Progress, economic prosperity, and health all threatened unless Ireland increases the scale, pace, and ambition of environmental action
Ireland has modernized and prospered since joining the EU over 50 years ago – future prosperity and health are threatened unless we better protect our environment. · We are continuously playing catch-up – a forward step in one area is often matched by one or two steps back in another. · Actions on many fronts are having […]
Ireland is projected to exceed its National and EU climate targets
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published its greenhouse gas emissions projections for the period 2023-2050. EPA analysis shows that planned climate policies and measures, if fully implemented, could deliver up to 29 per cent emissions reduction by 2030 compared to 2018, a reduction of 4 per cent each year from 2023 to 2030. […]
Bathing water quality remains high overall, but heavy summer rainfall is putting pressure on our beaches
· Bathing water quality in 2023 was high overall, with 97 per cent (143 of 148) of sites meeting or exceeding the minimum standard, the same number as in 2022. · 114 bathing sites (77 per cent) had excellent water quality, down from 117 in 2022. · The number of beaches with poor bathing water quality increased to […]
Ammonia emissions down one per cent in 2022, however further reductions needed to protect health and the environment
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today published its 2022 assessment of five key air pollutants which impact air quality, health and the environment. The pollutants are: Agriculture accounts for over 99% of ammonia emissions in Ireland. A decrease of one per cent in ammonia emissions was driven by: Commenting on the findings Dr Eimear Cotter, […]
EPA report shows low uptake of Green Public Procurement in government department contracts
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published its third report on Green Public Procurement (GPP) activity in government departments. GPP is a process where public authorities seek to source goods, services or works that have a reduced environmental impact throughout their life-cycle. The report details that out of the reported €922 million spend on contracts greater […]
Odour and Noise Complaints accounted for 90 per cent of all complaints to the EPA in 2023
The EPA carried out over 1,200 inspections at 535 licensed industrial and waste facilities. 91 per cent of these were unannounced. The Licence & Enforcement Access Portal (LEAP) launched in 2023 giving the public enhanced access to environmental information. The EPA identified 11 sites as National Priority Sites for enforcement in 2023. Most were in […]
People in Ireland continue to be positive about benefits of climate action
The results of the second wave of the EPA’s Climate Change in the Irish Mind survey show: Consistent with the previous study, findings show widespread agreement on many climate change attitudes and strong majority support for climate action. 81 percent of people in Ireland are worried about climate change and 75 percent think extreme weather […]
EPA’s Review of 2023 showcases work to address environmental challenges
In 2023 the EPA: Carried out over 1,200 inspections of industrial and waste facilities, along with 205 urban waste water and 154 drinking water site inspections. Obtained 19 convictions for environmental offences. Monitored more than 2,500 waterbodies – with data showing no significant improvement in water quality – largely caused by high nutrient levels. Provided […]
The evidence is clear: Climate change is happening – EPA
Ireland’s Climate Change Assessment is the first comprehensive and authoritative assessment of the state of knowledge of climate change in Ireland. We are living in and experiencing a changing climate. In line with global trends, 16 of the 20 warmest years in Ireland have occurred since 1990. More action is needed to meet Ireland’s legally binding emissions […]
Recycling rates slow as Ireland off track to meet key targets
· Ireland’s economy remains linear with waste generation continuing to rise. Recycling rates are not keeping pace with increasing levels of waste generation. · Ireland is off track to meet mandatory EU recycling targets set to apply from 2025 for municipal waste, packaging waste and plastic packaging waste. These targets are set to progress the circular economy […]