Connolly: Ireland’s Environment in Crisis – Time for Real Action
29 September 2025:
Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly has said the latest EU report showing
Ireland’s natural environment in “very poor” condition must be a serious wake-up
call.
“The evidence is clear,” Connolly said. “Most of our protected habitats are in bad
shape, water quality is getting worse, waste is rising, and we spend far less than
other EU countries on protecting our environment. This is not good enough.”
She criticised successive governments for delays and half-measures:
“Plans are drawn up but not delivered. Targets are set but not met. Communities see
rivers, lakes and wildlife decline before their eyes, while ministers talk about growth
first and action later. That approach has failed.”
Connolly said the Presidency must play a role in lifting ambition and holding
government to account:
“As President, I would use the office to shine a light on these failures and to press for
urgent change.
“Environmental protection cannot be treated as optional. It must be at the heart of
how we plan our economy and our society.”
She pledged to highlight community and local projects, call for greater investment in
clean water and nature restoration, and help ensure Ireland meets its European
obligations.
“This election is a choice. Do we accept a verdict of ‘very poor’ for our natural
environment, or do we demand better?
“I believe the people of Ireland want to protect and restore the land and water that
sustains us. I am ready to give leadership on that challenge.”
ENDS
contact: press@connollyforpresident.ie