News from 13 October 2008 on edie

River escapes alcohol threat

A river has been given the all-clear by environmental investigators after a tanker carrying 30,000 litres of alcohol was involved in a collision nearby.

Beijing launches car ban trial

Drivers in Beijing have been banned from the roads for one day each week in a trial scheme that will last for the next six months.

Bug could offer solution to concrete-cracking weed

It can grow more than a metre a month, can force its way through tarmac and concrete, and is costing the UK millions, but scientists believe they have found a natural way to tackle Japanese knotweed.

Dublin waste firms will have to bid for contracts

Private waste management firms could be forced to bid for contracts to collect waste instead of having the freedom to "cherry pick" routes.

ESB to support electrical vehicle network

Electrical vehicles have been hailed as "the way of the future" by Electricity Supply Board's (ESB) director of sustainable energy.

Welsh university to showcase hydrogen tech

A Welsh seat of learning will be showing off a variety of technologies demonstrating the viability of hydrogen as a fuel, and focus research in this area.

NT calls for joined up approach to water

The different bodies that manage water in the UK must work together better to cope with increasing risk of flood and drought - and Defra should take the lead in bringing them together.

Businesses offered interest free loans for energy efficiency

Small businesses feeling the pinch during the credit crunch are being offered interest-free loans of up to £200,000 to improve their energy efficiency.

New litter laws on Dublin businesses

Businesses in Dublin are now to be responsible for the area outside of their front doors.

Traditional light bulbs to be phased out from March

From next year traditional light bulbs are to be phased out of shops in Ireland, the Minister for the Environment has said.

Day: 13 October 2008