Ireland contravenes EU laws on pollution

Ireland and Estonia are both contravening the EU law. The EU is taking Estonia to the European Court of Justice for failing to comply with legislation and Ireland is also being asked to comply with the law.

Ireland has not met the requirements of the EU Directive on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) concerning a number of agricultural installations.

On the recommendation of the EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potoènik, Ireland will be sent ‘a reasoned opinion’ notice concerning the ongoing infringement.

Under European law, industrial and agricultural activities with a high pollution potential must be licensed. Permits will only be issued if certain environmental conditions are met. Ireland has at least 26 pig and poultry rearing installations still lack appropriate permits for their operation.

Ireland has been given two months to comply with the legislation, if it fails to act, the Commission could refer the case back to the European Court of Justice and request financial penalties.

Alison Brown