Latest Publications

Research 467

Research 467: Raising Awareness of and Educating Consumers about Reusable Sanitary Products: Developing Strategies for the Promotion of Reusable Nappies, Wipes and Menstrual Items

Author: Abigail O’Callaghan-Plat, November 2024

Year: 2024

Widespread use of disposable single-use sanitary items, nappies and disposable wipes are causing harm to the land and marine environments. Many sanitary items can contain significant levels of plastic (e.g. up to 90% plastic in some menstrual items) and can form a large proportion of household waste (e.g. in 2022 nappies accounted for 10%). With the Single Use Plastics Directive and Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy aiming to reduce single use plastics, and extend producer responsibility requirements, this research focuses on the use of more sustainable options for nappies, wipes and menstrual items. The research combined educational workshops and the provision of reusable alternatives through both the ‘Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme’ and the ‘No Plastic. Period. Programme'. With a high level of public participation the research identifies four further research and four policy recommendations to enable increased national uptake of reusable nappies, baby wipes and menstrual items.

Initial Farm Inspections No by LA & Year

Initial Farm Inspections No by LA & Year, November 2024

Year: 2024

Research 466

Research 466: Forecasting WEEE Arising for Electric Vehicle Batteries and Photovoltaic Panels in Ireland

Authors: Michael Johnson, Narjes Fallah, Sheila Killian and Colin Fitzpatrick, October 2024

Year: 2024

Globally, energy systems are undergoing two simultaneous and radical transformations that present a new set of challenges in sustainable waste management: the electrification of the transportation network and the decarbonisation of the electricity grid. This research examines challenges and models scenarios for the sustainable management of LongWEEE. Electrical devices with a longer than average lifetime are classed as LongWEEE with this study focusing on solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and electric vehicle batteries (EVBs). Modelled results for both sectors out to 2050 show a lot of uncertainty regarding the quantities of LongWEEE that will be generated in the future, but that in dealing with inevitable increases WEEE management systems need to to be prepared to cover a range of eventualities. Both “pay when placed” and “pay when collected” financing approaches to collection and treatment were examined in the study with the “pay when placed” identified as the most prudent approach.

Drinking Water Audit Report thumbnail

Kilcommon Rearcross Audit 30/08/2024

Year: 2024

Report of an audit carried out at Kilcommon Rearcross public drinking water supply Co. Tipperary on 30/08/2024

Drinking Water Audit Report thumbnail

Galtee Regional Audit 30/08/2024

Year: 2024

Report of an audit carried out at Galtee Regional public drinking water supply Co. Tipperary on 30/08/2024

Drinking Water Audit Report thumbnail

Burncourt Regional Audit 31/07/2024

Year: 2024

Report of an audit carried out at Burncourt Regional public drinking water supply Co. Tipperary on 31/07/2024

Drinking Water Audit Report thumbnail

Gorey Regional (Creagh) Audit 23/07/2024

Year: 2024

Report of an audit carried out at Gorey Regional (Creagh) public drinking water supply Co. Wexford on 23/07/2024

Assessing the Impact of Ammonia Emissions and Nitrogen Deposition from the Intensive Agriculture Installations on European Sites (IN1)

Year: 2024

This document provides instructions for applicants on how to assess the predicted impact of air emissions on Natura 2000 sites, as part of licence applications from the intensive agriculture sector.

Solid Fuel Register (2024-2025)

A list of registered solid fuel producers, from 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025. , October 2024

Year: 2024

Research 465

Research 465: Diversification of Dairy and Beef Production for Climate-smart Agriculture

Authors: Maria Markiewicz-Keszycka, Paul Hynds, Donal O’Brien, Maeve Henchion and Áine Macken-Walsh, October 2024

Year: 2024

New agricultural practices are needed to meet EU carbon reduction targets and avoid penalties for not reaching these targets. Reporting under the Habitats Directive also suggests that, overall, farming has a negative impact on nature and biodiversity, particularly on intensive farms. Climate change and biodiversity loss are expected to have far-reaching market, economic, business and policy impacts on the agricultural sector. This research desk study sought to develop recommendations for the pro-environmental diversification of dairy and beef farms by conducting a best practice literature review, interviews with innovative farmers, a national farmers survey and modelling the environmental impact of diversification scenarios. The research provides suggestions and solutions for key policy actors and stakeholders that address the challenge of designing environmental schemes that are efficient for nature, help address climate commitments and are economically attractive for farmers.

FAQ on Common Implementing Decision (CID) (2022/2427) - Common Waste Gas Management and Treatment Systems in the Chemical Sector

Year: 2024

Frequently asked questions guidance document regarding Commission Implementing Decision (CID) (2022/2427) of 06 December 2022 establishing the best available techniques (BAT) conclusions under Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on industrial emissions for common waste gas management and treatment systems in the chemical sector.

FAQ on Common Implementing Decision (CID) (2016/902) - Common Waste Water and Waste Gas Treatment/Management Systems in the Chemical Sector

Year: 2024

Frequently asked questions guidance document regarding Commission Implementing Decision (CID) (2016/902) of 30 May 2016 establishing the best available techniques (BAT) conclusions under Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council for common waste water and waste gas treatment/management systems in the chemical sector

epa-logo-small

Scientific Officer I (Level 3) Climate Adaptation Scientist

Post Number: 000438, October 2024

Year: 2024

The EPA is expanding its Climate Services Team and is recruiting for the position of Climate Adaptation Scientist (Level 3). The successful candidate will provide expertise, analysis and insight on climate change risk, adaptation and resilience in Ireland. The person will also have a management role and will be valued member of a multidisciplinary team of technical experts in the areas of climate change impacts, risk and adaptation and resilience planning and monitoring.

epa-logo-small

Scientific Officer II (Level 4) Freshwater Ecologist

Post Number: 000437, October 2024

Year: 2024

The successful candidate will work in the EPA’s Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Unit which undertakes monitoring and assessment of the ecological health of Ireland’s surface water resource. The role will involve extensive fieldwork, and travel away from the designated office location, monitoring surface waters within Ireland, as well as sample and data analysis and reporting.

Q1 2024 report

Quarterly Greenhouse Gas Emissions Indicator Report 2024 Quarter 1

Year: 2024

The EPA has launched a new series of quarterly greenhouse gas emissions for Ireland to support more frequent monitoring of national and sectoral progress on climate action. The series will complement the national greenhouse gas inventory and projections prepared annually by the EPA. The data from the first three months of this year show an overall reduction of 2.2 per cent compared to quarter 1 2023, and a 0.2 per cent increase on quarter 4 2023. It should be noted that these data have been seasonally adjusted to provide a clearer picture of the underlying trends independent of seasonal fluctuations.

Report cover

EPA Customer Charter

Year: 2024

Details the standards that customers and the public can expect in their dealings with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Research 464

Research 464: ClimAg: Multifactorial Causes of Fodder Crises in Ireland and Risks due to Climate Change

Authors: Nithiya Streethran, Kieran Hickey, Astrid Wingler and Paul Leahy, October 2024

Year: 2024

Ireland’s temperate climate favours almost year-round grass growth, which has supported the development of a successful pasture-based farming system. However, this has been threatened by repeated severe shortfalls in fodder stocks, with resulting impacts on yields, revenues, and animal welfare. Grass growth may be influenced by a number of factors, including droughts, heat stress and other drivers, which can lead to the emergence of a fodder crisis. This research identified the key drivers of historic fodder crises, and investigated whether such events will become more or less frequent or severe under the climatic changes projected for Ireland. An impact-based five-level fodder crisis severity index has also been designed to classify fodder crisis events. The research recommends the need for measures to avoid the emergence of multi-annual events, these include increases in stored fodder provision, early warning systems and earlier closure in autumn to help growth recovery in spring.

Bainisteoir Sinsearach (Leibhéal 2) Acmhainní Daonna

Uimhir phoist: 000441, October 2024

Year: 2024

Tá Oifigeach Sinsearach Acmhainní Daonna á earcú ag an EPA chun maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar bhainistíocht Chlár Acmhainní Daonna agus Forbartha (HRD) an EPA. Tá ceithre aonad sa Chlár: Tallann agus Acmhainní; Forbairt Daoine agus Eagrúcháin, Sláinte, Sábháilteacht agus Leas, agus Seirbhísí AD agus Comhlíonadh.

Bainisteoir Sinsearach (Leibhéal 2) Rialachas Corparáideach

Uimhir phoist: 000442, October 2024

Year: 2024

Tá rialachas corparáideach ríthábhachtach don EPA chun a sainchúram reachtúil a chomhlíonadh go héifeachtach. Tá Aonad Rialachais Chorparáidigh ag an EPA chun ceanglais an Chóid Chleachtais um Rialachas Comhlachtaí Stáit (2016) chomh maith le feidhmeanna rialachais chorparáidigh eile a mhaoirsiú agus a chur i bhfeidhm.