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.
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Engaging the public on environmental issues is crucial to ensure widespread participation in environmental protection. The government recognises the value of this and implements legislation and initiatives that include members of the public in the decision-making process, based on international policies and agreements.
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Sustainable development is development which meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure we are managing our resources and protecting our natural environment, while also moving our economy and society forward. The government is taking a joined-up approach to sustainable development, bringing all sectors of Irish society together to achieve this common objective. This will help Ireland to transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient future, while managing our resources sustainably and fairly.
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To move 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. Improved waste management and prevention policies and strategies are needed to help achieve this. Ireland’s waste and resource management policy is currently being reviewed and the government’s new policy will focus on achieving national and European targets on sustainability and resource efficiency.
Read more about Waste Policy and the 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.
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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
