Ireland’s poor environmental record came under the spotlight again today when the European Commission decided to refer the State’s failure to comply with directives on air pollution to the EU Court of Justice.
Ireland is among six countries against which proceedings have been instigated for failing to fully implement carcinogenic Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) directives. Italy, the United Kingdom, Greece, Spain and Austria are the others.
"Inadequate implementation means that citizens do not get the guarantees of improved local, regional and global air quality that these EU laws promise. Consequently, citizens run a greater risk of suffering health problems associated with poor air quality," the Commission said in a statement today.
The directives set requirements for reducing air pollution caused by solvents, limit air pollutant emissions from large combustion plants and fix air quality limits for several major air pollutants.
Today’s announcement is the second stage of legal proceedings. The Government have been notified and if a "satisfactory response" is not received within two months then the Commission may ask the Court to step in.
Environment Commissioner Ms Margot Wallström said: "There is no point in Member States agreeing laws if they do not then abide by them."
Green MEP, Ms Patricia McKenna referred to last Thursday’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report which said waste management in Ireland is approaching crisis levels.
She said today's news coupled with the EPA report highlights "the totally negligent and irresponsible, laissez-faireattitude of Irish authorities when it comes to preserving our air quality, protecting public health and generally protecting our environment".