# noteworthy

All time

Licensed to Fail: ‘Outdated’ salmon farm licensing system comes under fire from all sides

A report by

Niall Sargent

Noteworthy reveals internal concerns the Department of the Marine did not take sufficiently tough action over potential licence breaches by Ireland’s largest salmon operator.

Over 20 salmon farms operating with expired licences for over a decade, writes Niall Sargent in final part of Noteworthy investigation into salmon farming

State has investigated several cases of possible licence breaches by Ireland's largest salmon company

No enforcement over various farms’ failure to carry out assessments for impacts on marine biodiversity

17.7k

Jun 27th 2021, 12:05 AM

# Troubled Waters

Lice, infectious disease and taking reef fish: The impact of salmon farms on marine biodiversity

Noteworthy investigation reveals concerns over State monitoring of potential environmental impacts of salmon farms from sea lice, disease and farm escapes.

State holds limited details on disease outbreaks and mortality rates at salmon farms, reports Niall Sargent of Noteworthy, our investigative platform

Little regulation of wild wrasse fishing for use as cleaner fish on farms despite potential marine impacts

Experts warn Ireland lacks baseline data to effectively monitor for salmon farm escapes

14.5k

Jun 26th 2021, 9:15 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

State issues licences to salmon farms to cull protected seals, documents reveal

A report by

Niall Sargent

Noteworthy investigation shows that at least two grey seals and three common seals were killed after licences were issued.

Since 2015, the NPWS granted 11 licences to farms to shoot small numbers of the protected species, reports Niall Sargent in the first part of Noteworthy's investigation into the salmon industry

Conservation groups have expressed shock at the decision and a lack of scientific evidence behind culling

The NPWS does not generally carry out site visits to monitor cull events due to 'resourcing issues'

44.0k

Jun 25th 2021, 12:05 AM

# LOSING FAITH

Religion in schools: 'My son was upset - a friend told him he wasn't going to heaven'

Noteworthy gathers the experiences of parents and educators in Ireland’s majority Catholic primary education system.

In part two of a deep dive into the stalemate in providing choice in primary education, Peter McGuire hears from parents and teachers.

Families speak of being forced into Catholic schools because of hours-long daily commutes to 'nearest' multi-denominational.

While 'opting out' of religious instruction is facilitated by many schools, many parents say their children feel isolated and upset.

35.6k

114

Jun 14th 2021, 9:30 PM

# LOSING FAITH

State on a go-slow in moving primary education from majority Catholic grip

Noteworthy spotlights a lack of coherence, communication and progress in the State promise to provide 400 multi-denominational primary schools by 2030.

In this first of a two-part deep dive into the promised creation of better educational choice, Peter McGuire finds a process in paralysis.

Just 13 multi-denominational schools have been established under divestment Catholic schools in the past 8 years.

Completed reports and surveys on school patronage lie unpublished while the Department continues to meet with the Irish Episcopal Conference every month.

41.7k

Jun 14th 2021, 12:23 PM

# Testing the Waters

Over 1,400 people waiting for drinkable tap water for more than three months

Figures show that almost 900 people on a public water supply have been on boil notices for a year or more.

Almost 900 people across eight locations have boil water notices in place for a year or more, reports Maria Delaney of Noteworthy, our investigative platform

Over the past two years, 50 boil water and 10 do not consume notices were in place for more than a month

Water supply is impacting housing, with 42 houses refused permission in Paulstown, Co Kilkenny recently

12.7k

Jun 10th 2021, 12:01 AM

# stolen wheels

1 in 100 bikes stolen nationwide in 2020 as Dublin and Limerick cyclists worst hit

Noteworthy investigation reveals bike theft trends over past five years and hears calls for better cycling parking facilities.

Almost 30,000 bikes were stolen over the past five years, with an average of 70% of thefts occurring in Dublin, writes Noteworthy reporter Maria Delaney

While violent bike thefts increased by 65% in 2020, overall bike thefts were almost unchanged nationally

Provisional figures "suggest a marked decrease" in bike thefts up to March this year

9.9k

May 7th 2021, 10:24 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

‘Eight teens were kicking him’: Violent bike and scooter thefts up 65% last year

A report by

Maria Delaney

Traumatic attacks on cyclists and scooter users linked to Covid-related anti-social crime.

There was a 65% increase in aggravated bike and scooter thefts in 2020, reports Maria Delaney in the first part of Noteworthy's bike theft investigation.

Cyclists at Luas stops were targeted by gangs over the past month

A rise in anti-social behaviour linked to the pandemic is being blamed for an increase in attacks

53.8k

May 6th 2021, 12:01 AM

# cost of carbon

State spent 2.5 times more on fossil fuel subsidies than climate supports over past decade

Noteworthy shows that State revenue from an EU carbon trading scheme went into controversial forestry programme and a rural transport scheme.

9.4k

May 4th 2021, 9:30 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Transparency gap: State bodies holding back company emissions data from the public

A report by

Niall Sargent

Noteworthy project reveals emissions profiles of some of Ireland’s largest companies and highlights where lack of public transparency still exist.

Companies are starting to volunteer their emissions data but State bodies slow to reveal all details to public, writes Niall Sargent.

While emissions levels are falling in many sectors, Noteworthy analysis shows that sectors such as agriculture and aviation are stagnating or growing.

Ireland is doing well on finding energy efficiencies but there is still a mountain to climb.

18.2k

May 3rd 2021, 12:05 AM

# rehab wait

Over 3,500 on wait list for a detox bed, with over 140 residential beds still closed

Over 60% are on the waiting list for at least nine months.

19.8k

Apr 28th 2021, 12:01 AM

# busy investigating

Noteworthy investigations expose environmental issues and analyse far-right activity

The investigative platform completed five projects so far this year, thanks to your contributions.

6.2k

Apr 22nd 2021, 12:30 PM

# losing control

Ireland first and only Member State to have fishing plan revoked by European Commission

The loss of the control plan means that fisheries will no longer be allowed to weigh their catches in factories.

50.1k

Apr 20th 2021, 12:36 PM

# risk to baby

Valproate scandal: Parents feel failed by State over drug that harmed their children

Noteworthy finds that pleas for help from women impacted by valproate (Epilim) continue to be dismissed.

52.4k

Apr 16th 2021, 12:01 AM

# Spruced Up

State warned by EU official in 2017 over eco-credentials of forestry licensing process

Records released to Noteworthy show that the State was warned it is not doing enough to ensure environmental risks from forestry “are a thing of the past”.

18.9k

Apr 11th 2021, 8:30 AM

# NET LOSS

Closed Doors: Lack of transparency and the push to overfish in Ireland’s fishing sector

Noteworthy examines the powers at play in the sector and how the Irish system may be disadvantaging small-scale fisheries.

Our investigative platform, Noteworthy, takes an in-depth look at the fishing sector in this three-part series.

13.1k

Apr 8th 2021, 8:30 PM

# NET LOSS

Significant enforcement problems prevail in Irish industry: Fishing's control issues

Noteworthy finds inspections of fishing vessels dropped by 30% in 2020, with a drop of over 60% sea boardings by the Naval Service.

13.7k

Apr 7th 2021, 8:30 PM

# NET LOSS

Penalty point politics: Changing positions and lobbying on fishing regulation

Noteworthy delves into the Government meetings, letters and emails behind the new penalty points regulation for fishers.

128

Apr 7th 2021, 8:25 PM

# NET LOSS

Endangered fish thrown away and dead whales on our shores: Fishing's ocean impact

Noteworthy reveals over 30 tonnes of threatened fish were discarded in one year, including the endangered basking shark and critically endangered skates.

46.9k

Apr 6th 2021, 8:30 PM

# dead end

The N6 ring road: Solution or dead end for Galway congestion crisis?

Noteworthy and The Journal take a deep dive into the controversial infrastructure plan which awaits green light from planners.

69.4k

Apr 5th 2021, 12:03 AM

# eyes right

Trial by Telegram: Ireland's far right mobilising on 'privacy-first' messaging app

Final part in a four-part investigation into the far right in Ireland analyses the growth of US-style tactics used by Irish influencers on the platform.

29.1k

Mar 16th 2021, 12:01 AM

# eyes right

Online ‘doxxing’ campaigns leading to harassment and death threats

A tactic imported from the US, personal information is published online to ‘target’ individuals who campaign against far-right groups.

28.3k

Mar 15th 2021, 8:30 PM

# eyes right

Ireland’s far-right using anti-lockdown movement to smuggle in its own agenda

The second in a four-part investigation into the far right in Ireland looks at the intersection between online campaigns and the move to the streets.

51.1k

Mar 15th 2021, 12:03 AM

# eyes right

Move quickly and misinform: How direct provision centres became a catalyst for far-right activism in Ireland

The first in a four-part investigation into the growth of far-right activity online in Ireland explores how an anti-immigration agenda infiltrated local activism.

20.9k

Mar 15th 2021, 12:02 AM

# Shear Force

'Whole ditches disappearing overnight': hedgerows falling foul to larger farms

Noteworthy finds biodiversity in a battle with some farming practices – and a low level of accountability demanded by the Department of Agriculture.

76.5k

Feb 22nd 2021, 8:30 PM

# Shear Force

3,000 kilometres cut in three years: Ireland's hedgerow heritage at risk

Noteworthy discovers rich hedgerow resource cut back by local authorities during bird nesting season.

47.4k

Feb 22nd 2021, 12:05 AM

# Covid-19

What are the wider implications of Covid-19 on our overlooked health services?

In your monthly update from Noteworthy, the investigative team looks at how the pandemic is shining a light on long-term deficiencies in our health system.

9.1k

Jan 31st 2021, 11:00 AM

# still waiting

Department of Health can't give timeline for rollout of publicly-funded IVF

Expert says linking IVF funding with the commencement of legislation is a ‘way of putting it off’.

31.5k

Jan 4th 2021, 12:05 AM

# bicycle blackspots

The good, the bad and the useless: How bike infrastructure has changed in the era of Covid

A surge in cycling happened during the pandemic but new infrastructure was not evenly spread and may not be here to stay.

44.3k

Jan 2nd 2021, 8:00 PM

# busy investigating

The power of information with a slice of horticulture: Latest news from Noteworthy

Highlights include a series which helps you access data from public authorities and an investigation into horticulture labour practices.

8.0k

Jan 1st 2021, 12:01 PM

# Info hub

Open Access: A citizen’s guide to uncovering housing and local information

Our community-driven platform Noteworthy helps you find out if you are in an area prone to floods, landslides, high radon and more.

7.7k

Dec 30th 2020, 11:30 AM

# timber trouble

Forestry backlog continues as licences overturned due to biodiversity concerns

Noteworthy analysis reveals serious concerns remain over environmental assessments undertaken by the State prior to granting plantation forestry licences.

19.3k

Dec 30th 2020, 7:00 AM

# Access to Information

Open Access: A citizen’s guide to getting the most from Freedom of Information requests

Our community-driven platform Noteworthy shows you how to use the FOI Act to access non-personal records.

9.2k

Dec 29th 2020, 11:30 AM

# Academic uncertainty

PhD rights have been ignored in new employment framework, says SIPTU

PhD researchers are not entitled to sick leave, annual leave, maternity leave or other workers’ rights.

26.6k

Dec 29th 2020, 9:00 AM

# Info hub

Open Access: A citizen’s guide to discovering who holds your info - and what's in there

Our community-driven platform Noteworthy shows you how access your personal information from both public bodies and private companies.

17.2k

Dec 28th 2020, 11:30 AM

# do not swim

Swimming was banned at bathing spots across Ireland for over 350 days this year

Noteworthy analysis of EPA data shows that “do not swim” notices are an all too common occurrence at beaches across the country.

21.9k

Dec 28th 2020, 12:05 AM

# Info hub

Open Access: A citizen’s guide to getting environmental info from public authorities

Our community-driven platform Noteworthy shows you how to use AIE requests to access a world of biodiversity and climate information.

9.3k

Dec 27th 2020, 11:30 AM

# reaping the harvest

'Under pressure': Industry urges State to open horticultural workforce to non-EU workers

Noteworthy examines an industry push for visas for non-EU workers in horticulture that has raised concern with unions, migrant rights groups and some Government departments.

10.2k

Dec 18th 2020, 7:30 PM

# reaping the harvest

Ireland has major 'pull factor' for seasonal workers fleeing economic hardship

Noteworthy and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network examine the lure for workers from Bulgaria and Romania to come to Ireland and the impact back home – both good and bad.

9.1k

Dec 18th 2020, 12:05 AM

# reaping the harvest

Growing pains: Fears for migrant workers who carry the load of Ireland's horticulture boom

Noteworthy explores long working hours, low pay and other concerning conditions for seasonal employees in the sector.

17.0k

Dec 18th 2020, 12:05 AM