What we are responsible for

The EPA is an independent public body established under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992. The other main instruments from which we derive our mandate are the Waste Management Act, 1996, and the Protection of the Environment Act, 2003 and Radiological Protection (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014.

The EPA’s purpose is to protect, improve and restore our environment through regulation, scientific knowledge and working with others. Our vision for Ireland is that we live sustainably in a healthy environment that is valued and protected by all.

Our purpose reflects our three core roles – as an environmental regulator, as a key source of trusted scientific evidence and knowledge, and as a voice for the environment through our leadership and advocacy and our commitment to collaborating and partnering with others to deliver better environmental outcomes.

Our responsibilities include:

  • Licensing
  • National Environmental Enforcement
  • Waste Management and Chemicals in the Environment
  • Water Management
  • Climate Science & Climate Change
  • Environmental Monitoring & Assessment
  • Environmental Research and Development
  • Radiological Protection
  • Guidance, Awareness Raising, and Accessible Information
  • Partnership and networking

Learn more

Read our Memoranda of Understanding with other bodies we work with.

Check out the EPA Evidence Framework.