Government appoints Dr Eimear Cotter as Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí:
The Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien has secured Government approval for the appointment of Dr Eimear Cotter as Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Dr Cotter will take up the post with effect from 8 March 2026 for a seven-year term.
Announcing the appointment, Minister O’Brien said:
“Dr Eimear Cotter has a proven track record as a public servant committed to the protection of our environment. She will bring a broad range of experience to the Executive Board of the Agency. I am confident that Dr Cotter will make a valuable contribution to the work of the Agency and in addressing the many challenges ahead.”
ENDS
Notes to the Editor
Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent public body under the aegis of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, established under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992.
The agency is at the front line of environmental protection and policing and is committed to protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation and pollution. It has responsibility for protecting and improving the environment as a valuable asset for the people of Ireland.
The Agency is managed by a full time Executive Board appointed by Government, consisting of a Director General and five Directors. The Board fulfils both the governance and management roles in the organisation. The work of the Agency can be divided into three main areas:
- Regulation: Implement effective regulation and environmental compliance systems to deliver good environmental outcomes and target those who don’t comply.
- Knowledge: Provide high-quality, targeted and timely environmental data, information and assessment to inform decision-making at all levels.
- Advocacy: Work with others to advocate for a clean, productive and well protected environment and for sustainable environmental behaviour.
Dr Eimear Cotter
Eimear Cotter has been a Director in the EPA since 2017 and has served as Deputy Director General since May 2025. As a Director, Eimear led the Office of Evidence and Assessment with responsibility for climate including carbon emissions trading, water management, environmental research and data analytics. Previously she was Director of the Office of Environmental Sustainability which included responsibility for Environmental Licensing.
Eimear holds a BA (Mod) in chemistry from Trinity College Dublin, a PhD in atmospheric chemistry from Oxford University and an MBA from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. She is a Board member on the Governing Board of the Institute of Art, Design and Technology. She is a 2019 Eisenhower Fellow. Eimear is originally from Carlow.