The Environmental Protection Agency has warned that Ireland risks falling foul of a range of EU targets on greenhouse gas emissions, waste and air quality.
The EPA says Ireland's environment is an 'asset under threat' and says the Government needs to undertake significant policy actions now on all three issues.
Ireland risks exceeding its Kyoto target on greenhouse gas emissions by 7m tonnes.
Biodegradable municipal diversion targets on waste for 2016 will be missed by 800,000 tonnes.
Car emissions are keeping nitrogen oxide levels well above the 2010 ceiling.
The information is contained in a new report entitled Ireland's Environment 2008.
The report prioritises a strong commitment to environmental research over the next six years.
EPA Director General Dr Mary Kelly said Ireland needs to continue to fund research and the development of environmental technologies.
'Today's environmental research is tomorrow's environmental protection,' Dr Kelly said.
Click here to read the EPA's report
