Environment, Climate and Communications | Priority areas of environmental protection policy

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the main areas of environmental protection deemed at present to be urgent; the action in hand or proposed to deal with any such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

My Department published its Statement of Strategy, Le Cheile 23, in 2021.  The Strategy sets out the five Strategic Goals for the Department up to the year 2023.  Strategic Goal 2, the Transition to a Circular Economy and protecting and restoring our environment identified 10 specific areas of environmental engagement. Full details of the Statement of Strategy, and the associated actions delivered under Strategic Goal 2 can be found on my Departments website www.decc.gov.ie

In addition my Department provides funding to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is an independent competent authority responsible for protecting and improving the environment as a valuable asset for the people of Ireland. The EPA has published its own Priority List setting out those areas it deems as most appropriate for engagement.  This information can be viewed at the attached link https://www.epa.ie/our-services/compliance–enforcement/whats-happening/national-priority-sites-list/