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Environmental Awareness & the Community

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Community Projects & October is Reuse Month

National Reuse Month is a new waste prevention initiative to raise awareness about the economic and environmental benefits of reusing everyday items and materials that would otherwise go to waste. Throughout October, local and regional events all over Ireland are encouraged to promote ways for families, businesses and communities to reuse. I attach one of several posters that may be used by you, schools and communities. Additional posters will be available on the environment web page to download.

Environmental Awareness

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Welcome to the Environmental Awareness & Research Unit

The Unit has responsibility for developing and implementing environmental awareness programmes in Cork County. The current environmental strategy 2016-2020 is available for downloading. The key objectives are Waste Prevention Awareness, Antilitter Awareness, Water Conservation & Water Pollution, and Climate Change & Biodiversity. Cork County Council regards education as a fundamental cornerstone of environmental protection.

Energy & Climate Change

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Cork County Council & Energy Efficiency

Cork County Council became the first Local Authority in Ireland to achieve ISO50001 certification of our Energy Management System (EnMS) in May 2016. This certification covers the entire scope of Cork County Council's annual €7million energy spend and 41 million kWh of energy consumed each year. The certification of County Cork’s energy management system to the ISO50001 standard now makes Cork County Council fully compliant to SI 426.

Burning of Waste

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It is illegal to burn household or garden waste at home or in your garden. Burning waste can be a nuisance to neighbours and can also pollute the air by releasing harmful chemicals into it.

There may be many toxic chemicals in waste items. Paper waste may contain synthetic materials, preservatives and even plastics. Disposable nappies contain gels, bleaches and plastics. Many wood products are treated with toxic chemicals to prevent rot.

Beaches

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Bathing Water Monitoring

The Environment Department of Cork County Council is responsible for monitoring bathing water quality and making information available to the public during the bathing season.
All bathing waters are required to meet stringent microbiological standards for Intestinal Enterococci and Escherichia Coli (E. Coli) in order to protect the health of people who choose to bathe there.