Ireland's application for European structural funds is seriously threatened by its disgraceful record on meeting EU environmental commitments, according to the Green Party MEP Ms Patricia McKenna.
Ms McKenna said that more than 40 complaints were being investigated by the EU on the State's failure to comply with environmental directives. The National Development Plan would be examined by commissioners and funding would be suspended if regional projects did not meet environmental directives.
The Friends of the Irish Environment group has lodged a series of complaints with the Commission about the environmental sustainability of the National Development Plan. The plan was sent to the Commission last year. The Government is to provide further information on projects which may be co-financed by the EU.
Ms McKenna said the infringement proceedings currently being taken against the State related to breaches or non-implementation of the Habitats Directive, the Drinking Water Directive, the Framework Waste Directive, the Package Waste Directive and the Wild Birds Directive.