Overwatch Report

Environmental Pillar

September–December

[Environment] The Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2022

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Email All Oireachtas Members', 'role': ''} {'name': 'Eoin Ó Broin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': "Cian O'Callaghan", 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Catherine Connolly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Ivana Bacik', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Aodhán Ó Ríordáin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 8 more

Environmental Pillar

September–December

[Environment] Water Environment (Abstractions and Associated Impoundments) Bill 2022

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Eoin Ó Broin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': "Cian O'Callaghan", 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Environmental Pillar

September–December

[Environment] The Planning and Development Act, 2000 (various proposed changes, and changes made via the Planning and Development, Maritime and Valuation (Amendment) Act 2022)

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Steven Matthews', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Paul McAuliffe', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Francis Noel Duffy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Joe Flaherty', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Thomas Gould', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Emer Higgins', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 9 more

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Risks to the all-island environment of Ireland posed by the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union, addressing policy gaps through the Good

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Paul Kenny', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Climate Action, Communication Networks and Transport)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Seek further consultation on Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Ossian Smyth', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform)'} {'name': 'Michael McGrath', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform)'} {'name': "Patrick O'Donovan", 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform)'} {'name': 'Eamonn Fahey', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of the Taoiseach)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Raised awareness of the need to ensure that the Agri-Food Strategy 2030 is sustainable, with specific targets around climate action, biodiversity and environmental protection. Provided notification of the Environmental Pillar's withdrawal from the Agri-Food Strategy 2030 Committee due to significant gaps in relation to addressing environmental concerns. Requested meeting with relevant ministers and department officials.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Lynn Boylan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Bill Callanan', 'role': 'Chief Inspector (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Pippa Hackett', 'role': 'Super Junior Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Martin Heydon', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Charlie McConalogue', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Eamon Ryan', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'} + 19 more

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Discussed the Circular Economy Strategy, Inland Fisheries Policy Statement and the Deposit Return Scheme

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Philip Nugent', 'role': 'Assistant Secretary (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Impacts on Water Framework Directive compliance of arterial drainage and flood works; implications of the new Water Framework Directive ruling on OPW works; Compliance of procedures with Habitats Directives; Soft engineering flood mitigation and alleviation via use of riparian native woodlands, swales and ponds; Natural river and stream restoration: timeline and plans for these actions

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Patrick O'Donovan", 'role': 'Minister of State (The Office of Public Works)'} {'name': "Michael O'Connor", 'role': 'Special Adviser (The Office of Public Works)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Raised concerns with regard to the issues arising under new forestry licencing appeals procedures in relation to access to justice and Ireland's commitments under the Aarhus Convention. Highlighted importance of appropriate NGO and community representation on the Forestry Policy Group and the Project Woodlands Working Group. Provided information regarding the current forestry policy direction of travel, calling for an urgent need for change to ensure a sustainable future for forest

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Pippa Hackett', 'role': 'Super Junior Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Stiofán Nutty', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Eamon Ryan', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'} {'name': 'Mick Wallace', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'} {'name': 'Victor Boyhan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Meeting held with Min. Ryan to discuss: Climate Bill; biodiversity concerns in relation to offshore wind energy; Environmental Pillar's serious concerns with the draft Agri-Food Strategy 2030 and its withdrawal from the Committee; public participation with regard to Climate Action Plan

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Eamon Ryan', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'} {'name': 'Anna Conlan', 'role': 'Chief of Staff (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Claire Byrne', 'role': 'Councillor (Dublin City Council)'} {'name': 'David Healy', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of the Taoiseach)'} {'name': 'Paul Kenny', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Raised key environmental concerns in relation to the EU Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with regard to investor protections; highlighted need for Oireachtas scrutiny and public debate with regard to the treaty.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Lynn Boylan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Jennifer Whitmore', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Alice-Mary Higgins', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Marian Harkin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Meeting request

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Paschal Donohoe', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Finance)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Requested input to the Terms of Reference in relation to the planned review of the National Biodiversity Forum; requested update on whether the review findings will be published.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Malcolm Noonan', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Request for members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action to hear from experts with regard to environmental impacts of the Arterial Drainage Act

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Richard Bruton', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': "Christopher O'Sullivan", 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Raised concerns regarding the National Marine Planning Bill, its contents and the lack of Oireachtas and public debate surrounding the Bill; requested withdrawal of the Bill to allow for ample time for Oireachtas members to debate the Bill in detail, given its wide-ranging impacts on the marine environment, habitats and species.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Catherine Connolly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Malcolm Noonan', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} {'name': "Darragh O'Brien", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} {'name': 'Peter Burke', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} {'name': 'Eamon Ryan', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'} {'name': 'Eoin Ó Broin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 8 more

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Requested information and clarification regarding European Parliament vote on the EU-Mercosur Agreement, highlighting issues concerning the environment and Ireland's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Environmental Pillar signed open letter to raise significant environmental concerns regarding the Agreement. Raised issues regarding public consultation process in relation to the Agreement.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mick Wallace', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'} {'name': 'Clare Daly', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'} {'name': 'David Healy', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of the Taoiseach)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Shared EU Commission Communication following the EU Trade Policy Review

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Alice-Mary Higgins', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Lynn Boylan', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Communications regarding the European Commission's proposals to amend the Aarhus Regulations

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Mick Wallace', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Notification of suspension by EU Parliament of ratification process of UK Withdrawal Agreement

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Lynn Boylan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Alice-Mary Higgins', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Eoin Ó Broin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Land Development Agency Legislation

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Victor Boyhan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Eoin Ó Broin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': "Cian O'Callaghan", 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Jennifer Whitmore', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Catherine Murphy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Access to Information on the Environment Regulations: highlighted issues regarding the public consultation process.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Victor Boyhan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Notification of civil society events relating to concerns on Energy Charter Treaty

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Lynn Boylan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Jennifer Whitmore', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Victor Boyhan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Lynn Ruane', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Bríd Smith', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Richard Boyd Barrett', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] EU Taxonomy Regulation

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Paul Kenny', 'role': 'Special Adviser (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Highlight concerns on remarks made in the Oireachtas regarding an ongoing case taken by An Taisce as an environmental NGO executing its EU and international law rights.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Eoin Ó Broin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Lynn Boylan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Catherine Connolly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Catherine Murphy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': "Cian O'Callaghan", 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Jennifer Whitmore', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Planning exemptions for on-street dining: consideration in new regulations for access and passage of those suffering visual or physical impairments

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Eoin Ó Broin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': "Cian O'Callaghan", 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Provided update on information session on UNECE Convention with its Compliance Committee

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Eoin Ó Broin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Eoin Ó Broin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Provided information regarding legal aspects of the Climate Bill

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Lynn Boylan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Alice-Mary Higgins', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Bríd Smith', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Réada Cronin', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Paul Murphy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Catherine Murphy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} + 5 more

Environmental Pillar

January–April

[Environment] Agricultural/Climate Policy: Sought clarification on Teagasc's views submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture regarding changes envisaged for agriculture to accord with emissions reductions

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Lynn Boylan', 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'}

Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice

January–April

[Agriculture] Meeting regarding Environmental Pillar pulling out of development process of Ag policy

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Charlie McConalogue', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Martin Heydon', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Pippa Hackett', 'role': 'Super Junior Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'} {'name': 'Brendan Gleeson', 'role': 'Secretary General (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'}

Lobbying Tracker

Most Lobbied TDs