There are currently five cases in respect of which the European Commission has initiated legal action in relation to non-implementation of EU directives in areas for which my Department has responsibility. The first four cases where legal action has been initiated arise in relation to directives concerning: dangerous substances in water; the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, commonly known as environmental impact assessment or EIA; the keeping of wild animals in zoos, and end-of-life vehicles. The fifth case relates to a number of waste issues.
Legislation transporting the relevant directives is in place in respect of each of the above five cases, and the legal actions relate to issues regarding elements of transposition and implementation. The European Commission has indicated its intention to withdraw the case in relation to the zoos directive and confirmation of that decision is awaited.
Legal action has also been taken by the Commission against Ireland in relation to reporting requirements under an EU regulation on ozone depleting substances. A defence has been lodged. The European Commission announced on 22 July 2003 its intention to take legal action against Ireland in relation to the decision by the Government to introduce a €20 charge on citizens wishing to make submissions on development consent procedures. The Commission also announced on 29 January 2004 its intention to take legal action against Ireland for alleged failure to designate a sufficient number of special protection areas, SPAs, for wild birds and adequately to protect sites that have or require SPA status. No communication has been received from the European Court of Justice on either matter.
