Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the main areas of environmental protection requirements deemed at present to be urgent; the action to date in hand or proposed to deal with any such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11502/24]
View answerThe most recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) State of the Environment report was published in 2020, with the next of these reports due later in 2024.
The EPA State of the Environment reports are important milestones for Ireland, as they provide a snapshot of the environment at a particular point, as well as showing trends and changes in the environment over time. The reports assess progress in meeting the main environmental challenges facing the country and evaluate how national policies are being implemented, and if they are operating and delivering as intended. A copy of the last report is available at epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/assessment/irelands-environment/state-of-environment-report-
That report recognised climate change as an urgent challenge in terms of Ireland’s environment. Other areas highlighted in the report, including air quality, waste and energy are all being addressed within the remit of my Department.
My Department ‘s Statement of Strategy for the period 2021-2023, Le Chéile, set out our strategic goals in line with the Programme for Government and our long-term vision of a climate neutral, sustainable, and digitally connected Ireland. The statement identified five strategic goals which were set out at a high level and are complemented by a broader list of deliverables for the Department, including those relating to environmental protection. A copy of the Statement of Strategy is available at gov.ie.
