Ireland has established a Department of Environment, who deals with environmental protection in conjunction with the Department of Fisheries and Forestry, Office of Public Works, and Department of Agriculture. Although the country is notorious for lush, rolling hills and scenic cliffs, the wildlife does face threats associated with human development. For starters, carbon dioxide emissions are a common source of pollution that can be attributed to industry. Runoff from agricultural establishments has caused some water pollution. Currently, there are 29 threatened species in Ireland, including the Irish hare, otter, and Pine Marten.
Ireland’s most abundant natural resources are truly below the surface. The metal mining industry was especially popular around the time of the Industrial Revolution. Today, the country is the top producer of zinc in Europe and ranks second in lead production. Coal is also a resource deeply rooted in Irish history. Even though most people think of the Middle East when it comes to oil and gas reserves, it was reported in 2006 that they were discovered in Ireland. The quantities found were predicted to warrant up to a trillion dollars and are quite valuable (Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations).
Ireland’s most abundant natural resources are truly below the surface. The metal mining industry was especially popular around the time of the Industrial Revolution. Today, the country is the top producer of zinc in Europe and ranks second in lead production. Coal is also a resource deeply rooted in Irish history. Even though most people think of the Middle East when it comes to oil and gas reserves, it was reported in 2006 that they were discovered in Ireland. The quantities found were predicted to warrant up to a trillion dollars and are quite valuable (Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations).