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 […]
EPA launches a National Air Quality Forecast
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a national air quality forecast available on airquality.ie. The forecast will provide maps showing the predicted daily air quality for up to three days -“Today”, “Tomorrow” and the “Day after Tomorrow”. The air quality forecast is an important resource for everyone, but especially people who may be sensitive to poor […]
New EPA Online Portal provides full and open access to environmental enforcement information
· From today the EPA’s new LEAP Online portal enables easy access to environmental enforcement information providing full public access to our enforcement activities. · Through LEAP Online the public will be able to see information on site inspections, monitoring, incidents, non-compliances, complaint summaries and also compliance investigations into issues detected at EPA licensed sites. · LEAP Online […]
Uisce Éireann must use its new investment plan to end pollution of our rivers and coastal waters from waste water
Over half of Ireland’s waste water discharges are not meeting EU standards set to protect the environment. Uisce Éireann has committed to eliminating raw sewage discharges by 2025 from the majority of the 26 towns and villages with no treatment. Uisce Éireann still does not have clear plans to prevent pollution at some of the […]