Ireland is characterised by its green landscapes that attract millions of visitors every year. Its soils are considered to be in good condition, with the exception of peat areas.
In general, the country has good air quality and has taken significant steps towards a circular economy.
Nevertheless, Ireland still faces several significant environmental challenges, notably in the areas of water management, nature protection and access to justice in environmental matters.
Highlights
Ireland has some good practices, such as recent action in favour of protecting blanket bog habitats.
A results-based payment scheme for farmers in Ireland has delivered a convincing demonstration of how farmers can be paid fairly and effectively to protect Natura 2000 sites and habitats.
Main Challenges
Circular economy
In the waste sector, Ireland is at risk of missing the target for plastic packaging waste recycling, as well as the 2025 targets for municipal waste recycling.
Nature and biodiversity
There are still deficiencies in the designation of sites particularly for marine species, as well as slow progress in identifying, selecting and designating SPAs under the Birds Directive. One such issue is the dramatic decline of waders, particularly the curlew and dunlin, and the insufficient protection of the hen harrier.
Pollution
Urban wastewater collected in Ireland is not being properly treated as required by EU law. An ageing infrastructure and decades of underinvestment have adversely affected water services. Regarding drinking water, Ireland needs to comply with the Court of Justice of the EU judgment to ensure that the level of trihalomethanes (THMs) in all of its drinking water supply zones is at safe levels.
Governance and investment
The current investment gap in Ireland stands at an estimated €3.3 billion per year, representing 0.66% of national GDP, lower than the EU average (0.77%).
On environmental governance, Ireland still needs to improve its access to justice in the environmental matters system.