# noteworthy

Last year

2022

# Awards

Journal Media wins Mental Health Media Award for health system and eating disorders investigation

Noteworthy Editor Maria Delaney was awarded top prize in the Special Interest category.

7.6k

Dec 7th 2022, 6:03 PM

# Hands On Deck

The Explainer x Noteworthy: Are migrant fishers exploited in Ireland?

Maria Delaney of Noteworthy and Geela Garcia in the Philippines tell Susan Daly about our latest cross-border investigation.

6.3k

Updated

Dec 6th 2022, 6:30 PM

# award winners

Journal Media wins two UCD media awards for excellence in business journalism

Maria Delaney, Niall Sargent and Ian Curran were among the winners.

8.4k

Dec 5th 2022, 5:38 PM

# Fishing industry

Underpaid and overworked: The serious allegations by migrant fishers to the WRC

Analysis of cases heard by Workplace Relations Commission paint grim picture.

Fishers took cases against vessel owners, with some awarded thousands in compensation

Findings include 72-hour working weeks, forging of mandatory employment records and unfair dismissal

11.8k

Dec 4th 2022, 9:45 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

'We had to eat leftover meat and fish': Modern slavery in the Irish fishing industry

A report by

Maria Delaney and Geela Garcia

Migrant fishers who left vessels due to exploitative treatment ‘ignored’ in recent cross-departmental review.

Inspection reports reveal potential trafficking and deficiencies relating to hours of work and rest

Researcher: "The problems in Ireland can be traced to very specific policies and laws here"

25.7k

Dec 2nd 2022, 12:30 AM

# Hands On Deck

Navy boardings find 10 fishing vessels almost fully crewed by migrant fishers

Standard sea fishing boat licence conditions require at least 50% EU crew.

24.3k

Dec 1st 2022, 12:00 PM

THE MORNING LEAD

Irish justice system 'failing' migrant fishing workers who report exploitation

A report by

Maria Delaney and Geela Garcia

Our investigation finds 35 referrals of human trafficking in sector – but no prosecutions.

US report states Ireland has systemic deficiencies in victim identification, referral and assistance

Alleged trafficking victim: "It hurt. I felt the punch land. I told him if he did that again I’d report him."

9.3k

Dec 1st 2022, 12:05 AM

# Revolving Door

The Explainer x Noteworthy: What are the problems with lobbying in Ireland?

Reporters Cormac Fitzgerald and Stephen McDermott tell Susan Daly about Noteworthy’s latest project which examined lobbying by former government officials.

5.7k

Updated

Nov 13th 2022, 8:45 PM

Voices

Opinion: 'Access to justice should be promoted - not restricted and threatened'

Environmental justice solicitor Rose Wall writes that politicians blaming judicial review for housing delays are overshadowing planning reform.

7.2k

Nov 12th 2022, 7:00 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Construction industry lobbying to change law and reduce planning challenges

A report by

Cormac Fitzgerald

Lobby records and documents obtained by Noteworthy show how the industry has pushed back against the judicial review process.

Lobby records and documents obtained by Noteworthy show how the industry has pushed back against the judicial review process

Housing Minister was lobbied 88 times on housing, development and zoning issues since taking office

Industry representatives regularly meet and liaise with local authority officials, reports Cormac Fitzgerald

14.9k

Nov 12th 2022, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Revolving Door: Revealing the relationship between government officials and lobbyists

A report by

Cormac Fitzgerald and Stephen McDermott

At least 86 individuals who held senior positions in government have lobbied once or more since 2015.

Extent of lobbying by former senior public officials in Ireland revealed for the first time

At least 86 individuals who held senior positions in government have lobbied at least once since 2015

Expert: "The current one year cooling-off period is, in our view, inadequate"

32.9k

Nov 11th 2022, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Former Government officials' details missing from hundreds of lobbying returns

A report by

Stephen McDermott and Cormac Fitzgerald

Noteworthy and The Journal find almost 400 occasions where former Government officials incorrectly appeared as ‘ordinary’ lobbyists.

Former Government officials incorrectly appeared as 'ordinary' lobbyists on almost 400 occasions

Dozens of lobbyists said issues were down to an error and Sipo had been contacted to update returns

Expert: "The returns are not complete" and it is important for Sipo to pursue this

38.3k

Nov 10th 2022, 12:05 AM

# Blind Justice

The Explainer x Noteworthy: Why are Travellers so overrepresented in prison?

Reporter Michelle Hennessy tells Susan Daly about Noteworthy’s latest project which examined the impact of the justice system on Travellers.

10.0k

Updated

Nov 2nd 2022, 10:00 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Councils refusing homeless accommodation to Travellers using criteria 'with no basis in law'

A report by

Michelle Hennessy

Housing Minister told councils in 2020 that ‘local connection’ rule must not be a barrier to an emergency bed.

Housing Minister told councils in 2020 that 'local connection' rule must not be a barrier to an emergency bed

Investigation by Noteworthy and The Journal finds this is one of the many legal barriers for Travellers when it comes to housing

Expert: "This is... a test which has no existence in the law whatsoever"

40.2k

Nov 1st 2022, 12:05 AM

# Investigation

Blind Justice: How prison is leaving Travellers isolated and traumatised

From unfair treatment to overuse of protection regimes, Noteworthy and The Journal investigate inequality in Ireland’s justice system.

From unfair treatment to overuse of protection regimes, Noteworthy and The Journal investigate inequality in Ireland's justice system

Reports of prison staff using anti-Traveller language, with experts saying 'systematic change' and 'accountability' is needed

Traveller Advocate: There is 'structural racism in the criminal justice system'

24.5k

Oct 31st 2022, 8:30 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Policing Authority 'not satisfied' with Garda Commissioner's comments on Traveller profiling

A report by

Michelle Hennessy

Commissioner told the Policing Authority that he didn’t believe the gardaí undertake racial profiling.

Commissioner told the Policing Authority that he didn't believe the gardaí undertake racial profiling

Investigation by Noteworthy and The Journal examines ethnic profiling of Travellers, gardaí reaction and changes required

Policing Authority: The oversight body will "not be leaving this alone"

38.0k

Oct 30th 2022, 12:05 AM

# peat sake

Commission warns Ireland over ‘stalled’ action to halt extraction in protected peatlands

The State has two months to act or potentially face legal action before the European Court of Justice.

9.5k

Sep 30th 2022, 11:53 AM

# send us your ideas

Innovation funding allows Noteworthy to challenge the way complex stories are told

Our investigative platform was the only Irish recipient of the Google News Initiative Innovation Challenge.

4.7k

Sep 29th 2022, 8:45 PM

# in the weeds

The Explainer x Noteworthy: How much weedkiller are councils using?

Reporter Anthea Lacchia and campaigner James Walsh tell Susan Daly about how almost all councils are still using pesticides.

5.7k

Updated

Sep 20th 2022, 7:45 PM

THE MORNING LEAD

'It was sprayed in the playground': Widespread use of chemical weedkillers by councils

A report by

Anthea Lacchia

The amount spent by local authorities on pesticides varies from less than €1,000 to about €300,000 a year.

At least 28 councils applying chemical herbicide, with 19 confirmed as using glyphosate products in 2022

Local authorities' spend on pesticides varies from less than €1,000 to about €300,000 a year, reports Anthea Lacchia for Noteworthy

Campaigner: "Alternatives have to be prioritised... spraying should not be done in public areas"

27.5k

Sep 20th 2022, 12:05 AM

# in the weeds

Inspections found issues in how nine out of 10 vendors handled deadly pesticides

Unapproved or revoked products for sale as well as no trained staff on site were among issues identified.

25.6k

Sep 18th 2022, 7:30 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Thousands of litres of pesticides used on Irish roads and forests each year

A report by

Anthea Lacchia

Coillte alone spends around €1.5 million on pesticides – including the controversial glyphosate – every year.

Coillte alone spends around €1.5 million on pesticides every year

In an investigation by Noteworthy, Anthea Lacchia also reports that over 45,000 litres and 800 kg was used along national road networks since 2017

Expert: Outside of agriculture, "there are huge gaps in our knowledge of pesticides and how we use them"

21.4k

Sep 16th 2022, 12:05 AM

# no room

Wheelchair user facing homelessness condemns lack of Government support

With few accessible options on the private rental market, little support is available for disabled people who fall outside social housing threshold.

17.3k

Sep 10th 2022, 7:30 PM

# trade off

The Explainer x Noteworthy: Why are Irish unweaned calves being exported?

Noteworthy’s Niall Sargent and vet Dr Alexander Rabitsch tell Susan Daly about animal welfare concerns in the growing trade to Europe.

4.1k

Sep 7th 2022, 3:22 PM

# trade off

‘Empty bellies’: Unweaned calves left without milk for long periods on journey to Europe

Department audit finds some operators not complying with feeding intervals, Noteworthy reveals.

18.7k

Sep 2nd 2022, 6:30 AM

# trade off

‘A slow, terrible death’: The fate of Irish cattle exported outside of the EU

Noteworthy finds the State has little to no control over what happens to animals once they leave Ireland.

23.2k

Sep 1st 2022, 7:00 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

'Export loophole’: Irish cattle shipped from Spain on ‘substandard’ vessels

A report by

Niall Sargent

Thousands of cattle exported on vessels that do not meet standards required under Irish laws.

Thousands of cattle exported on vessels that do not meet standards required under Irish laws

Niall Sargent of Noteworthy reports that unwanted males from the dairy industry are among those exported

Destinations include Egypt where ‘appalling’ slaughter techniques are common

25.7k

Aug 31st 2022, 12:05 AM

# holy land

The Explainer x Noteworthy: Are religious property proceeds going to redress?

Noteworthy’s Maria Delaney tells Susan Daly about how over €90 million worth of properties were sold.

7.2k

Aug 30th 2022, 5:45 PM

THE MORNING LEAD

Religious orders involved in redress sold properties totalling €90 million since 2016

A report by

Maria Delaney

Investigation by Noteworthy finds these congregations paid €27m to the State in redress during this time.

Investigation by Noteworthy finds these congregations paid €27m to the State in redress during this time

70% - or just under €250m - of redress for institutional child abuse now paid by congregations

Mother and baby institution survivor: "I have no expectations... It’s cold, hard business."

42.7k

Aug 29th 2022, 12:05 AM

# Investigation

Concerns over data submitted by Wexford power plant to EPA

Independent report alleges a ‘major issue’ with water quality monitoring near SSE’s Great Island Power Station.

26.2k

Aug 15th 2022, 9:01 PM

# social justice

How Noteworthy is tackling inequity by giving a platform to unheard voices

Social justice has been a focus of investigative platform Noteworthy since its inception over three years ago.

6.2k

Aug 10th 2022, 7:01 AM

# What's the rush?

Explainer: How 'deeply controversial' planning law changes could lead to 'years of litigation'

A proposed Bill with last-minute amendments impacting judicial reviews is being voted on by TDs tonight.

A proposed Bill with last-minute amendments impacting judicial reviews is being voted on tonight

These could cause 'serious legal issues', with one 'incompatible' with EU law, a solicitor told Noteworthy

Changes criticised by politicians and environmental NGOs but welcomed by construction industry

23.7k

Jul 13th 2022, 12:05 AM

# no access

No Access: Bord na Móna companies blanket blocking release of information

Key subsidiaries say they fall outside of regulations that enable environmental information requests.

17.1k

Jul 12th 2022, 7:30 PM

# factory farm

The Explainer x Noteworthy: Is Ireland a dumping ground for poultry manure?

Noteworthy’s Niall Sargent and journalist Ella McSweeney tell Susan Daly about concerns over the cross-border poultry manure trade.

3.9k

Jul 9th 2022, 9:30 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Deaths of at least 80 cows in last decade linked to spreading of poultry manure

A report by

Niall Sargent

Cross-border investigation reveals concerns over regulation of the trade in poultry litter, an increasingly important natural fertiliser used on crops and vegetables.

16 farms inspected in last decade over concerns with poor spreading of poultry litter, Noteworthy reveals

In the most impactful case, 19 dairy cows died across two farms from botulism linked to litter spreading

Difficult for authorities to identify farms of origin of the litter for inspection or further action

14.3k

Jul 8th 2022, 12:05 AM

# factory farm

'Canary in the coal mine': Protected nature areas under pressure from poultry farming

Cross-border investigation reveals serious environmental and air quality concerns from ammonia produced by the rapidly expanding poultry industry on the island of Ireland.

9.6k

Jul 7th 2022, 6:30 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

'Potential fraud' in poultry farm planning applications investigated in the North

A report by

Niall Sargent

Noteworthy cross-border project reveals serious concerns over the authenticity of documents claimed to be from an Irish State body.

Falsified or altered Teagasc letters used in 23 poultry farm planning cases in the North, Noteworthy reveals

Both national and local authorities in the North are currently investigating the issue

Several cases of dumping of poultry litter discovered in Northern Ireland since 2015

16.7k

Jul 6th 2022, 12:05 AM

# factory farm

Suspected false documents and illegal dumping: the murky world of poultry manure

Noteworthy reveals serious concerns over authenticity of files used in some poultry farm planning cases in the North and where the manure is going.

14.1k

Jul 6th 2022, 12:01 AM

# Overcrowding

Over 60% acute hospitals operating at unsafe bed occupancy levels

Five hospitals had an average monthly bed occupancy of 100% or more from January to March 2022.

9.2k

Jun 28th 2022, 8:30 PM

# award winners

Journal Media wins four Justice Media Awards for excellence in legal journalism

Reporters Michelle Hennessy, Maria Delaney, Lauren Boland, Jane Moore and Rónán Duffy were among the winners.

12.5k

Jun 22nd 2022, 10:56 PM