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Overview of the Research Programme

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a statutory role to co-ordinate environmental research in Ireland.

STRIVE Programme 2007-2013

The EPA research programme for the period 2007-2013 is entitled Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for the Environment (STRIVE) and is based on the following:

  • the Environmental Research Sub-programmes of the National Development Plan 2007-2013;
  • the Government’s Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation launched in 2006;
  • the EPA’s most recent assessments of Ireland’s environment;
  • the EPA’s strategy 2020 Vision – Protecting and Improving Ireland’s Environment;
  • a series of workshops organised by the Agency, mainly during 2006, involving environmental policymakers, managers and researchers;
  • the experience gained in previous EPA research programmes.

It also takes account of developments at EU level in respect of current environment and research programmes and of the wider international context.

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.

Funding

The funding for the programme is provided from a number of sources:

  • €93 million provided in the Environmental Research Sub-programme of the NDP 2007-2013;
  • €8 million provided for research in aspects of climate change, transboundary pollution and earth observation under the Inter Departmental Committee for the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (IDC-SSTI);
  • Co-funding with other state agencies and funding groups  for projects / themes where such an arrangement would deliver  synergies and increase the utilisation of results;
  • EPA core funding for staffing the management of the programme.

Other sources of funding for environmental research under the programme will continue to be developed as appropriate.

Overview

The STRIVE Programme consists of three key measures, two measures in support of these and seven principal thematic areas. Brief details of these are provided below:

  • Key Measures
    • Measure 1: Sustainable Development
    • Measure 2: Environmental Technologies and Cleaner Production
    • Measure 3: A Healthy Environment
  • Support Measures
    • Measure 4: EPA Environmental Research Centre
    • Measure 5: Capacity and Capability Building
  • Principal Thematic areas
    • Air Quality, Atmospheric Deposition and Noise
    • Sectoral impacts on Biodiversity
    • Climate Change
    • Soils and Landscape
    • Socio-Economics
    • Waste, Resource Management and Chemicals
    • Water Quality and the Aquatic Environment.

In addition, the EPA will undertake other functions including key national support in respect of the EU’s 7th Framework Programme for research (FP7), specifically the theme Environment, including Climate Change as well as liaison and support in respect of other EU programmes and in the wider international context.

ERTDI Programme 2000-2006

Since 1994, the Environmental Protection Agency (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. 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.

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