Episode 06

(Eco Eye s2/e6)

Backyard Burning
The programme begins with a critical look at the antisocial and illegal practice of back-yard burning. With the introduction of waste charges, there has been an increase in the number of people burning rubbish in their back gardens in order to keep waste disposal costs down. It is even possible to buy specially adapted bins for this purpose. This process is mistakenly thought to be more environmentally friendly than landfill when in fact it is not only potentially dangerous in terms of fire hazards, but also lethal to the environment and damaging to human health. 200 people burning waste in their backyard can produce as many dioxins as an incinerator serving 120,000. Gerry Carty from the EPA explains that approximately 73% of our dioxins are produced by open burning. EcoEye also speaks to Moira Byrne, Environmental Awareness Officer for Wicklow County Council, where 20% of householders are burning their own waste, and asks her to explain the dangers of this practice and suggest some environmentally friendly alternatives.

Protecting our Migratory Birds
Every year, the Little Tern leaves its breeding ground in West Africa and embarks on a hazardous journey over thousands of miles. The final destination, for about a fifth of the migrating birds, is a ten mile strand between Wicklow Town and Greystones – Kilcoole Beach. Lately, the Terns idyllic nesting site on the beach has been disturbed. The once thriving migrant colony is now on the endangered species list. EcoEye talks to members of Birdwatch Ireland who have established a sanctuary to protect the remaining Terns during their yearly visit to Kilcoole.

The Noise Impact of Roads
More people, more cars, more noise. Road noise has been endemic to cities for the best part of a century, and lately it has become a rural problem too. According to recent EU studies, it is the most pervasive pollutant of the modern world, causing stress, anxiety and insomnia. In the coming years, billions will be spent constructing new roads throughout Ireland, and with vehicle sales rising every year, in every county, noise levels will increase dramatically. EcoEye talks to Brian Mc Manus, Senior Environmental Health Officer with Dublin County Council, to ask if the Dublin Port Tunnel will have any effect on noise levels in the capital by removing Heavy Goods Vehicles and reducing traffic in the city. We also investigate the effectiveness of different proposals aimed at reducing road noise levels around the country.

Wood Energy
Most people are aware of the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels but because they generate two things we can’t do without – heat and power- the practice continues. But the days of oil, coal and gas are numbered. Clean, renewable fuels such as wood pellets are gaining ground all the time. Burning wood pellets results in a high performance fuel without the smell or the emissions of oil and gas. EcoEye travelled to Austria to see how a plentiful natural resource has been turned into a renewable energy industry and, in the process, reversed the fortunes of an ailing farm sector. We also speak to Paul Kellett of Sustainable Energy Ireland about the likelihood and benefits of Ireland developing Wood Energy to meet our own requirements.