EPA National Water Event 2018 – Pathways to Progress

The Environmental Protection Agency  is organising the National Water Event 2018 titled “Pathways to Progress” on Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st June 2018 in the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, Galway. This event is a key forum for Local Authorities, Regulators and Water Professionals to learn about current changes in Ireland’s water policy and practices. Talks will...

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The Industrial Emissions Directive explained

The Industrial Emissions Directive 2010/75/EU (or IED for short) is aimed at reducing emissions from industrial production processes and has been in force in Ireland since 6 January 2011 and was implemented from 23 April 2013 onwards. In the past the Environmental Protection Agency in Ireland has issued Waste Licences and IPPC Licences for activities...

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Launch of Public Consultation for Ireland’s first National Implementation Report 2014 under the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register Protocol

On 23 August 2013 the public consultation for Ireland’s first National Implementation Report under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Protocol on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (known as the PRTR Protocol) was launched. The PRTR Protocol seeks to reduce the burden of pollution and waste by establishing publicly accessible national pollutant registers. The Protocol...

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Dubious Distinction: First prosecution for a breach of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations

On 6th June 2013 the Environmental Protection Agency prosecuted Galway County Council for permitting discharges from the Waste Water Works at Kilronan, Inis Mór, Aran Islands without a certificate of authorisation from the Agency. This was the EPA’s first prosecution for a breach of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations. ECOS Environmental Consultants Limited

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Strategic Environmental Assessment- A Review of its Effectiveness in Ireland

Strategic Environmental Assessment in Ireland (SEA) is the process by which environmental considerations are integrated into Plans and Programmes across a broad range of sectors including energy, fisheries, industry, telecommunications, water and land use. A review of SEA, commissioned by the EPA, has found that: SEA is providing a vital tool for environmental protection in...

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Grant scheme for Septic Tanks

The Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, announced on 17 December 2012 that a grant scheme will be available for householders whose septic tanks and other domestic waste water treatment systems need repairing or updating following inspection under the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012. Householders will need to register their system by 1 February 2013...

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Save Energy, Reduce Costs and Improve Profitability

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in conjunction with the BeGreen Programme, provide many supports, often free of charge, to business. Guidance on available supports is presented on the SEAI website and is summarized in a presentation made during the recent the BeGreen Roadshow. The BeGreen Programme is supported by the Small Firms Association and the Environmental...

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Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Impact Statement

The obligations under Irish law in respect of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) are derived from obligations incurred as a result of membership of the European Community within the terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act and Regulations. An EIA is to be conducted before consent is given for projects likely...

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Integrated Pollution Control Licence (IPC Licence – Formerly IPPC Licence)

What is an IPC Licence The EPA Act 1992 (as amended) sets out the activities for which an Integrated Pollution Control or IPC Licence is required. An IPC Licence is a singular licence granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  An IPC licence addresses all activities undertaken on site which may impact on the environment...

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Public consultation process for EPA Strategy

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it is seeking the views of the public on how the Agency should prioritise activities over the next number of years to protect and improve Ireland’s environment. The public consultation process offers interested parties the opportunity to submit suggestions on the EPA’s fourth formal strategy before publication...

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