On 1st January 2014 Irish Water became responsible for the production, distribution and monitoring of drinking water from over 1000 public water supplies, serving 82.0% of the population. The remainder of the population is supplied by group water schemes (6.6%), small private supplies (0.8%) and private wells (10.6%) that are exempt under the Regulations.  Responsibility for the water quality rests with...

Sustainable procurement can often prove challenging due to: Complex Supply chains Varied voluntary standards Unclear definition on some ethical practices The Standards Map is an online platform to explore and compare sustainability standards which aims to simplify this process.  The tool was recently updated to include the latest standards and criteria. It is intended to Provide clear, comprehensive and verified...

The Environmental Indicators 2014 report published by the CSO paints a broadly positive picture of progress in Ireland’s environment across nine different domains. Some of the main findings are: Air quality improved considerably in the decade since 2000 with the result that Ireland was below the EU National Emission Ceiling (NEC) Directive level for sulphur...

The EPA in collaboration with the Pesticide Control Division of DAFM, Teagasc, six local authorities, Rilta Environmental Limited (a hazardous waste contractor), WEEE Ireland and the European Recycling Platform, delivered a pilot project to determine the nature and extent of on-farm stockpiling of hazardous waste. The project entailed the operation of six bring-centres for farm...

Classification, Labelling and Packaging is generally abbreviated to CLP. CLP Regulation covers hazardous chemicals sold to professional users and consumers. The HSA has produced an information sheet which outlines the key requirements for the labelling and packaging of hazardous chemicals under the CLP Regulation. All hazardous chemicals (substances and mixtures) placed on the market must be...

It used to be that information was king.   However, with the advent of the internet and “Google Experts” we quickly recognised that the “king” which our clients required was the correct interpretation of information specifically tailored to their requirements. This has included: Ensuring that the most appropriate Permits and Licences in place to mitigate against business interruption, prosecution...

The European Commission has published a consultation document on the quality of drinking water in Europe The aim of this drinking water consultation document is to gather views on the need and the possible range of actions which could be undertaken in order to improve the supply with high quality drinking water. The results of the...

The National Pesticides Working group has produced a leaflet to provide information supporting awareness around responsible use of herbicides, including MCPA, by farmers and other professional users. Protecting drinking water quality is essential for sustainable use of resources. Drinking water monitoring results for Ireland show that a number of herbicides commonly used on grassland, such...

EPA are currently in the final stages of preparing their 2014 Research call. This year’s call will be worth approximately €7 million, split between the Climate, Water and Sustainability pillars. There will also be a seperate Green Enterprise call worth approximately €200,000.  EPA Research Call 2014 Provisional dates: Call opens: 27 June 2014 Applicant Deadline: 5 August...

Ireland’s countryside is undoubtedly a high quality natural resource which is extensive and diverse.   Resource Management, Education and Conservation are ongoing requirements if our countryside is to continue to lend itself to the provision of opportunities for a wide range of countryside recreation activities for both the local population and for an increasing number of tourists. To...