than non-users. The findings came from a cross-sectional survey of 125 adult patients undergoing colonoscopies for screening purposes.

3 weeks ago | rte.ie | George Lee

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3 weeks ago | rte.ie | George Lee

More than half of 1,400 domestic septic tanks inspected by local authorities last year failed to meet the required standard. The Environmental Protection Agency said this is a real concern because failures pose a serious health risk to individuals and the environment. It is calling for greater and sustained enforcement effort by local authorities. There are nearly half a million septic tanks in Ireland.