Latest EPA Research 2030 Reports
Research 495: Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in the Dublin Port Area (PortAIR)
Authors: Kirsten Fossum, Niall O’Sullivan, Srishti Jain, Lu Lei, Chunshui Lin, Darius Ceburnis, Stig Hellebust, Colin O’Dowd, Jurgita Ovadnevaite and John Wenger, October 2025
Year: 2025
Dublin Port, Ireland’s largest freight and passenger port, brings significant economic and social benefits, however emissions from ships and other port-related activities contribute to climate change and air pollution. The PortAIR project conducted the first detailed study of air quality impacts from ships and port activities using continuous monitoring and advanced modelling throughout 2022. It identified two main ship plumes: one dominated by sulfate from high-sulfur fuel with scrubbers and another by organic species from low-sulfur fuels. Ship emissions peaked during manoeuvring. With port expansion planned, emission reduction strategies are recommended, including shore-side electricity, emission control zones, battery-powered vessel and cleaner fuels. The study highlights the importance of advanced instruments for continuous air quality monitoring and recommends the need for further research into mitigation technologies.
Research 494: Peat Hub Ireland
Authors: Florence Renou-Wilson, David Wilson and Kate Flood, October 2025
Year: 2025
Healthy peatlands offer vital benefits for human well-being, including cleaner air and water, carbon storage, and cultural value. Across Europe, there is growing recognition of the need to protect undrained peatlands, rewet drained ones, and restore degraded areas. The Peat Hub Ireland project led by a team from University College Dublin reviewed Irish peatland research from 2000–2023 to identify trends, risks, and knowledge gaps. It highlighted 71 research gaps and 96 priority actions across biodiversity, climate, policy, and more. Peat Hub Ireland also produced a glossary, open-source database, and 10 thematic factsheets to support accessible knowledge sharing. The research findings provide policymakers, researchers, and civil society with evidence-based information. It also provides tools to support decision-making around sustainable management and governance of peatlands in Ireland as a critical national resource.
Research 493: Biological Tools to Measure the Impact of Flow on Ecology in Irish Rivers
Authors: Martin Gammell, Heather T. Lally, Conor Graham, Lynda Weekes, Andrés Peredo Arce, Chris Westwood, Mike Dunbar and Chris Extence, September 2025
Year: 2025
Researchers from Atlantic Technological University, examined the use of biomonitoring tools (called hydroecological indices) for measuring the effects of changes in flow on biota (species) in Irish Rivers. Human driven factors like climate change, water abstraction and instream barriers can alter river flows, thereby having negative impacts on river biota. It is important to be able to monitor and mitigate such impacts. Showing clear links between flow changes and ecological conditions, this research successfully adapted two existing macroinvertebrate indexes and developed a new macrophyte index for use in Irish rivers, further research is needed to test the overall performance of the later. Findings include recommending the use of hydroecological monitoring tools in national biological monitoring programmes to help address national policy, including the Water Action Plan 2024 and the Water Environment (Abstractions and Associated Impoundments) Act 2022.
Research 492: Artificial Intelligence as an Enabler of the Circular Economy
Authors: Enya O’Connell-Hussey, Veena Grace Thomas, Valentina Rangel Leon, Carlos Garcia, David McCormack and Geraldine T. Brennan, September 2025
Year: 2025
The Artificial Intelligence for Circular Economy in Ireland (AI4CE) research project found that while Ireland’s AI adoption rate exceeds the EU average, its use in advancing the circular economy (CE) is still in its early stages and mainly concentrated in waste and recycling. The findings highlight key barriers including low awareness of AI-CE synergies, financial limitations (especially for SMEs), data governance challenges, skill shortages, and resistance to change. AI4CE recommends more investment in education about AI, increased stakeholder collaboration, improved infrastructure, and clear business cases to demonstrate cost savings and efficiency gains. To support adoption, AI4CE developed three resources: a Decision Support Tool with case studies, a Best Practice & Policy Guide explaining AI-CE integration and regulations, and a Status Report summarising current AI use in Ireland’s CE landscape.
Research 491: Human Biomonitoring for Ireland – The HBM4IRE Study
Authors: Alison Connolly, Richa Singh, Holger Koch, Marike Kolossa-Gehring and André Conrad, September 2025
Year: 2025
The Human Biomonitoring for Ireland (HBM4IRE) project assessed the feasibility of establishing a national Human Biomonitoring (HBM) programme in Ireland to better understand cumulative chemical exposure from various sources. Despite EU regulations, concerns remain about long-term health impacts, and HBM offers a more accurate method of measuring human exposure through biological samples. The study confirmed Ireland’s capacity to implement such a programme, aligning with EU initiatives like the Green Deal and Zero Pollution Action Plan. Key outcomes include Ireland’s first priority chemical list, a proposed governance framework involving agencies like the EPA and HSE, and recommendations for stakeholder engagement, data transparency, and sustained funding. The findings support evidence-based policymaking, improved public health protections, and international collaboration. HBM4IRE also provides a roadmap for future efforts, including addressing.
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Research 490: Importance of Physico-chemical Cycling of Nutrients and Carbon in Marine Transitional Zones (Nuts & Bolts)
Authors: Peter Croot, Rachel Cave, Sheena Fennell, Maija Heller, Tiernan Henry, Nadeeka Rathnayake, Fatimatuj Zohara Sonny and Dagmar Stengel, August 2025
Year: 2025
Marine transitional zones (MTZs) serve as important material filters in the transfer of elements and chemical species from land to sea. Through physico-chemical and biological processes, nutrients and trace metals are either removed or chemically altered within MTZs, resulting in a reduced flux of materials to the coastal zone. This research, led by a team from the University of Galway, aims to enhance our understanding of the impact of multiple environmental stressors on Irish MTZs. The study involves biogeochemical and bio-optical investigations at four characteristically different sites: the Shannon Estuary, Kinvara Bay, Lough Furnace, and Galway Bay. New data generated from this research will improve our ability to predict and model the effects of climate change and other anthropogenic stressors on good environmental status of MTZs. Additionally, the study provides essential environmental information to support decision-making related to the management and governance of Irish MTZs.
Research 489: Strategies to Improve Water Quality from Managed Peatlands (SWAMP) Project
Authors: Florence Renou-Wilson, Lipe R. D. Mendes, Michael Bruen, Elizabeth Conroy, Thomas Donahue, David Morgan, Behzad Mozafari, Connie O’Driscoll, Fiachra O’Loughlin, Catharine Pschenyckyj, Shane Regan and Mary Kelly-Quinn, July 2025
Year: 2025
The Strategies to Improve Water Quality from Managed Peatlands (SWAMP) research project aimed to address key knowledge gaps about water quality degradation in Ireland's peatland areas. This degradation is caused by decades of drainage for industrial and domestic peat extraction. The project reveals how long-term drainage for peat extraction and other land uses have negatively impacted Ireland's rivers and streams. Drained peatlands have leached harmful nutrients, acids, and carbon-rich water into these water bodies. The research focuses on identifying pollution hotspots, measuring the effects of peat soil drainage on water chemistry and aquatic biodiversity, assessing pollution prevention measures, and developing better hydrological models to predict the response of peatlands to drainage and restoration. These findings come at a crucial time as Ireland must address the specific challenges of complying with the Water Framework Directive and fulfilling the Nature Restoration Law.
Research 488: Habitat Mapping, Assessment and Monitoring with High-resolution Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle Imagery (iHabiMap)
Authors: John Connolly, Charmaine Cruz, James R. Martin, Jerome O Connell, Kevin McGuinness and Philip M. Perrin, June 2025
Year: 2025
Ireland has a wide range of important habitats, identified under Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive, needing protection and restoration. Monitoring, reporting, and verifying these habitats is an essential activity under this directive, but this can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, particularly over large remote areas. This research (iHabiMap) has enhanced our ability to do this by integrating ecological and UAV surveys, image analysis, and machine learning to accurately map coastal, grassland, and upland habitats. iHabiMap produced habitat maps with over 90% accuracy, demonstrating the potential of UAV and AI technology in habitat monitoring. The methodology can support regular habitat assessments, is transferable to other habitat types, and can help monitor the degradation and rehabilitation of dune systems, salt marshes, uplands, and grasslands. The agile research methodology was also adapted to map and monitor the invasive species Spartina anglica in saltmarshes.
Research 487: Research on the Environment, Health, Consumer Behaviour and the Economy: ESRI Environment Research Programme 2022–2024
Authors: Marta Alvaro-Taus, Ylva Andersson, John Curtis, Kelly de Bruin, Çağaçan Değer, Aislinn Hoy, Clare Kelly, Maria Lee, Pete Lunn, Gretta Mohan, Frank Moriarty, Anne Nolan, Alexandros Papadopoulos, Olga Poluektova, Adam Shier, Constantine Spandagos, Shane Timmons, Miguel Tovar Reaños, Brendan Walsh, Ava Whelan and Aykut Mert Yakut, June 2025
Year: 2025
The EPA/ESRI Environment Research Programme produces policy-relevant applied research at the interface between the environment, economy, and society. This report on this fourth phase provides a summary of 13 studies, produced by the ESRI, that use a range of data and methodological approaches to provide insights into the environmental challenges facing Irish society. The studies include analyses of healthcare costs resulting from poor air quality and water-related diseases, public perceptions and behaviour in relation to environmental risks, the effects of greenwashing and eco-labels on consumers, as well as the role of enforcement in preventing pollution in Ireland.
Evidence Synthesis Report 7: Investigating the Likelihood of a Lough Neagh Bloom Scenario Happening in Ireland
Authors: Philip Taylor, Ezra Kitson, Linda May, Erica Zaja, Alice MacSporran, Zisis Gagkas, Sara Trojahn and Miriam Glendell , June 2025
Year: 2025
This study, conducted by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and the James Hutton Institute, reviewed the factors that contributed to the harmful algal bloom (HAB) event in Lough Neagh.
Research 486: Proactive Optical Monitoring of Catchment Dissolved Organic Matter for Drinking Water Source Protection (PRODOM)
Authors: John Weatherill, Boris Droz, Elena Fernández-Pascual, Jean O’Dwyer, Emma Goslan, Connie O’Driscoll and Simon Harrison, May 2025
Year: 2025
In Ireland, approximately 82% of public water supplies originate from surface water catchments. This water requires disinfection with chlorine to inactivate pathogens and prevent the spread of waterborne disease. The presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in source waters can lead to the formation of potentially carcinogenic disinfection by-products (DBPs), such as trihalomethanes (THM4), of which Ireland has the highest number of reported exceedances in the EU in recent years. This research conducted detailed field and laboratory investigation in the River Lee catchment (Cork, Ireland), supported by predictive modelling using machine learning techniques, to gain more insights in the role of optically active DOM in DBP formation and forecasting. It highlights the value of UV-visible spectroscopy as a cost-effective and non-destructive technology suitable for proactive management of DOM in source water, with a high potential for aiding real-time process control at treatment plants.
Evidence Synthesis Report 6: Just Transition Indicator Framework for Ireland
Authors: J. Andrew Kelly, Ciaran Deegan, Amy Collins, Angela Milimu, Luke Kelleher and Yanika Farrugia, April 2025
Year: 2025
This research was carried out by EnvEcon Decision Support and provides guidance for Government on how to monitor and track success in ensuring a fair, inclusive and equitable transition to a low-carbon economy.
Research 485: Specific Management and Robust Targeting of Riparian Buffer Zones
Authors: Daire Ó hUallacháin, Per-Erik Mellander, Simon Parker, Nikki Baggaley, Mark E. Wilkinson, Allan Lilly and Marc Stutter, April 2025
Year: 2025
With many of Ireland's surface waters classed as less than the minimum of “good ecological status” under the Water Framework Directive, this research project looked to support optimal targeting and management of riparian margins, in agricultural contexts, for effective management of rivers in Ireland. It delivers a riparian measures database summarising alternative measures for Irish conditions, evaluating their effectiveness and wider ecosystem service benefits. Core to the research is the “Right Measure, Right Place” concept, a key tenet of Ireland’s River Basin Management Plan (2022–2027). Tools were developed to identify locations for maximum impact, using landscape context to prioritise 16 identified mitigation measures. The project aims to help policymakers and other research projects expand beyond traditional approaches to achieve water quality objectives under policies like the Common Agricultural Policy and Water Framework Directive.
Research 484: Framework for Characterising Oligotrophic (3110 and 3160) Lakes Using Practical Methods and Assessment Tools
Authors: Heather T. Lally, Martin Gammell, Emma Gray, Giovanni Cappelli and Cilian Roden, April 2025
Year: 2025
Oligotrophic lake habitats, which are characterised by low accumulation of dissolved nutrient salts are protected freshwater habitats in Ireland. These habitats support limited life forms, mainly algae and macroinvertebrates. This research report, from the "Peat Lakes" project, looks at the potential of these organisms to help in characterising and conserving oligotrophic lakes using practical methods and assessment tools. It assesses and provides findings on water chemistry and data from plant communities, including macrophytes, algal communities (including desmids), and invertebrate communities from 24 water bodies within Atlantic blanket bog landscapes in the west of Ireland. The report makes several recommendations and provides relevant stakeholders from state agencies with important information for the conservation of small water bodies (area ≤ 0.01 km²), to support the monitoring of favourable conservation conditions in oligotrophic lake habitats, under the EU Habitats Directive.
Research 483: Just Resilience and Adaptation in Ireland (JustAdapt)
Authors: Stefano Ceolotto, Niall Farrell, Pranav Kakkar and Anita Vollmer, April 2025
Year: 2025
Both the impacts of climate change and the policy responses to mitigate emissions affect different sections of society in different ways. The JustAdapt research project is the first national-level study to consider socioeconomic vulnerability alongside climate change impacts at a local level in Ireland. It includes modelling extreme weather events to identify where climate impacts and socioeconomic vulnerability coincide, assessing local economic impacts of climate policies, and developing guidelines for incorporating nature-based solutions, equity and justice into climate policy decision-making. Overall, the research offers policymakers, planners, and stakeholders’ insights to design fair, effective, and sustainable climate adaptation policies and strategies, while considering socio-economic vulnerabilities and promoting nature-based solutions for a resilient future.
Research 482: Mitigating Agricultural Impacts on Water Quality through Research and Knowledge Exchange
Authors: Mary Ryan, Cathal O’Donoghue, Denis O’Hora, Jenny McSharry, Pat Murphy, Noel Meehan, Karen Daly, Owen Fenton, Yuting Meng, Paula Cullen, Rossella Di Domenico, Thomas Moloney, LoriRae van Laren, Daniel Urban, Niall McLoughlin, Emma Byrne, Catherine Seale and Maura Farrell, March 2025
Year: 2025
This research report explores improving water quality affected by agricultural practices using a multi-disciplinary approach .It incorporated systems analysis of actors and incentives, spatial analysis on the effects of rural activity, analysis of factors impacting measure adoptions, and socio-economic and behavioural psychology studies to identify drivers of pro-environmental activity. Key findings highlight the necessity of localised solutions, the importance of farm advisors and local farming 'champions', collaboration among stakeholders, and providing knowledge and resources to farmers. It also finds that trust between advisors and farmers, upskilling advisors, and understanding the direct and indirect barriers to farm-level behaviour change are seen as crucial for fostering sustainable agricultural practices. The researchers highlights the importance of incentives and behavioural interventions to promote pro-environmental practices.
Evidence Synthesis Report 5: Study of the Increased Risk of Corrosion with the Use of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) as a Diesel Additive
Authors: Carmel Breslin, Gillian Collins, Tara Barwa and Daniele Alves, March 2025
Year: 2025
Biofuels, including fatty acid methyl ester (FAME)-based biodiesels, have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our transport sector. However, as these FAME-based biodiesels have become more common, challenges related to storage issues have emerged. FAME is not compatible with all materials, and corrosion issues have been reported during longer-term storage. This evidence synthesis research examines the properties of FAME-based biodiesels, the nature of corrosion reactions associated with these biofuels, the potential risk of corrosion and how to mitigate the risk. The report provides guidance on the general protocols to follow when managing and storing FAME-based biodiesels to mitigate corrosion risks.
Research 481: Addressing the Political Economic Barriers to Climate Adaptation in Ireland
Authors: Alice Brawley-Chesworth, Darren Clarke and Danny Marks, March 2025
Year: 2025
Ireland’s climate is experiencing significant changes that impact the economy, society, and environment. Historically, Ireland’s climate policies have prioritised reducing emissions over adapting to unavoidable climate impacts. With climate-related costs projected to reach billions of euros annually by 2050, this research assesses how current governance structures support or hinder adaptation. Using an innovative political economy approach, the research sought to uncover the interests, incentives, and institutional factors that shape adaptation decisions in the key sectors of agriculture, flood risk management, and water services. The research indicates that political, economic, and social factors hinder Ireland's climate adaptation progress. Barriers include a perceived lack of urgency and the competition between adaptation and immediate short-term priorities. This report provides a roadmap for policymakers, sector leaders, and communities to strengthen adaptation efforts.
Research 480: PestMan: Pesticide Management for Better Water Quality
Authors: Mark G. Healy, Alma Siggins, Paraic C. Ryan, John McGinley, Jennifer Harmon O’Driscoll, Shane Scannell, Per Erik Mellander and Liam Morrison, March 2025
Year: 2025
With world populations increasing the use of pesticides has also increased to bolster crop yields and cater for global food demand. Pesticides released unintentionally from both the agricultural and urban sectors have the potential to enter non-target ecosystems and pose a threat to the environment and human health. The PestMan research project used a multidisciplinary approach, integrating soil processes, molecular biology, engineering, and quantitative risk assessment methodologies to address the environmental and human health impacts of pesticides. It sets out to understand the drivers and pressures of pesticide use, study their fate and persistence, evaluate their risks, and develop a cost-effective, passive remediation method to mitigate these issues. The research developed a multidisciplinary framework to understand and mitigate the environmental and human health impacts of pesticides, focusing on their movement, persistence, risks, and effective remediation strategies
Research 479: A Review of Circular Economy and Bioeconomy Governance in Ireland
Authors: Joanna O’Riordan, Richard Boyle, Seán Keating and Fergal O’Leary, March 2025
Year: 2025
The circular economy and bioeconomy are critical elements of tackling climate change and other global challenges like waste, and pollution, biodiversity loss and water stress, with the aim of using finite resources more sustainably. This research details the complexities and challenges of governance and policy implementation for the circular economy and bioeconomy in Ireland and highlights the need for robust structures, clear roles, leadership, and stakeholder engagement. It concludes that there is an opportunity in the forthcoming Whole-of-Government Circular Economy Strategy and Bioeconomy Strategy to promote meaningful policy coherence and greater collaboration to leverage impactful actions learning and synergies in the implementation of both policy areas.