Public Consultation for the Implementation of UNECE Protocol for PRTRs Public Consultation Documents on the implementation of UNECE Protocol for PRTRs

 The European PRTR (E-PRTR) Regulation (EC) No 166/2006 concerning the establishment of a European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register came into force on the 24th February 2006 and was brought into Irish law through S.I. No. 123 of 2007.  The Environmental Protection Agency was named as the Competent Authority for the PRTR Regulations by S.I. 123.   The E-PRTR implements at EU level the UNECE PRTR Protocol, which is a Protocol of the Aarhus Convention.  Its aims to enhance the availability of information to the general public on the sources and amounts of emissions to air, water and land from European industry. While the PRTR Protocol has not yet been ratified by Ireland, the legal obligations in respect of the E-PRTR have commenced under the PRTR Regulations.

A PRTR is a national or regional environmental database or inventory of potentially hazardous chemical substances and/or pollutants released to air, water and soil, and transferred off-site for treatment or disposal.  The UNECE Protocol on PRTRs is the first legally binding international instrument on PRTRs.  Its objectives are to enhance public access to information on the environment, to facilitate public participation, and to contribute to pollution prevention and control.

 Ireland signed the UNECE Protocol on PRTRs (subject to ratification) in Kiev in 2003.  The Protocol requires Parties to it to establish nationwide systems that report and collect emissions and waste transfers information. 

 The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government has prepared a consultation paper to outline the proposed implementation of the UNECE Protocol on PRTRs in Ireland and is seeking the views of stakeholders on any aspect of this consultation document.  The consultation paper on which comments are sought and a copy of the UNECE Protocol is available below:

PRTR Consultation Paper 

UNECE Protocol on PRTRs  

Comments should be submitted by email or by post to the address below.  Comments received may be made available publicly on the Department’s website.

 by email: environmentpolicy@environ.ie

 by post: Environment Policy Section,

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government,

Unit 1,

Ardcavan Business Park,

Ardcavan,

Wexford.

 Comments must be received, at the latest by 17th December 2008