The work of the network is grouped into themes including waste, water, enforcement management and producer responsibility. The following outlines some of the key network activities under the main themes.
Local authorities combine forces at regional level to deal with issues such as illegal waste collection, fly-tipping, and poor management of construction and demolition waste.
A crackdown in illegal trafficking of waste to Northern Ireland, Europe and beyond brought about by co-ordinated inspection and enforcement actions.
In October 2007, the Enforcement Network Working Group on Unauthorised Waste produced a report detailing waste enforcement actions during 2006. The report "Focus on Waste Enforcement" contains a number of specific case studies which illustrate the types of enforcement actions underway in Ireland to tackle illegal waste activities. These actions will continue to evolve to meet the challenge of improving compliance and enforcement of National and European Waste legislation.
The Network facilitates better co-ordination of water enforcement activities through the development and implementation of catchment-specific enforcement plans. The Network has developed guidance for local authorities in relation to the handling of Cryptosporidium outbreaks. This information is available on the Network's extranet website.
The Network has developed and is implementing management systems for dealing with inspections and environmental complaints in a consistent manner.
Support is provided for this work by bringing together, through national conferences and workshops, the relevant enforcement authorities to deal with enforcement issues in an integrated way.
The Network promotes better compliance with both the Packaging Regulations and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations by manufacturers and distributors. A Solvents Group is developing guidance to ensure a consistent approach to the enforcement of the Solvents Regulations.
