Policy information
Environment
From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Published on
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The protection of our environment and the sustainable use of our natural resources are government priorities. Ireland is committed to integrating sustainable development into all aspects of government, the economy and society. Ireland is already transitioning towards a circular economy, where resources are utilised for as long as possible and the production of waste is minimised through greater waste prevention and recycling.
The government promotes greater environmental awareness for everyone through engagement with citizens, businesses, communities and organisations. It also recognises the rights of citizens to environmental information and justice and the role of the public in environmental decision-making. It also provides support and funding for environmental initiatives.
The government also recognises the part that Ireland must play in the wider sustainable development agenda, on regional and international levels, to achieve a resource efficient society.
The Irish government promotes the protection of our natural environment, the health and wellbeing of our citizens. The government creates policies and measures to prevent and minimise activities that cause environmental damage such as air, water and land pollution. It also collects environmental levies which can be used for environmental initiatives, such as waste prevention campaigns, environmental education or improvement of the local environment. The government supports the involvement of civil society and community groups and non-governmental organisations in these issues.
Read more about Environmental Protection
Moving Ireland towards a more sustainable future means creating a 'circular economy', one which is focused on reducing and eliminating waste and keeping resources in use for as long as possible.
Our current national waste policy, the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy was launched in September 2020. This Plan outlines the various measures which will be necessary to help achieve a circular economy, focusing not just on how we manage our waste but also on preventing waste arising in the first place and on how we can manage our products and resources more efficiently and sustainably.
Read more about our Waste Policy
Read more about our transition to a Circular Economy
The government encourages the involvement of citizens, businesses and organisations in helping to protect the environment and solve environmental problems. There are a number of sources of funding and supports available which can help citizens to develop environmental initiatives.
Read more about Funding Supports and Schemes
As well as devising national policy, the government works to achieve cross-border cooperation on environmental protection on the island of Ireland as well as working with neighbouring countries on common environmental issues. The government also plays a role in designing and implementing EU and international environmental policy to achieve wider goals such as improved water and air quality, better waste management, increased use of renewable energy and greater environmental sustainability.
Read more about EU and International Environmental Policy
