Episode 05

(Eco Eye s2/e1)

Genetically Modified Organisms
The vast majority of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are used in contained situations for medical research and pharmaceutical manufacture. Some, however, are released as foodstuffs and this is where the controversy begins. Since 1991, eighteen GM foods have been authorised for release in the EU. Here in Ireland, ongoing field trials of GM crops are being conducted by Teagasc, and in time, one or more of these crops could be released commercially. Proponents say genetic modification could put an end to world hunger; opponents claim that science is playing with fire. EcoEye examines both arguments and asks whether or not Irish people are prepared to accept a genetically modified future.

Entente Florale – Malahide
Last year, the town of Malahide in County Dublin was chosen to represent Ireland in the Entente Florale – a prestigious competition which attracted entries from ten countries all over Europe. The Entente Florale judges spent a day in Malahide assessing its parks, wildlife, councils and community businesses and decided to award the town its highest honour – a Gold Medal. EcoEye spoke to two people involved in structuring the preparations for the competition and visited St. Oliver Plunkett’s National School whose active green policy won them a green flag for excellence.

Salmon Freshwater Habitat – River Nore
For thousands of years, the salmon has begun and ended its life cycle along the waterways of Ireland. Of the 170 or so Irish rivers and lakes vital to this cycle, one of the most important is the Nore in Co. Kilkenny. But increasing pollution from agricultural and urban waste has reduced its water quality significantly resulting in a reduction in the numbers of salmon that can be produced and can exist in its waters. We speak to members of the Central Fisheries Board and the Environmental Protection Agency, who in 2002 came together to assess the quality and quantity of Ireland’s river and lake water. The project examines crucial factors in attracting salmon in from the sea to spawn. We also speak to local fishermen about the difficulties of maintaining healthy salmon stocks into the future.

Solar Energy
Ireland may not be known for its hot sunny weather, but when it comes to solar thermal energy, that doesn’t matter. A lot of solar technologies are not reliant on direct sunlight; they can take daylight and convert it into heat which can be stored in tanks for later use. EcoEye visits Austria where over 40,000 homes use solar technology to generate their heat and energy. We also visit Thermomax in Co.Down, who make solar evacuated tubes, mainly for export, to ask why the Irish market has been so slow to adopt this cost effective, environmentally friendly technology. The item also looks at the potential of the heat pump, another innovative source of energy.