Challenging times prevailed throughout 2012 but positive signs too on the horizon
A brief look back at some of the key topics reported by Inshore Ireland throughout 2012 confirms that despite persistent energy-sapping doom and gloom in the wider media about the state of the economy, for the aquatic environment at least, there is reason for optimism.
In February we wondered if Our Ocean Wealth document heralded the dawn of Ireland’s long-hoped for ‘maritime era’. For the first time it seemed that here at last was a government that was taking the marine sector seriously by actually seeking public input into creating a maritime policy.
And sure enough to the surprise of many, the government followed up in July with the launch of Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth.
We interpreted the presence of An Taoiseach Enda Kenny alongside Minister Simon Coveney at the launch as a clear signal that the maritime agenda was now high on this government’s agenda. Confidence amongst the maritime community was palpable.
Ocean energy potential
At last we have an integrated marine plan that sets out the ambitious twin targets of increasing turnover from Ireland’s ocean economy to more than €6.4bn by 2020, and doubling the value of its ocean wealth to 2.4% of GDP by 2030. Crucially too, the plan came with the Taoiseach’s promise that no effort would be spared implementing it.
Our April and June issues reported on the International Water Association (IWA) World Congress on Water Climate and Energy — undoubtedly one of the most significant water-related events of the year, attracting over one thousand delegates from more than 60 countries to the Convention Centre Dublin to discuss the fragility of the freshwater environment in the face of climate change.
We highlighted some of the more highly-emotive issue — from an Irish perspective — such as the proposed legislative framework for domestic water charges and the proposed regulation of on-site waste water treatment units (septic tanks). And we reported that unless government dealt with the fracking issue with sensitivity and determination, it had the potential to wrench communities apart and leave a legacy of bitterness.
We also flagged the threats that the effects of climate change might pose on villages, towns and cities, and that we were likely to have to face up to the reality of regular Winter flooding unless constructive and immediate measures were taken.
In October the International Conference on Climate and Energy (ICOE) organised by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) brought 900 delegates to Dublin who heard about the opportunities that have been identified for Ireland in terms of a limitless and environmentally-sustainable energy supply from wave and tidal sources.
In this final issue of 2012 – we publish yet another call from the ocean energy sector for government to show visionary leadership. Andrew Parish — one of that sector’s most experienced and authoritative voices says that the opportunities are there alright, but require committed and tangible leadership at the highest level of government.
It’s clear that this message is yet to be heard in Leinster House.