Australia's new guidelines to curb green lies

Australia's consumer watchdog has released guidelines to combat businesses wrongly claiming their products or operations are 'environmentally friendly' or 'green'.

Referendum Commission on Reform Treaty

Mr. John Gormley, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has announced that he has made an order under the Referendum Act 1998 establishing an independent statutory Referendum Commission for the purposes of the forthcoming referendum on the Twenty-Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008.

First phase commencement of Building Control Act, 2007

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley T.D. has made a Commencement Order to commence the first phase of the Building Control Act 2007.

RPII warns companies using radioactive substances

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) has welcomed the decision of the District Court in Trim, to convict Trimproof Ltd, Trim, Co Meath for the unlicensed custody of an instrument containing a radioactive substance on the 25th April and the 16th November 2007.

Sarkozy urged to push through EU carbon targets

European Commission president José Manuel Barroso has urged Nicolas Sarkozy to stick to his guns and force through the Commission's package of environmental targets and legislation during his upcoming stint as EU president.

EPA to hold licence hearing on Poolbeg incinerator

RTE News has reported that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced it will be holding an oral hearing into the granting of a waste disposal licence to the operators of the planned Poolbeg Incinerator.

Gormley consults on New Bathing Water Regulations

Mr John Gormley TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has announced that he is inviting comments on a draft of Regulations to transpose the Bathing Water Directive 2006 (2006/7/EC) into Irish national law.

Gormley issues comprehensive planning guidance concerning the taking in charge of residential estates

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley has announced that his Department has issued new policy guidance to planning authorities in relation to the taking in charge of residential estates.

EU treaty ratification may be delayed in Germany

Formal ratification of the EU treaty in Germany may be delayed, meaning the bloc's biggest member state would not sign-off on the treaty in time for it to come into force across all member states at the beginning of 2009, as planned.

€38 million fine imposed on E.ON for breach of a seal during an inspection

The European Commission has imposed a fine of €38 million on E.ON Energie AG (E.ON) for the breach of a Commission seal in E.ON's premises during an inspection.