The EPA research programme for the period 2007-2013 is entitled Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for the Environment (STRIVE). The STRIVE Programme consists of three key Pillars. Brief details of these are provided below:
The EPA has a statutory role to co-ordinate environmental research in Ireland. Since 1994, the EPA research programme has supported R&D activities in a range of environmental areas. This work was carried out by researchers in third level institutions, state agencies, government departments, local and regional authorities, the private sector and individuals.
The purpose of the Programme is:
“To protect and improve the natural environment by addressing key environmental management issues through the provision of world-class scientific knowledge generated through a vibrant, competitive programme of research developed supported and co-ordinated by EPA.”
The aims of the programme are to:
1. Contribute to a better environment by delivering applicable and relevant Science, Technology, Research and Innovation data, information and knowledge, based on high quality science and technology,
2. Develop new techniques, methods and systems for measuring, recording and predicting the quality of the environment,
3. Identify practical methods for the integration of environmental considerations into policies and programmes of the main economic sectors,
4. Provide knowledge to support the mainstreaming of environment in the NDP,
5. Collaborate with and assist other Agencies in their environmental decision making by providing high-quality, relevant, responsive and timely scientific information and research results,
6. Develop and integrate the environmental component of the knowledge economy, and ensure that environment is a key issue for research priorities at National Level,
7. Ensure that emerging EU and National Environmental and Research plans, policies and legislation are supported and implemented within the research programme,
8. Disseminate the findings of the individual research projects and the overall programme to the widest possible audience in a coherent and timely manner.
The funding for the programme is provided from a number of sources:
The EPA has awarded a total of 827 research projects, committing funding of approx €114m and making payments of approx. €79m, in the period 2000-2011. These projects range in size and value from Small Scale Studies completed within a couple of months with a budget of approx. €6,500 to Capability Development projects completed over a 5 year period with a budget in excess of €1.5m.
During the National Development Plan (NDP) 2000-2006, the EPA provided €39m to support environmental research. This was administered through the Environmental Research, Technological Development and Innovation (ERTDI) Programme.
