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Mandatory waste recycling targets set to be missed - EPA

Ireland needs to recycle an additional 400,000 tonnes of waste every year to achieve its legally binding recycling targets, according to a new report by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Climate • 24 Sep

The report showed that Ireland generated 15.7 million tonnes of waste in 2022

Ireland 'almost certain' to miss recycling targets - EPA

Ireland is "almost certain" to miss mandatory EU recycling targets that apply from 2025 onwards, according to a report by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Environment • 16 Dec 24

The EPA said that for too long Ireland has merely aimed to 'get by', aspiring to only minimum environmental standards that in many instances, we don't even reach

Ireland's 'get by' climate plans threaten progress - EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency has warned that progress, economic prosperity, and health are all threatened unless Ireland increases the scale, pace, and ambition of environmental action.

Climate Change • 03 Oct 24

Today's ESRI research shows that those who learned about greenwashing tactics reported being more willing to engage in climate action

Consumers struggle to identify 'greenwashing' in ads

New research shows that consumers struggle to distinguish between genuine environmental claims made in ads and "greenwashed" ones that mislead on how environmentally friendly a product or business is.

Business • 31 May 24

Ken Stockil, CEO of 20FIFTY Partners and Colm Gaskin, Head of Research and Communities.

20FIFTY Partners secures €1.2m in Horizon Europe funding

Limerick company 20FIFTY Partners has secured €1.2m in Horizon Europe funding.

Business • 22 Feb 24

The EPA was urged to restore its advice on meat eating on its social media channels

Climate group says EPA 'caved' to agriculture sector

The EPA caved to pressure from the agricultural sector to dumb down its messaging on food waste and meat consumption after it deleted a tweet suggesting people reduce their red meat intake, according to the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition.

Ireland • 29 Aug 23

The EPA has highlighted wastewater issues in several areas including Lahinch

1,800 tonnes of raw sewage enters Clare coast daily

The Environmental Protection Agency has said 1,800 tonnes of raw sewage is entering the Clare coastline each day and the issue will not be fully resolved until 2025.

Regional • 03 Mar 23

Issues such as mismanagement of waste water were among the most complained about (Stock image)

75% of complaints to EPA last year about just ten sites

The Environmental Protection Agency carried out 1,434 inspections at Industrial and Waste Facilities last year, to check on adherence to environmental standards and regulations around issues such as wastewater management, landfill management, odour management and noise pollution.

Environment • 28 Feb 23

The European Union's Water Framework Directive requires Ireland to protect and enhance its waters to reach a 'good status' and prevent any deterioration to the existing status of water quality

Ireland failing to meet EU wastewater directives - EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency has said just 51% of Ireland's sewage is being treated to EU standards to protect the environment.

Ireland • 20 Oct 22

According to the report, raw sewage from 35 towns and villages flows into our environment every day

Delayed wastewater system change a 'public health risk'

The Environmental Protection Agency has said delays in upgrading wastewater treatment systems around the country are prolonging risks to the environment and public health.

Ireland • 12 Nov 20

The number of fish kills increased to 40 last year after a historic low of 14 in 2017

Water quality in rivers and lakes deteriorating - EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency has said that overall water quality in Ireland's rivers, lakes and estuaries is getting worse after a period of relative stability and improvement.

Environment • 10 Dec 19

Around 600,000 people were put on a boil water notice last week

EPA says Irish Water on notice over Leixlip issues

Irish Water failed to respond to a number of warning signs that there was a problem at the Leixlip Water Treatment Plant, a senior EPA officer has said.

Environment • 31 Oct 19

Campaigners have said they want the EPA to hold an oral hearing

Protest in Limerick over waste burning licence

A protest has taken place in Limerick city in opposition to the decision to grant permission to Irish Cement to burn tyres and other types of solid waste at its plant in Mungret in Co Limerick.

Munster • 05 Oct 19

EPA says it is increasingly concerned about rising levels of pollution

1,180 premature deaths down to air pollution - EPA

Air pollution is responsible for an estimated 1,180 premature deaths in Ireland each year, according to a new report from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Environment • 25 Sep 19

The Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to halve food waste by 2030.

EPA research finds high levels of commercial food waste

250,000 tonnes of food waste are generated annually by commercial food businesses such as restaurants, shops and workplace canteens, according to new EPA-funded research

Business • 10 Jul 19

The EPA says that adaptation actions to reduce our vulnerability to climate change impacts are needed

EPA says evidence of climate change becoming clearer

The Environmental Protection Agency has said the evidence that Ireland is being impacted by climate change is now clearer and more compelling than ever before.

Ireland • 07 Dec 17

Scott Pruitt has described the Paris accord as a 'bad deal'

New EPA chief questions carbon link to global warming

The incoming head of the Environmental Protection Agency, climate sceptic Scott Pruitt, has said he believes that carbon dioxide is not a primary contributor to global warming.

News • 09 Mar 17

Study modelled how a radioactive cloud might disperse in the atmosphere following a release from the plant in Cumbria, England

No need for Irish shelters if Sellafield accident

People in Ireland would not have to shelter indoors, relocate or evacuate the country, an EPA study of a worst case scenario accident at the Sellafield nuclear fuel reprocessing plant has found.

News • 08 Dec 16

The refinery is part of a controversial project that has resulted in protests and several complex court actions

Court case begins over Shell gas refinery licence

A High Court challenge has been brought against the EPA's decision to grant Shell E&P Ireland an Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Licence in respect of a gas refinery in Co Mayo.

Ireland • 05 Dec 15

The numbers affected by boil water notices has dropped to a record low of just 6,000 people

Lowest number ever on boil water notices - EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency has reported the lowest ever number of people on boil water notices, following improvements by Irish Water over the past year.

News • 15 Oct 15

Shell had submitted a revised application to the EPA after the Commercial Court quashed a previous licence in October 2013

Shell granted licence to operate Mayo gas refinery

The Environmental Protection Agency has granted Shell an Industrial Emissions licence to operate its gas refinery at Bellanaboy in north Co Mayo.

News • 09 Oct 15

Agriculture and transport account for 75% of greenhouse gas emission in Ireland

More action needed to meet EU energy targets - EPA

Ireland remains on course to miss its EU greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, unless ambitious policies and measures are implemented immediately.

News • 18 May 15

Ardmore Strand in Waterford was among the beaches that failed minimum standards

94% of Ireland's beaches pass water quality test

94% of Irish bathing waters have passed new stricter water quality standards introduced by the European Union.

News • 21 Apr 15

48% of household septic tanks inspected by local authorities failed

48% of all septic tanks fail inspection - EPA

The review of the first year of the National Inspection Plan for septic tanks has shown that almost half of household septic tanks fail inspection.

News • 03 Feb 15

Significant investment is needed to address quality issues

Irish Water expecting to improve treatment plants

Irish Water has said that lead in the water supply could be a very expensive problem for householders.

News • 20 Jan 15