Eco Eye

Greenbox, Illegal Disposal of Waste, Acid Gas (5x9)

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Greenbox The Greenbox is an area in the North West of Ireland including all of counties Leitrim and Fermanagh as well as parts of neighbouring counties Donegal, Sligo, Cavan and Monaghan. It is a completely unique region and is a natural location for Ireland's eco tourism destination. Duncan visits the area and checks out what it has to offer as an eco tourist destination. Taking the kingfisher trail he cycles around the region and stops off at different locations ranging from health farms to activity centres. Illegal Disposal of Waste Every household in Ireland is producing, on average, just over 1 tonne of waste per year. Since the introduction of waste charges there has been a huge increase in recycling and diverting waste from landfill. Just under a quarter of the household waste we know about is being recycled and 3/4 is being landfilled but it is estimated that a further 200,000 tonnes of household waste is unaccounted for. Duncan goes to the Wicklow Uplands to investigate the illegal disposal of Household waste. He finds out about the PURE project, which focuses directly on the fly-tipping/illegal dumping issue and goes to see some examples of dumping hotspots. Acid Gas We have inherited good air quality in Ireland, but air is not confined by man-made borders. Air is everywhere. In 2001, Ireland along with the rest of Europe committed to the EU Emissions Ceiling Directive to bring down emissions of four acid gases; sulphur dioxide, ammonia, volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides. But how far have we come in 2007? Professor Luke Clancy discusses the potential harmful health implications of poor air quality. And Duncan finds out what Ireland is doing to bring down emissions and talks to Brian Broderick about Ireland's biggest challenge; transport.