Selected Articles

Below is a selection of recent articles by Eoin Bassett which are available for download. Please choose from one of the article categories on the right or click on the title of any article below to download a full pdf.

Environment & Planning


The Heat is On

The last decade has been the warmest on record. Last year was the second warmest year on record. Six of the ten warmest years in Ireland have occurred since 1995. With local authorities the central cog in the National Climate Change Strategy, what are they doing and what can be done?

Council Review, November 2007

Council Plan does not Add Up

A deal between Dublin City Council and multinational advertising firm JC Decaux is set to change the face of the capital amid accusations of secrecy and sleaze. Described as "a rip off" and a "prostitution of the city" by some city councillors, there are similar plans for other local authorities.

Council Review, July 2007

Talking Rubbish

As the fight for household waste collection services gets dirty, local authorities are accusing private operators of cherry picking routes while the private sector says local authorities are cherry picking their roles. Until the question of who owns household waste is settled, things are likely to stay messy.

Council Review, November 2007

Stemming The Tide

Local authorities and central government have a dismal record when it comes to the protection of Irish water resources. With a third of Irish waters polluted it is clear policies and practices are failing, but could the new Water Framework Directive make a difference? Eoin Bassett dips his feet into an area awash with legislation and involved institutions.

Local Authority Journal, September 2007

In The Pipeline

The Greater Dublin Area is facing serious water shortages in the coming years and the country’s aging water infrastructure is unable to cope. In order to meet future demand, major new sources will have to found, but where?

Local Authority Journal, September 2007

All Washed Up

With the waters rising again from Crossmolina to Clonmel, year after year, heavy rain, high winds and high tides are leading to incidents of severe flooding. With the winter months getting wetter and the country's flood plains being transformed by urban development, Eoin Bassett wonders if Ireland is ready to weather the storm.

Local Authority Journal, June2007