Sign in

Lorraine Benson

@lbcilldara.bsky.social
127 followers 140 following 48 posts

Ecologist Co Kildare Ireland Birdwatch Ireland Board member Green Party member

PostsRepliesMedia
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Great trip out to sea south of Fastnet organised by John Horton, Cape Clear Warden for @birdwatchireland.bsky.social
020
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Nature protection plan demanded for Kildare share.google/uqcnn2F990MO...
share.google
Nature protection plan demanded for Kildare
It was claimed that County Kildare ‘has the opportunity to get the balance right between renewable energy and the protection of habitats and nature’
030
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
One small step for Offaly. One giant step for Nature in the Midlands. Kildare County Council are you listening? @KildareCoCo @KildareHeritage
000
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Cllr Hazel Chu @hazelchu.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
According to the CSO Data Centres consumed 23% of Ireland's metered electricity in 2025 and could consume up to 30% by 2030! Time they paid for the bigger share! @greenparty.ie are proposing a levy on Data Centre energy usage. It could raise up to 100 million plus in revenue! #datacentres #budget
34121
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Thank you @birdwatchireland.bsky.social and @npwsireland.bsky.social for this excellent reference work and for acknowledging the work of I-Webs volunteers.
172
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
And where is the EPA on this ongoing scandal?
000
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
David @puca.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Extent of the gorse fire in the Dublin/Wicklow mountains, visible in Sentinel 2 false colour.
143
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
David @puca.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Partial ADS-B Air Corps helicopter tracks from 17 & 18th of July over the fire area.
221
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Roderic O’Gorman TD @rodericogorman.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Today I questioned the Taoiseach on the Tánaiste's recent remarks that further energy supports would be forthcoming, in particular for heat pumps and electric vehicles. The Taoiseach didn't respond to the question at all, instead reeling off a list of supports already in place. (1/2)
2218
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Janet Horner @janetphorner.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Lack of government leadership, lack of funding and state bodies with commercial interests instead of nature ones.. 😭 Nature needs championing! www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
irishtimes.com
Dedicated nature fund needed to save Ireland’s remaining wildlife, advisory body says
Committee makes dozens of recommendations for new national Nature Restoration Plan
01610
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Janet Horner @janetphorner.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
The energy crisis makes the transition to renewables extra urgent. Everything must be thrown at making homes warmer, solar energy accessible & improving alternatives to fossil fuel cars. We need to start with renters, social housing tenants & low & middle incomes. www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
irishtimes.com
Energy crisis: Simon Harris floats one-off payments for heat pumps and efficient cars
Tánaiste doubles down on transition from fossil fuels despite pressure over carbon tax
02311
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Cllr Hazel Chu @hazelchu.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Data centres uses 32% of Ireland's total electricity supply but pay almost less than half of the residential rate. So we're effectively subsidizing tech giants during a cost of living & energy crisis. Meanwhile this Govt continues to cheerlead their expansion & continue to fail in their obligations.
_"The Government’s consistent cheerleading for data centre expansion has reached a point of reckless disconnect from the economic reality of Irish citizens... Irish families are paying nearly double the electricity rates of these industrial facilities, effectively subsidizing the massive energy consumption of global tech giants while struggling with a punishing cost-of-living crisis."

https://greenparty.ie/news/uncritical-expansion-data-centres-will-fuel-social-inequality-and-energy-crisis-cllr-hazel-chu
12517193
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Janet Horner @janetphorner.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
It’s St. Patrick’s Day and half a million people are expected to be in Dublin today to take part in the celebration. Our fantastic street cleaners were out in force last night and this morning to make the city look its best.
23520
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
The Irish Times @irishtimes.com · 15/03/2026
Ireland doesn’t have time for wind farm battles
irishtimes.com
Ireland doesn’t have time for wind farm battles
Ella McSweeney: A recent verdict showed climate law can’t fix what politics won’t
1163
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Electricity prices are plain unfair to consumers in Ireland.⚡ It's mischievous in the extreme to insinuate that degrowth prompted this very reasonable and important question by Deputy O'Gorman.
010
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Still waiting for the "high impact actions". Looks like it will be another year before we know. At least let us know : is it Abandon and Retreat?
010
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
Birdwatch Ireland CEO Dr Andrew Kelly speaking at Kildare meeting of Birdwatch members in Naas. Almost two thirds of bird species in Ireland are in decline. Help us stop the decline: become a member. www.birdwatchireland.ie
Over 50 people at the Birdwatch Ireland meeting in Naas Library and cultural centre.
030
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Tina Claffey Photography @tinaclaffey.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
The Hazel trees are in bloom ❤️ male catkins, and the tiny little female red flower. So beautiful when the sun illuminates them between the showers .... @peatlandecr.bsky.social @tocharstories.bsky.social @claireissimo.bsky.social @communitywetlands.bsky.social
1419
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Óige Ghlas - Young Greens @younggreens.ie · 06/02/2026
We are sickened by the reports yesterday in The Guardian that a private jet owned by one of Donald Trump’s friends was not only used to deport Palestinians back to the occupied West Bank but that this jet was allowed to fuel in Shannon Airport.
Shannon Airport Used for US
Deportation of Palestinians. Twice.
Source: The Guardian

Hours earlier, they had been sitting with their wrists and ankles shackled on the plush leather seats of a private jet owned by the Florida property tycoon Gil Dezer, a longtime business partner of Donald Trump.
younggreens.ie/join
11210
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
Still no Climate plan and key government Climate unit has been disbanded... 🤨Meanwhile climate change impacts washing up on our streets and homes, train tracks flooded and roads swept away. Where are the "high impact actions"?
030
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Roderic O’Gorman TD @rodericogorman.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
With Trumps threats to Greenland’s independence growing every day, a strong EU response is vital. I’m calling on the Taoiseach to urgently brief Opposition leaders on the possible use of the EU Anti-Coercion Instrument and the impact on Ireland of the new tariffs threat 🇮🇪 🇬🇱 🇪🇺
16927
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Unbelievable. Why the delay? The facts are known. Where are the "high impact actions". Where is the urgency? Placing climate burdens on the next generation seems to be the norm for this government.
020
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Dagmar Fischer @dagmarfischer.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
A New Year's Resolution: www.greenparty.ie/take-action
066
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 28/12/2025
Starlings carrying nest material into a convenient hole in a soffit at Monread, Naas, Co Kildare. A bit early for nesting?@BirdWatchIE @BirdsMatter_ie photo from Birdwatch Ireland's excellent website.
010
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 26/10/2025
Young Blackcap on the Beara Peninsula, West Cork, Ireland feeding up before migration on 14 October 2025.
050
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
Birdwatch Ireland conservation volunteers with Cape Clear Warden John Horton. Lovely morning for a ringing session.
020
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
Irish Times today on decision of the International Court of Justice on responsibility of States to protect the rights of current and future generations to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The EU US Trade deal on future fossil fuel purchase runs foul of the ICJ.
010
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Roderic O’Gorman TD @rodericogorman.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
If those 20 EU govts who joined Monday's strong statement by Western countries to immediately allow aid & supplies move unencumbered into Gaza are ready to put their words into action, there's already a qualified majority to act. QMV can immediately suspend the trade chapter 1/4
33323
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
An Taisce @antaisce.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Healthy environment is a human right: '... those most responsible for causing the climate crisis are legally bound to take action, can be held accountable for inaction and may be required to provide reparations to those most affected' www.irishtimes.com/world/2025/0...
irishtimes.com
Healthy environment is a human right, top UN court rules in landmark climate case
‘This is the start of a new era of climate accountability at a global level’ - Greenpeace
052
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Michael Pidgeon @pidgeondublin.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
Tonight the Greens are ending a bad tax cut in Dublin City Council. We want to invest instead. We'll be raising money to insulate social housing, bring derelict properties into use, offer pprenticeships, and build zebra crossings. Fixing Dublin = Investing in Dublin
02612
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
Birdwatch Ireland Kildare visit to Farming for Nature Ambassador, Anthony Mooney's farm. Anthony runs a successful beef farm, does not apply chemical nitrogen and has not reseeded his land for 25 years. We were joined by the Dublin Naturalists Field Club.
030
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
Large White Butterfly eggs and larvae on a cabbage leaf today in North Kildare. There are plenty of these about.
010
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Time to protect the seabirds by designating Marine Protected Areas. Birdwatch Ireland's detailed work and mapping will help inform government policy and legislation....... I hope
In the picture L to R Senator Malcolm Noonan, Seán Roynane, Una Duggan, Jennifer Whitmore TD, Andrew Kelly CEO Birdwatch Ireland and Lorraine Benson.
092
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
RTÉ News @news.rte.ie · 03/07/2025
A map identifying the 73 most important areas for Ireland's seabirds is being launched by BirdWatch Ireland
rte.ie
Crucial areas for conserving Irish seabirds identified
A map identifying the 73 most important areas for Ireland's seabirds is being launched by BirdWatch Ireland.
15610
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
An Taisce @antaisce.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Landmark case: Court in France found French State liable for death of jogger, citing its "negligence" in enforcing environmental regulations to protect its waters and prevent toxic green algae. In Brittany, 90% of algae blooms are caused by intensive agriculture www.lemonde.fr/en/police-an...
lemonde.fr
France ordered to compensate family of jogger killed by toxic algae
Jean-René Auffray, 50, died in 2016 during a run after inhaling poisonous gas emitted by rotting green algae piled along the country's western coast.
0121
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Hummingbird-Hawk-moth on Lavender in my garden.
030
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
No Song Sparrow on Tory Island today 😢 after it's one week stay. But isn't the Donegal landscape breathtaking?
020
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
And here is another gem. Bord na Mona knows that peat purifies water. They were hired by the US EPA to use Irish peat to address pollution in the Gulf of Mexico also back in the 1950s.
010
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Found this poster today in Lullymore, Co Kildare. Maybe it's time for a new mandate for Bord na Móna to build houses? Sounds like a just transition to me.
000
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Roderic O’Gorman TD @rodericogorman.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
Lady's Island Lake is one of Ireland's largest saline lagoons, and hosts a wide variety of bird-life. Unfortunately, it is also highly polluted. I have been working with the Wexford Green Party to highlight this, and today I raised the issue with the Taoiseach www.rte.ie/news/regiona...
rte.ie
O'Gorman calls for Wexford 'goo lagoon' to be prevented
Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman has said that urgent action is needed to prevent Ireland's largest saltwater lake from becoming a toxic "goo lagoon".
13517
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
Thank you Mary.
000
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
Proud to join the board of BirdWatchIreland today working to protect birds and biodiversity.
Logo of Birdwatch Ireland
2120
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
Wild Dog rose by the Liffey before the rain came.
051
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
Great White Egret at Leixlip Reservoir Co Kildare.
Great White Egret with Mute Swan at the Leixlip Reservoir Co Kildare Great White Egret with a Mallard showing size comparison
051
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
"solutions abound, but on housing, the centre is now a vacant site" Gerard Howlin 👌
000
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Graham Appleton @wadertales.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Don't break the chain! Ground-breaking analysis demonstrating the complex needs of migrating Black-tailed Godwits. Damaging one site can have far-reaching consequences. wadertales.wordpress.com/2025/01/09/h... #ornithology Paper @amigodeaves.bsky.social
02612
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Bundling data centres with an energy park sounds good for the Midlands but should not be at the expense of our emissions and biodiversity targets.
This is a photo of a sign for a green energy and data centre park at Rhode Co Offaly
000
Reposted by Lorraine Benson
Leo Enright @ollopa11.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Skibbereen was ground zero of Ireland's Great Famine, an Gorta Mór. The Famine Burial Pits at Abbeystrowry hold the remains of up to 10,000 unidentified victims.
https://skibbereen.ie/the-great-famine-an-gorta-mor/
012
Lorraine Benson @lbcilldara.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Important messaging in this movie about the state of our environment, climate, our bogs and hopes for the future. Made by young people in Kildare. 💚💚💚#DANCEOFTHECRANES #YOUTHINK
000