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Elaine McGoff

@elainemcgoff.bsky.social
2.9K followers 557 following 466 posts

PhD. Head of Advocacy for An Taisce. Water floats my boat. 🚲 powered. Views are my own.

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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Environmental Pillar @envpillar.bsky.social · 15h
In 2019 the Dáil declared a “climate and biodiversity emergency”. In the 2027 Budget there is very little sign that this emergency, now surely much more evident than ever, is being addressed.The Irish Times view on Ireland’s climate policy: rhetoric sounding hollow www.irishtimes.com/opinion/edit...
irishtimes.com
The Irish Times view on Ireland’s climate policy: rhetoric sounding hollow
Last week’s budget raised worrying questions about policy
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
An Taisce @antaisce.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
Future development of aquaculture can't come at expense of water quality & nature Ireland’s wild salmon population plunged from 1.7m in 1975 to just over 170k in 2022, pressures from aquaculture contributed to this decline Report & recommendations @swanireland.ie: swanireland.ie/take-action/...
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Grim, but necessary viewing on salmon farming in Scotland. 'you only get what lice don't eat'
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Environmental Pillar @envpillar.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
No extra funding for nature, carbon tax U-turn – the Government is clearly walking away from its climate, nature & energy security commitments in Budget 2027. Great to see coverage of our reaction to Budget 2027
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Patrick Bresnihan @pbresnihan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
@foeireland.bsky.social have been doing great work for years now to stop the toxic expansion of data centres in Ireland. November 7th is the first national demo calling for a moratorium. Remember, data centres don't bring long term jobs, development or 'digital innovation'.
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Dunno Ollie, Freshwater Pearl Mussel move pretty slowly.....
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Pádraic Fogarty @whittledaway.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Yesterday was a bad day for nature as virtually no new funding was announced. The guessing and uncertainty as how Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan is to be funded goes on. www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2...
irishtimes.com
‘Government clearly not listening’: Nature groups criticise lack of budget funding
Budget allocates just €6m extra to NPWS despite experts saying €700m needed annually for nature restoration
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
🎯🎯
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
We're getting close to 1 million signatures on this- please lend your voice to this petition calling for the protection of the laws that protect our nature. #HandsOffNature
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Katja Diehl @katjadiehl.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
"Analysis of data on over 600,000 collisions shows children 82% more likely to be killed if struck by an SUV or LTV rather than smaller vehicle" www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/n...
lshtm.ac.uk
Being hit by an SUV increases the likelihood of death or serious injury | LSHTM
The likelihood of a pedestrian or cyclist being fatally injured is 44% higher if they are hit by a sports utility vehicle (SUV) or light truck vehicle (LTV) compared with smaller passenger cars, new
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
On World Rivers Day let's remember the importance of rivers for our own wellbeing. I measure out the seasons in river swims. It gifts me resilience for my autumn, resolve for my winter, hope for my spring and pure joy for my summer. Our waters are life, let's protect them. #WorldRiversDay
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
The Journal @thejournal.ie · 25/09/2026
Irish chef and food writer Darina Allen is one of more than 120 famous chefs from around the world who have signed a letter calling for ocean-farmed salmon not to be served in restaurants. jrnl.ie/7173397
jrnl.ie
Darina Allen among famous chefs calling for ocean-farmed salmon not to be served in restaurants
The increase in farmed salmon in recent decades poses a threat to the environment and wild salmon populations.
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Patrick Bresnihan @pbresnihan.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Myself, Seán Fearon and Pat Brodie have published a report today examining the exaggerated benefits and significant costs of data centres to Ireland. Below is a short thread on some of the key takeaways. Read the full report here: mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/21... 1/6
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Alice-Mary Higgins @aliceeire.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Yesterday I demanded answers from the Minister about the Irish Government position on shocking proposals to give AI companies access to our personal data which are being negotiated right now on Ireland's watch. The public across EU want rights protected & more regulation of AI and big tech not less!
position.to
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
This is all fine.... 'In a leaked document, the Irish Presidency proposes to EU Member States that the interest of OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta and SpaceX to make profits should take precedence over the fundamental right to data protection.' noyb.eu/en/ai-eu-mem...
noyb.eu
AI: EU Member States plan “digital expropriation” of Europeans in the interest of AI companies
In a leaked document, the Irish Presidency proposes to EU Member States that the interest of AI companies to make profits should take precedence over the fundamental rights of Europeans.
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Ray Cunningham @ray-cunningham.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Everyone is to blame except the guy who cancelled plans to reform the RSA and roll out reduced speed limits in built-up areas www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
irishtimes.com
Road safety minister blames ‘everyone involved’, including road users, for rising death toll
Seán Canney’s remarks come after four deaths at the weekend and as EU ministers gather to discuss road safety
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Dave Mathieson @tinydbass.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
@irishtimes.com Can you please learn to distinguish between e-bikes (legal, safe, convenient, limited to 25km/h, you have to pedal) and electric motorbikes. The picture is of the first type, the story is about the second www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/20...
irishtimes.com
Man and teenager arrested after reports of e-bikes being driven dangerously in Belfast
Police chief commends actions of officers that ‘prevented further immediate danger to road users’
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) @swanireland.ie · 18/09/2026
🥳Join the Big River Watch 2026! Today the Rivers Trust kicks off the Big River Watch citizen science event.  Sign up here f.mtr.cool/f1rt2blub7
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Richard Chambers @newschambers.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Breaking: In a potentially landmark decision, a major data centre project in Mayo has had planning permission overturned over climate concerns. More on @virginmedianews.bsky.social this evening.
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Nicolas Hénin @nicolashenin.net · 17/09/2026
Nice campaign by the Norwegian Consumer Council about the declining lifespan of products. Enjoy!
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek is a really beautiful book. RIP Annie Dillard.
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Of note, Denmark plans to lower its legal limit for total nitrate in drinking water from 50 mg/L down to 6 mg/L to reduce colorectal cancer risks. Much of Ireland's drinking water is taken from surface waters, and nitrate removal is not currently a standard part of Uisce Eireann's water treatment.
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Another EPA report showing nitrate water pollution trends going the wrong direction-the majority of which comes from farming. The weather doesn't help,but our farming system needs to adapt so fluctuating weather does not lead to water pollution.This is our new reality. www.epa.ie/publications...
Early insight average nitrogen concentrations for the January - June period of each year from 2016
to 2026 at 20 representative sites located around the country.
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The juxtaposition with this article is striking: 'farmers (93%) agreed that policymaking in government departments is being "overly influenced" by non-government organisations (NGOs) and civil society groups.' yeah, sure thing, that's why we still have a derogation www.agriland.ie/farming-news...
agriland.ie
91% of farmers say public's perception of farming is a 'challenge'
While 91% of farmers hold that view, 61% of them 'strongly agree' that this is the case
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A very good question. www.irishtimes.com/opinion/edit...
For decades the Department of Agriculture has operated as though it were a branch office of the Irish Farmers’ Association, its instincts bent reliably towards the producer and away from the consumer, the environment and the taxpayer. The Government wasted valuable European capital opposing Mercosur, a deal which will benefit many other parts of the Irish economy. It fought to keep the nitrates derogation, leaving Ireland the only EU state still spreading slurry at these levels while its waterways decline even further. The time has come to ask whether the cosy understandings and close relationships on which these policies are based really serve the country as a whole.
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Environmental Pillar @envpillar.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
@envpillar.bsky.social met with Minister Jack Chambers to outline our pre-Budget asks - investment in nature restoration, funding a fair transition from fossil fuels, investment in renewables & retrofit schemes, support for public & active transport & sustainable funding for civil society groups
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Joe Noonan @joenoonan.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Banned: Macklemore's powerful statement deserves reading. www.instagram.com/p/DdRdsy0m2H...
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Yes, LLMs may just be a tool, but they're most certainly in the wrong hands currently. All you have to do is look at the people that own and control AI, and listen to some of the things they've said. Hair raising stuff. www.youtube.com/watch?is=VPE...
youtube.com
"The Nerd Reich": Author Gil Durán on Big Tech Fascism, Peter Thiel, JD Vance & the War on Democracy
YouTube video by Democracy Now!
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
2 different headlines in my timeline right now about how AI is going to potentially kill us, and by the way it's also spying on us. But yet, somehow, those of us questioning the ubiquity and inevitability of AI are the naïve ones? We're the problem?
Anthropic is building a predictive surveillance system to monitor activistsAnthropic official: 10% chance AI could kill all humans in a decade
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Clare Kelly @clarekelly.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Just when you think things couldn't get *more* dystopian...
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Great to see the CCAC raising food security. How can we claim to be feeding the world, when we can't even feed ourselves? 'The council says the State’s food security is at risk and the department should review the support schemes in place to encourage more fruit and vegetable production.'
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Richard Chambers @newschambers.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Imagine if you said that the company you work for had a higher than 1 in 10 chance of ending ALL human life... do you think you might get a knock on the door? www.cnbc.com/2026/09/09/a...
cnbc.com
Anthropic researcher says AI has more than 10% chance of 'killing all humans' after colleague quits
An Anthropic safety researcher said there is a greater than 10% chance AI could "kill all humans" after a former colleague quits over safety concerns.
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Environmental Pillar @envpillar.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
We’re calling for a Budget that matches Ireland’s climate and nature commitments. Budget 2027 is an opportunity to invest in measures that protect people & ecosystems, restore nature, provide warm homes, deliver clean energy & enable sustainable transport www.environmentalpillar.ie/budget-2027-...
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The latest in a long line of efforts by the industrial agri lobby to try persuade people that Irish meat and dairy is wonderful. I don't know about you, but science be damned, having listened to this rap I am now fully persuaded... www.independent.ie/farming/am-i...
independent.ie
Am I old or is the new farm ad cringy?
“Cringe”. That was the word used by the person who sent me the latest “disruptive” video advertising campaign launched by Our Food Roots.
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
WATERSHED Investigations @watershed-i.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Then, when we sampled water from Lough Neagh, we found genes resistant to even the strongest antibiotics in the lough - which supplies drinking water to 40% of people in NI: share.google/uHFFfxs8aiqY...
share.google
‘Drinking from a fetid pond’: superbug-creating genes found in UK’s largest lake
Exclusive: Lough Neagh, which supplies drinking water for 40% of NI, contains genes resistant to last-resort antibiotics
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
🤪
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Which option is most likely...so hard to know.....
They may have to temporarily power down, postpone energy intensive operations or use an alternative fuel source. The CRU says that is likely to be diesel.
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Make this make sense. Data centres are to be offered cut price gas, on the condition that they use diesel generators when gas demand is high?! That'll be wonderful for the health of all the communities saddled with these data centres, not to mention emissions. www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
irishtimes.com
Data centres in Ireland to be offered cut-price gas in return for possible supply disruption
Data-centre expansion will make it hard to source enough gas to meet demand during extreme cold events, state regulator warns
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Patrick Bresnihan @pbresnihan.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Great to see communities across Ireland organising to stop the wasteful, anti-developmental expansion of data centres. Places like Naas are where the AI arms race driven by US monopoly tech hits the ground, and where it can be resisted. www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026...
irishtimes.com
‘We just don’t want them’: hundreds gather in a Kildare town over data centre plans
Noise issues in Clondalkin are a cautionary tale – but it’s not too late for Kildare, town meeting hears
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The Irish Times @irishtimes.com · 04/09/2026
Naas has a message for the Bond villains: We don’t want your data centres
irishtimes.com
Naas has a message for the Bond villains: We don’t want your data centres
Clondalkin is a cautionary tale – but it’s not too late for Naas, town meeting hears
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Reposted by Elaine McGoff
Una Mullally @unamullally.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
At a public meeting about a planned data centre in Kildare, more than double the number of expected attendees turned up.
irishtimes.com
‘We just don’t want them’: hundreds gather in a Kildare town over data centre plans
Noise issues in Clondalkin are a cautionary tale – but it’s not too late for Kildare, town meeting hears
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Public transport fares are going up. Hi-vis and helmets are required for e-scooters. Another masterclass in encouraging sustainable travel from the Government ...
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The Journal FactCheck @factcheck.thejournal.ie · 03/09/2026
While the internet is filled with arguments denying the effects of farming on climate change, it is worth delving into one argument that methane from cow herds is harmless, as featured in a video whose popularity has endured online.
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Ed Moynihan @emcreative.ie · 03/09/2026
This is crazy on so many levels. Increasing the cost of public transport, while spending a billion euro on excise cuts for motorists, will only encourage more people to drive. Meanwhile, there's no money available for public transport projects like Dart+, BusConnects or rural town bus services.
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Una Mullally @unamullally.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The battle to keep global heating from passing the agreed 1.5-degree threshold has been lost. This should be an era when human ingenuity works to save the planet from catastrophe. Instead the tech broligarchy is busy embarking upon ludicrous AI data centre “infrastructure” fuelled by coal and gas.
irishtimes.com
Battle to halt global heating at 1.5 degrees is lost - UN
Focus must now switch to limiting extent of overshoot, says United Nations' climate report
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Prof Julia Steinberger 🌹🌱🌍 #ClimateAction #Fightfascism @jksteinberger.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
⚠️ 🌍 ⚠️ We stand with humanity: A scientist statement to confront climate destruction⚠️ 🌍 ⚠️ ✒️ 🙏 If you are an academic or healthcare professional, please consider signing. 🙏✒️ framaforms.org/we-stand-wit...
framaforms.org
We stand with humanity: A scientist statement to confront climate destruction | Framaforms.org
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Institute for Future Food Systems @iffs-earth.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Everyone is talking about AI's water use. AI data centres are projected to consume ~1 trillion litres a year by 2028. Livestock already consumes ~228 trillion litres. Around 200x more, and more than 90% of it goes to feed. #WorldWaterWeek
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Stuart Capstick @stucap.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Pragmatic (adj.) 1. Of or relating to decision-making in the short-term interests of fossil fuel producers. 2. Neglect or ignorance of the risks of climate breakdown and need for rapid emissions reduction. 3. Naivety in regard to the promises or assumptions of unproven carbon capture technologies.
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Greenpeace International 🌍 @greenpeace.org · 31/08/2026
Shell announced they've made USD $9.8 BILLION in profits in just 3 MONTHS.⁠ ⁠ While Shell CEO Wael Sawan and his shareholders are getting richer, our planet is burning and lives are being lost to floods.⁠
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Elaine McGoff @elainemcgoff.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
RIP Wendell Berry.
Image shows a screenshot of a Poem by Wendell Berry

The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. 
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water. 
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
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