Kevin Collins is a Cork-based documentary filmmaker emerging as one of Ireland’s most quietly disruptive new voices in independent media. With a background in acting and arts, he transitioned to documentary filmmaking during lockdown, developing a distinctive approach to uncovering overlooked environmental and governance issues.
Expect to learn about his investigation into the Aughinish Alumina refinery’s massive toxic waste storage facility threatening the Shannon River ecosystem, how Ireland’s forestry agency Coillte was effectively sold to a British investment firm called Gresham House in 2024, and the concerning lack of regulatory oversight in Ireland’s energy sector. Collins reveals how environmental hazards are often hidden in plain sight, with minimal media coverage despite their potential catastrophic impact.
This conversation explores how Ireland’s approach to natural resources consistently prioritizes foreign corporate interests over public ownership and benefit, from Ray Burke’s controversial oil licensing decisions to current energy policies that leave Ireland paying premium prices while importing resources it could produce domestically. Collins offers a compelling perspective on how governance structures systematically undermine local control and environmental protection.
Make sure to check out Kevin’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Kev_Collins/
Credit to : Eddie Hobbs