Our services to the public and our regulated activities

The EPA has a wide remit and is responsible for a range of tasks relating to the authorisation of activities that could have an impact on the environment or on human health.  We carry out monitoring of the quality of our air, our freshwater, groundwater and marine waterbodies and our use of natural resources. Through our research and development programme, we are generating the knowledge and expertise needed to protect and manage Ireland's environment.

This section of our website contains a range of information services to the public on our activities and provides communication and guidance services for our regulated communities.

Play Your Part!
Environment & You

See how you can play your part in protecting our environment.

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Licensing & Permitting

Industrial activities play an important role in the economic well-being of Ireland contributing to sustainable growth but can also have a significant impact on the environment. Certain industrial activities produce emissions of various substances into the air, water and land. They also generate waste and use resources such as energy and water. The EPA has a wide remit and is responsible for a range of tasks relating to the authorisation of activities that could have an impact on the environment or on human health.

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Compliance & Enforcement

It is essential that economic growth is based on effective regulation that supports the protection and improvement of our environment. The EPA is committed to the enforcement of environmental and radiological legislation in a fair, proportionate and transparent manner.

Monitoring & Assessment

Fresh, clean water is vital for all life on earth. Ireland has some of the best water quality and cleanest beaches in Europe. Ireland’s climate means that there is usually enough water to meet the needs of its people and the surrounding environment. However, water quality In Ireland is getting worse. Just over half of Ireland’s surface waters are in good condition.

Research

Effective management of the environment is increasingly science-driven. Through our research and development programme, the Environmental Protection Agency is generating the knowledge and expertise needed to protect and manage Ireland's environment.

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Radiation

The EPA carries out rigorous and continuous testing ensuring environmental radiation remains within internationally agreed and legal safety limits. This testing ensures the EPA are quickly made aware of changes in environmental radiation in Ireland and can provide you with health warnings and protection advice if necessary.

All FAQs

A number of topical areas across the EPA have developed FAQs to assist with the many queries we received.

Popular FAQ's