Natural resources of Ireland

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The Natural resources of Ireland, which are of fair amount are Zinc, Lead, Natural Gas, Petroleum, Copper, Dolomite, Barite, Limestone, Gypsum, Peat and Silver. Zinc and Lead are the most industrious. Their industries come from Fishing, Forestry, Machinery, Mining, and livestock. In addition they are huge traders with Canada. Their rocks are composed of minerals. [1]. This has made Ireland one of the EU's major manufacturers.

Peat has been Ireland’s staple fuel for centuries and still provides about 12% of the nations energy needs. Bord na Mona which translates in English as the Peat Development Board manufactures more than 4 million tonnes of peat annually.

Recently, Ireland has experimented with ‘’’new energy sources’’’, which include Hydroelectric power, solar power, and wind power.

Ireland’s first wind farm, which was created in 1992 at the Bellacorick in County Mayo, by using enormous windmills to drive electricity automated turbines. Since then, many models have proceeded in the industry.

Contents

[edit] General Overview

Ireland is mountainous, but has a fair amount of resources. Farming that is (livestock, dairy products, cereals, potatoes), is the largest single occupation[2]. Heavy industry centers around Belfast, which serves as a port of the British Isles.

Machinery and equipment manufacturing, food processing, and textile and electronics manufacturing are the leading industries of Ireland. Among those include papermaking,furniture manufacturing, and shipbuilding. Northern Ireland is famous for their linens.

The Natural livestock of Ireland consists of 6.41m cattle, 4.81m sheep, 1.76m pigs, 11.3m chickens. The average Irelander catches 324,478 tonnes per year.

[edit] History

[edit] Wildlife Act of 1976

The ‘’’Wildlife act of 1976’’’, on December 22, 2006 was an act that would consecrate wildlife (including game) and for that was to protect certain wild creatures and flora; and would help establish a body of Irish language as An Chomhairle Um Fhiadhulra which translates in English language as the Wildlife Advisory Council. And henceforth, to be established and to characterize its functions, and would enable elite bodies to be established to provide or administer certain services, to facilitate reserves and refuges for wildlife for establishment and maintenance. Furthermore, to allow production in and movement of wildlife to be synchronized and controlled,. And finally, would make certain provisions relating to land, inland waters and the territorial seas of the state, to improve certain enactments and to compose other provisions connected with the aftermath. [3]

It was implemented from previous texts such as Wildlife Advisory Council Order on . March 13, 1978, the Wildlife Act, 1976 (Protection of Wild Animals) Regulations, 1980. on September 10, 1980, the Wildlife Act, 1976 (Acquisition of Land) Regulations, 1978. on February 06, 1978.

As years went on the amendment was several times amended. The first was the European Communities (Wildlife Act, 1976) (Amendment) Regulations, 1985, which sought out to manage, conserve, and protect birds. The second amendment was the European Communities (Wildlife Act, 1976) (Amendment) Regulations, 1986. , which added the control of species of wild bird which may cause damage or injury to specified interests. The most recent was Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 (Act No. 38 of 2000), which managed forests conserved the forests managed hunting and capturing of birds.

[edit] Forestry Act of 1988

The ’’’Forestry act’’’ on July 13, 1988, would make provisions in the enlargement of forestry and to provide the establishment of a company for the purpose and for the project to the company of functions heretofore exercised by the minister for energy and to provide for foregoing matters.[4]

It was later amended on August 15, 2000, by improving and expanding of the provision of forestry.

[edit] Sea Pollution Act of 1991

Originally constituted on August 11, 1959, the Sea Pollution Act:

  1. prevented the pollution of the sea by oil and other substances; it gave effect to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (Marpol) done at London on the 2nd day of November, 1973, which was amended by the Protocol of 1978 done at London on the 17th day of February, 1978;
  2. would give effect to the Protocol concerning to Intervention on the High seas in Cases of Pollution by Substances other than Oil (Intervention Protocol) done at London on the 2nd day of November, 1973;
  3. provided for the repeal of the Oil Pollution of the Sea Acts, 1956 to 1977; and
  4. provided for other matters related to the relative matters.[5]

A thorough description of the act was the maintenance of marine pollution (also with shipped based sources), oil pollution, and waste water.

[edit] Protection of the Environment Act of 2003

In 2003, the Protection of the Environment act of July 14, 2003, was enacted to provide for the Execution of Directive 96/61/EC on September 24, 1996 of the Council of the European Communities Concerning Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control and Certain Other Acts Adopted By the Institutions of the European Communities, for that and following Purposes to Amend the Environmental Protection Agency Act of 1992 and the Waste Management Act of 1996, to Amend the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and to provide for foregoing matters.[6]

It basically managed and prevented water pollution and land and soil quality. The act came from Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992. of 1996, Waste Management Act, 1996. on May 20 1996, Planning And Development Act, 2000 (Act No. 30 of 2000). on August 28, 2000, European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations, 1994. on April 13, 1994.

[edit] Fishery Acts

[edit] Fishery (Amendment) Act of 2002

The Fishery (amendment) Act of 2002, one of the most recent sought out to Modify and Extend the Fisheries (Amendment) Act of 1997; to confirm fees payable to the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources in Respect of Certain Fish Culture and Aquaculture Licenses and for Relative purposes.[7]

It was originally dated as November 27, 2001.

[edit] Fishery (amendment) Act of 2003

The more detailed act followed in 2003. It was an Act to allow effect to be given to the United Nations Agreement on the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on The Law of The Sea on December 10, 1982 Relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks; to provide for an independent appeals system in relative to the licensing of sea-fishing boats, to amend and extend the Foreshore Act of 1933, the Fisheries Acts 1959 to 2001 and the Merchant Shipping (Certification of Seamen) Act that took place in 1979, and to provide for foregoing matters.[8]

[edit] Economy

[edit] 2000-2001

Ireland’s economy has been on an upward trend after reaching a low point of 12.6% in 2000. Capital formation .During the EU’s “Celtic Tiger” era in 2001, the size of Ireland's economy had been doubled.[9]. By this, Ireland achieved trade surplus, and full employment. That year brought them efficient agriculture and food processing.

However, in the aftermath of the Celtic Tiger, there was higher unemployment and increasing inflation.

[edit] 2002

Ireland’s economy had been shaped in many different ways up until 2002. In that year, importance of industry was growing, in disparity to trends in other countries, and it now accounts for more than one-third of GDP, up from 31% in 1981. Wile output services enlarged, Ireland’s industry did also in a slower rate. Agriculture in both relative terms, and absolute terms (in recent years), had declined. Although it remains moderately more significant than in other economies in western Europe.

In the same year, Ireland spent 169 % of GPD on exports and imports, among the highest in the world.[10] The export sector was subjugated by foreign-owned multinationals, and the repatriation of profits by these firms had been sufficient to open a of noteworthy and persistent gap between Irish GNP and GDP. In 2002, it reached its widest level gap, when GDP increased by 6.9%, while GNP growth was still at 0.1%.

Private consumption amounted for 46.5% of the GPD in 2002, placing it well-below average of most highly developed economies. This also put them behind 62% in 1982. The share of GPD in 2002, in public consumption accounted by 13.6% in 2002. This was down from a peak of 22% in 1986. Capital formation accounted for 22.1% of GDP in 2002, a rate that is high by local standards (only Greece, Portugal and Spain recorded greater rates in 2002).

[edit] 2003-2004

Agriculture returned in 2003 as the most important division, by 38% of GDP and approximately 80% of exports and employed 28% of the labor force. Their economy prospered from an increase in consumer spending, construction, and business asset. GDP purchasing power parity was $118.5 billion (2002 est.) and GDP real growth rate 5.2% (2002 est.).[11]. And by sector, GPD, was 46% industry, 49% services, and 5% agriculture. Industrial production growth rate accounted as 6% (2002 est.)

Electricity production: 23.53 billion kWh (2001); in the latter year it went down 2 kWh . And electricity by production source fossil fuel was 95.9% , hydro: 2.3% , other: 1.8% (2001) , and nuclear: 0% which remained the same in the latter year. Electricity consumption amounted for 21.63 billion kWh (2001). In 2004 Electricity production went up to 23.53 billion kWh (2001). Electricity exports were 285 million kWh (2001); Electricity imports were 38 million kWh (2001).

Oil production was 0 bbl per day (2001 est.) , Oil consumption was 174,400 bbl per day (2001 est.). Oil exports were 27,450 bbl per day (2001) and Oil imports were 178,600 bbl per day (2001). Oil proved reserves were 0 bbl (January 2002 est.)

Natural gas proved reserves were 9.911 billion cu m (January 2002 est.). Agriculture products included barley, potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, beef, dairy products, and turnips.

Exports cost $86.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.). Export commodities were machinery and equipment, chemicals, computers, pharmaceuticals, livestock, animal products (1999)

Their exports partners were UK 23.9%, the US 18.1%, Germany 7.2%, France 5.0%, Japan 3.6%, and the Netherlands 3.3% (2002)

Imports cost $48.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.).

Ireland’s imports commodities were data processing equipment, apparel, other machinery and equipment, chemicals petroleumand petroleum products, and textiles.

Imports - partners were the UK 35.9%, US 15.8%, Belgium 14.4%, Germany 6.4%, France 4.1%, and Italy 3.8% (2002)

The Economic aid - donor: ODA was $283 million (2001). And Exchange rates: euros per US dollar - 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999), 0.7023 (1998).

Once again in 2004, agriculture was dwarfed by services and industry. Industry was in account for about 46% of GDP and about 80% of exports and employed still 28% of the labor force. Their economy still prospered from an increase in consumer spending, construction, and business asset. And Per capita GDP reached 10% above that of the four big European economies.[12]

GDP purchasing power parity was a 1.5 billion lower and GDP real growth rate was2.1% (2003 est.). GPD, composition by sector remained at same percentages. Inflation rate (consumer prices) were (2003 est.).

Their Industries included food products, brewing, clothing, textiles; chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, transportation equipment, glass and crystal and software.[13]Industrial production growth rate was down at 4% (2003 est.)

Electricity exports cost 285 million kWh (2001). Electricity imports made 38 million kWh (2001).

Oil production was 0 bbl per day (2001 est.) and consumption was 174,400 bbl/day (2001 est.). Oil exports were 27,450 bbl per day (2001). Oil imports were 178,600 bbl per day (2001). Oil proved reserves were 0 bbl (1 January 2002).

Natural gas production cost 815 million cu m (2001 est.) and consumption made 4.199 billion cu m (2001 est.). Natural gas exports created 0 cu m (2001 est.). Natural gas - imports cost 3.384 billion cu m (2001 est.). And Natural gas proved reserves cost 9.911 billion cu m (1 January 2002)

Agricultural products included barley, beef, dairy products potatoes, sugar beets, turnips, and wheat.

Exports cost $98.31 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.). Exports - commodities were products of machinery and equipment, computers, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; live animals, animal products (1999). Their business with Exports partners were UK 23.3%, US 16.7%, Belgium 14.6%, Germany 7.3%, and France 5% (2002)

Importation cost $57.54 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) . Imports commodities were data processing equipment, various machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum and petroleum products, textiles, and apparel. Their business with Import partners was UK 41.1%, US 15.3%, and Germany 6.8% (2002)

Its Economic aid donor was ODA, $283 million (2001)

Their Exchange rate euros per US dollar was 0.89 (2003).

[edit] 2005

In 2005, merchandise exports amounted to US$103.1bn and imports went at US $65.4bn, making Ireland the biggest trade surplus as a percentage of GDP in the OECD, apart from oil exportation Norway. Exports were dominated by foreign-owned firms of the chemicals and technology industries. Despite the surplus, the recent account registered a shortfall of US$3.8bn or 1.9% of GDP.

Major exports of 2005 were from 45.6% chemicals and pharmaceuticals, 26.5% machinery and transport, 11.7% Miscellaneous products, and 7.1% food, beverage, and tobacco.[14]

Major imports of 2005 were from 45.6% chemicals and pharmaceuticals, 43.9% machinery and transport, 6.9% Mineral products, and 6.3.% food, beverage, and tobacco.

Leading markets in 2005 % of total were (below)

Leading suppliers 2005 % of total were. (below)

US 18.7 UK 31.2 UK 17.4 US 14.1 Belgium 15.1 Germany 14.1 Germany 7.5 China 6.6

[edit] 2006

In 2006, industry accounts for 46% of GDP, nearly 80% of exports, and 29% of the labor force. Ireland has managed to achieve the same industry for most of the 2000s.

The current GPD (purchasing power parity of the country is $136.9 billion (2005 est.). In addition, the GDP (official exchange rate) is now $189.1 billion (2005 est.).

GDP composition by sector remains the same as previous years. Labor force by occupation accounts for agriculture: 8%, industry: 29%, and services: 63% (2002 est.)

Inflation rate of consumer prices is 2.7% (2005 est.)

Agriculture products consist of turnips, barley, potatoes, sugar beets, wheat; beef, dairy products. And Ireland’s market is steel, lead, zinc, silver, aluminum, barite, and gypsum mining processing; food products, brewing, textiles, clothing; chemicals, pharmaceuticals; machinery, rail transportation equipment, passenger and commercial vehicles, ship construction and refurbishment; glass and crystal; software, tourism. The Industrial production growth rate is now 3% (2005 est.)

Electricity production is 23.41 billion kWh (2003) and Electricity consumption is 22.97 billion kWh (2003). Electricity exports is 0 kWh (2003) and Electricity imports are 1.2 billion kWh (2003)

Oil production is 0 bbl per day (2003 est.). Oil consumption makes 175,600 bbl a day (2003 est.) . Oil exports make 27,450 bbl per day (2001). Oil imports are 178,600 bbl per day (2001). And Oil are proved reserves are 0 bbl (1 January 2002).

Natural gas production produces 673 million cu m (2003 est.). Its consumption is 4.298 billion cu m (2003 est.). Natural gas exports is 0 cu m (2001 est.). And Natural gas imports cost 3.384 billion cu m (2001 est.). Natural gas proved reserves make 19.82 billion cu m (1 January 2002) .

Exports, which include machinery and equipment, computers, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; livestock, and animal products costs $102 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.). Their Exporters are US 19.6%, UK 17.8%, Belgium 14.6%, Germany 7.7%, France 6%, Netherlands 4.6%, and Italy 4.5% (2004)

Imports cost $65.47 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.) and consist of data processing equipment, other machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum and petroleum products, textiles, clothing. They are imported by UK 35.9%, US 13.7%, Germany 8.9%, Netherlands 4.3%, France 4.3% (2004).

In addition, reserves of foreign exchange and gold are $2.908 billion (2004 est.). The Economic aid donor is ODA, $607 million (2004)

Exchange rates in Ireland are euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886 (2003), 1.0626 (2002), and 1.1175 (2001).

[edit] Other Industries

[edit] Fishing

For many years, Ireland has been noted for being one of the best fishing destinations in Europe[15]. Ireland is an island nation that has an extensive amount of fishing grounds in its territorial seas & waters. In addition, it has almost 14,000 kilometres of rivers that bear fish, along with numerous lakes.

Infact, County Cavan boasts some 365 lakes (one for each day of the year). The freshwater lakes of Ireland provide an area of 357,000 square kilometres, providing a habitat for considerable fish life.

Some of the native species are char, eel, rainbow trout, perch, pike, pollan, and roach. Ireland's mild climate is favorable for fishing. The North Atlantic Drift warms the waters off the islands on the west coast so that the channels overflow with an array of both warm and cold water fish. In total, there are 64 types of fish and shellfish off the coast of Ireland. These include:

[edit] Mining

Ireland's mining companies include the Anglo American plc, Arcon International Resources plc, Boliden Mineral AB, Conroy Diamonds and Gold P.l.c., Hereward Ventures plc, Mino Mining & Metals Corporation, Minco plc, and Strongbow Resources Ltd.[16]

Anglo American plc

The Anglo-American plc is a global leader in the mining and natural resources divisions. It is interested in significant and important gold, platinum, diamonds, coal, base and ferrous metals, industrial minerals and forest products; as well as financial and techno.[17]

Arcon International Resources plc

The Arcon International Resources plc is an Irelandic registered mineral and mining exploration organization. It maneuvers the Galmoy Zinc Mine, carrying out foregoing mineral exploration activities in Ireland.[18]

Boliden Mineral AB

New Boliden can be desribed as a leading mining and smelting company affiliated with Sweden, Finland, Norway and Ireland. Boliden's main minerals are copper, zinc, lead, gold and silver. Their number of employees is at least 4,500 and the turnover amounts to approximately EUR 2 billion annually.[19]

Conroy Diamonds and Gold'

Conroy Diamonds and Gold was established in 1995 who planned on building a major mining and exploration business; employing the experience and successful track record of its senior management in natural resources which including the discovery of the Galmoy Ore deposits which now in production as a major zinc mine. Its current activities is on a significant geological structure in Ireland also known as the Longford-Down Massif.[20]

Hereward Ventures plc

Hereward Ventures plc scopes on the exploration of gold in Bulgaria, and base-land minerals in Ireland.[21]

Minco Mining & Metals Corporation

The Mino Mining & Metals Coroporation engages itself in the acquisition, search and development of base and precious metal properties in China. It has built itself a strong portflio; its a major force in China's industry.[22]

Minco plc

Minco, which is an active zinc explorer, focuses on Ireland. One major adventure is approaching at Pallas Green in Limerick within a number of holes have hit significant zinc mineralization[23].

Strongbow Resources

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[edit] References

* Fishery (Amendment) Act of 2003

[edit] External links

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