Public Consultation Launched for new Environmental Protection Agency Draft Strategy 2016-2020

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today announced that it is seeking the views of the public on the Agency’s fifth formal strategy, before its finalisation later this year.  The public consultation process offers interested parties the opportunity to submit suggestions on how the EPA should prioritise activities over the next number of years to deliver on its mission; ‘to protect and improve Ireland’s environment and to protect our people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation and pollution’.

The EPA’s current Strategic Plan 2013-2015, Working with Others for a Better Environment set out how a clean, healthy and well protected environment lies at the heart of economic recovery.  As our economy continues to improve the importance of protecting and improving our environment in a sustainable manner has never been greater. The EPA’s draft Strategy 2016-2020 builds on this vital need for sustainability and sets out five high level strategic goals and associated objectives that theEPA will prioritise in delivering over the term of the strategy.

The EPA has a wide range of functions in protecting and improving the environment which can be divided into three main areas: providing high quality targeted and timely environmental information to help people make informed decisions; implementing effective regulation and compliance systems and working with others to advocate for a clean, healthy and well protected environment.

Ms. Laura Burke, Director General, EPA said:
“At its heart, environmental protection is simply about making the world a safe, productive and pleasant place to live – right now, and into the future. Rather than being in conflict with growth, a protected environment is the foundation for successful economies and societies.”

“A thriving, clean environment provides the very basis of good lifestyles and we need to look beyond simply protecting people from threats in their environment to considering how the environment can deliver a much wider range of health benefits”.

“We want to hear your views on what should be included in our new strategy. I would encourage people to get involved in this consultation process and help shape the work priorities of the EPA at this critical time”

The draft Strategy is available on the EPA website www.epa.ie/pubs/consultation/. Those wishing to make suggestions are encouraged to do so by visiting the EPA’s website and using the on-line facility. Alternatively submissions by post will be accepted and can be posted directly to: EPA Draft Strategy 2016-2020, EPA Headquarters, PO Box 3000, Johnstown Castle Estate, County Wexford, Ireland. They can also be emailed to strategy@epa.ie.

The deadline for submissions is Friday 23 October 2015.