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 […]
“Urgent action needed to improve private drinking water quality”, says EPA
Private drinking water quality is not as good as public water quality The total number of small private supplies remains unknown as not all have registered with their local authority. Eighty four percent of registered small private supplies were monitored in 2022, compared with seventy five percent in 2021. The government review of the rural […]
EPA publishes national criteria for recycled aggregates
Construction waste is Ireland’s largest waste stream, and current recycling rates are too low. Implementation of new national end-of-waste criteria will reduce construction waste going to landfills, and increase recycling rates. Use of end-of-waste criteria for recycled aggregates will support green procurement in the built environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published National […]
Ireland’s ambition to move towards the health-based WHO air quality guidelines will be challenging, but will have a significantly positive impact on health
Ø Air quality in Ireland is generally good, however, there are concerning localised issues. Ø Ireland met all of its EU legal requirements in 2022, but it did not meet the more stringent health-based World Health Organisation (WHO) Air Quality guidelines. Ø It is estimated that there are approximately 1,300 premature deaths annually in Ireland due to poor air […]
