Read More: Wilful Neglect of Nature

As part of a wider disconnect, we often see nature through a limited, utilitarian lens; as something which provides resources for human consumption. Given this mindset is so prevalent across society, there are many examples of unnecessarily heavy handed clearing of rich ecosystems across the country.

A prominent example is Sean Walsh Park in Tallaght, Dublin. This park was once a vibrant multilayered area of biodiversity, home to protected Newts, Frogs, Bats & critically endangered European eels. And yet, despite the best efforts of several societies and community groups, the park was utterly destroyed by the South Dublin County Council who dropped excess silt across the park, instantly destroying vital ecosystems.

Actions like these meet the definition of environmental vandalism or ‘ecocide’. There must be robust scientific assessments of areas of natural beauty and ecological value followed to avoid this type of destruction in future. Persons and organisations must be held accountable for their actions and harsh penalties should be issued if needless destruction of habitat still occurs.

Similarly the Office of Public Works (OPW) routinely sends heavy machinery to tear out bank side trees and vegetation across the 11,500km of rivers in the country, destroying fish spawning beds and wildlife corridors while ensuring rivers are perpetual dead zones for biodiversity. These actions are conducted under the auspices of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 to “maintain all rivers, embankments and urban flood defences in proper repair and effective condition”. The Act is archaic, unfit for purpose and a constant danger to biodiversity. It must be modernised urgently, with biodiversity at its core, to protect our riparian habitats.

References

Environmental vandalism of Tallaght Park: https://www.irishpost.com/news/environmental-vandalism-dublin-council-destroys-park-home-critically-endangered-species-despite-assurances-protected-171686

Eco expert slams OPW for damaging works on Nenagh’s river: https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40212596.html

The War on Our Rivers: https://iwt.ie/the-war-on-rivers/