Eco Eye

Item 1 (Community lifestyle strand) -- "Farming and the Environment" At last the intersection of environment and farming unearths positive results. We meet a young beef farmer who is interested in sustainable agricultural practices and eager to do the right thing. Teagasc research scientists introduce us to some of the more environmentally sound approaches to farming in 21st century Ireland. Item 2 (Community lifestyle strand) -- "The recycling of electronic goods in Ireland" We accompany Tania Stewart on a journey into the world of waste electrical and electronic goods. We examine how this geriatric gear is processed and recycled into raw materials full of potential for future use. Item 3 (Community lifestyle strand) -- "Peat Lands" Too often our peat-lands are disregarded and mistreated. Unsuited to agricultural or industrial development, they are often relegated to the status of wastelands. Midway through their rapid demise, we are only beginning to understand the crucial importance of this sodden soil in terms of Biodiversity and Climate Change. In this item, we take a look at The Bogland project funded by the EPA, which focuses on Peat-land regeneration, biodiversity and the carbon-storing properties of bogs. Will Ireland's most important carbon sinks survive in this post-industrial landscape?

Item 1 (Big Picture strand) -- "Forest Eco Systems" Forests. A beautiful enigma. A vast web of living organisms interconnected seamlessly. But how do much do we really know about them? In this item, we delve into the processes that occur beneath the canopy. We'll examine energy flows, nutrient cycles and water's vital role in sustaining forest ecosystems. Item 2 (Community lifestyle strand) -- "Consumption and Waste" We are a covetous nation, enraptured by the price tag. As we zealously flitter away our hard earned cash, do we ever pause to consider the environmental impact of our actions? In this item, we examine the consumption-waste conundrum. As consumption levels in Ireland reach an all-time high, we are dealing with more waste then ever before. So how can we protect our environment? Item 3 (Heritage protection and Natural Environment strand) --. "Lakelands and Inland Waterways" The Shannon waterways form part of the biggest water catchment area in Southern Ireland. Duncan Stewart embarks on a picturesque cruise along the Shannon. Whilst exploring the rich and diverse local heritage and biodiversity along the route, he examines the environmental threats sustained through tourism and reveals a glimpse of sustainable tourism in a home-grown context.

Climate Change; Special Programme This programme grapples with the stark issues surrounding climate change today. Where do we go from here? What are the implications of Climate Change in an Irish context? What is the Carbon Footprint of the average Irish family? Can our young, robust economy sustain the potentially harrowing economic effects of Climate Change? In this item we'll examine our mitigation strategy and what we need to do to achieve this ambitious target.

Item 1 (Big Picture strand) -- "Environment and Health" In this item, we examine crucial environmental factors, which are detrimental to human health. Ever-present hazards such as polluted drinking water, dangerous chemicals, radiation, noise, spatial land use planning, climate change and waste management affect those who are most vulnerable in our society, particularly children. What can be done? Item 2 (Community lifestyle strand) -- "End of Life of Vehicles" What happens when a banger reaches the end of the road? In this item, we examine how end of life vehicles are recycled and reborn. Item 3 (Heritage protection and Natural Environment strand) -- "Skellig Islands" Duncan explores the visually stunning and archaeologically important Skellig Islands and uncovers how best to protect these national treasures.

Item 1 (Big Picture strand) -- "Household recyclables" We will track recyclable waste from it's source, find out how much of our green bin is actually recycled and how much is dumped in landfill, we will also reveal where all this recyclable material ends up... Item 2 (Heritage protection and Natural Environment strand) -- "Endangered species and biodiversity in forestry" As we engage with our current climate of pollution, hazardous development and intensive farming, ever-greater threats to Irish Biodiversity loom. The endangered hen harrier and red squirrel are just two species fighting for survival in Irelands Forests today. We will examine how future forestry planning can address the needs of such vulnerable creatures. Item 3 (Heritage protection and Natural Environment strand) -- "Loughs and Waterways" Across Ireland, certain environmental pressures threaten to obliterate entire species. We'll explore the cross boarder Strangford Lough and Lough Foyle and look at how best to protecting local ecosystems, particularly vulnerable fish stocks.

Item 1 (Big Picture strand) -- "Biochange, Burren" As we progress further into the post-industrial 21st Century, Ireland's Biodiversity is dwindling dangerously low. In this item, we focus on an innovative research project 'Biochange', which examines varying aspects of Biodiversity loss in Ireland. Item 2 (Community lifestyle strand) -- "Drinking Water" Water, the elixir of life, is our most vital natural resource. Does our constitutional right to clean, healthy drinking water in Ireland hold any weight today? We'll examine the myriad of health complications associated with bad water in Ireland and the ramifications this holds for local people around the country. We'll specifically look at how the local people in Galway are managing after the Cryptosporidium crisis. Item 3 (Heritage protection and Natural Environment strand) -- "Geo Parks" Ireland is home to one of Europe's most stunning, iconic and striking geological heritage sites. Our "Copper Coast Geopark" in Waterford is comprised of lush countryside and golden strands stretching from Tramore to Dungarvin. We'll explore the beautiful terrain and unique geological characteristics of this site and look at the stringent efforts of the local community to protect and maintain this national treasure.

Item 1 (Big Picture strand) -- "Water protection from small polluting sources" 30% of our rivers in Ireland are below an "acceptable" environmental standard. What are the pressures on these rivers? Who contributes to this pollution? How much is the clean up of these rivers costing the tax payer? We'll look at some of the small polluters in Ireland today. We'll also suggest some best practice solutions to keeping our waterways clean. Item 2 (Big Picture strand) -- "Food Production and Waste" In an epoch where 50% of our meals our consumed outside of the home, what are the environmental costs of food production and waste in Ireland? If we waste over 30% of our food and this is broken down to form toxic gasses such as methane, how can we act more responsibly? In this item, we will suggest best practice for food waste and production, empowering householders to make informed choices. Item 3 (Heritage protection and Natural Environment strand) -- "Environmental state of Forests today" The National Forest Inventory unearths the composition of our forests in terms of tree species and Biodiversity sampling. Despite its minute stature, the unassuming Bark Beetle has left a trail of devastation across much of Canada and Europe. In this item, we examine the importance of our National Forest Inventory and how Ireland's forestry service controls dangerous invasive species like the Bark Beetle.

Item 1 (Big Picture strand) -- "Food production and safety Issues" GM foods, Chemicals, pesticides, environmental costs of Production and transport. Safety issues with food etc Item 2 (Community lifestyle strand) -- "Air Quality and Health" Air quality has become a huge health issue as well as an environmental one. We'll explore the problems and give some good tips to watch out for unhealthy air. Item 3 (Heritage protection and Natural Environment strand) -- "Eco Management of Golf Courses" 90% of our recreational land in Ireland is golf courses. The golf courses are sprayed with heavy industrial chemicals and constantly watered to the old practices. However the big international golf courses, such as the K club are taking a much more ecological and sustainable route, now others are following. We'll take a look at what can be done to increase ecological and environmental aspects of our golf courses in Ireland.