A collection of frequently asked questions on air activities to assist you with your queries.
Popular FAQs
What about emergency generators?
The regulations make special provision for MCP's such as emergency generators, which operate intermittently or rarely. Where these MCP's operate less than 500 hours per year (as a rolling average over 5 years), they are exempt from some of the specified ELVs but there is still a requirement [Schedule 3, Part 1] to measure carbon monoxide. Where necessary, for environmental protection, the regulations allow the EPA to reduce this number of hours in specific circumstances for specific plant (similar to the provisions for reducing ELVs). [See Regulations 13(1), 13(3) and 20(4)(c)].
What are the EPA requirements for monitoring emissions from MCP?
Monitoring of emissions to atmosphere
The European Union (Medium Combustion Plants) Regulations 2017 require that periodic monitoring of emissions to atmosphere from medium combustion plants is carried out. Air emissions sampling and analysis is a particularly difficult aspect of environmental monitoring, and specialist equipment is required to be used. Both the sampling and analysis stages of air emissions monitoring require a high level of competency and quality control. Most MCP facilities will not carry out their own air emissions monitoring, but will instead employ a specialist contractor to carry out the monitoring and provide a report, which can be submitted to the EPA. The EPA generally supports the approach of using external specialist service providers, and would not recommend that facilities attempt to carry out their own air emissions monitoring.
In order to ensure the generation of consistent, high quality and robust monitoring data from MCP facilities, it is a mandatory requirement that all air emissions monitoring carried out is performed by an ISO 17025 accredited air monitoring contractor. Accredited air emission monitoring contractors operating in Ireland either receive their accreditation from the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB), or else they operate under the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
The details of the INAB ISO 17025 accredited air emissions monitoring contractors are as follows:
The Irish-based contractors who hold UKAS ISO17025 accreditation for air emissions monitoring are as follows:
You must ensure that the air monitoring contractor you intend to use for EPA compliance monitoring holds ISO17025 accreditation. The EPA will not accept monitoring results from a monitoring contractor, who does not hold accreditation to the ISO17025 standard.
For guidance on a standardised approach to monitoring the emissions to atmosphere the operator should refer to the Agency Guidance Note on monitoring of Stack Gas Emissions from Medium Combustion Plants: AirGuidance No.11 (AG11).
Where do I go with additional queries?
Please send any additional queries to mcpregistration@epa.ie using the subject heading ‘Medium Combustion Plant’.
Tell me more about the Emission Limit Values (ELVs)
ELVs are set in the regulations based on combustion plant type, size, fuel type, and age ( i.e. new or existing). These can be seen in a series of tables in Schedule 2 of the Regulations. Note the detailed footnotes that clarify and, in some cases, modify the ELVs for specific applications.
These ELVs are default values that may be reduced by the Agency in particular instances where lower ELVs are required for environmental protection purposes. This might occur where, for example, air quality problems in an area are considered by the Agency to be caused or partly caused by MCP emissions. [See Regulations 11(5) and 11(6)].
What do the Regulations require of MCP operators?
The main requirements are as follows:
In addition the regulations require registered operators to keep various records relating to the operation of the plant and emissions monitoring, and specify other obligations such as notifying the Agency of non-compliances. See Regulation 14 for full details.
Frequently asked questions about Article 11, a mechanism by which an applicant can request a determination from the EPA as regards the most appropriate waste authorisation ((i.e. Waste Licence, Waste Facility Permit or Certificate of Registration, or none as the case may be) for a proposed activity.
If a local authority receives an application and has doubts about the appropriate waste authorisation for a proposed activity, the local authority can also request a determination from the EPA, in which case the local authority should not consider an application they have received until they have been notified of the Article 11 determination by the EPA.
Popular FAQs
What type of authorisation is required in Ireland for ship recycling?
For ship recycling which falls under the regulations, either a Waste Licence or an Industrial Emissions Licence is a suitable designated authorisation. In the case of proposed recycling of waste ships of less than 500 gross tonnage, where “Gross tonnage” means the gross tonnage (GT) calculated in accordance with the tonnage measurement regulations contained in Annex I to the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969, or any successor convention, a Class 4 and/or Class 10 Waste Facility Permit, in accordance with the Third Schedule of the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007, as amended, issued by a Local Authority is a suitable authorisation. The Process Flow Authorisation Chart below summarises the options.
What regulations cover Article 11?
Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 821 of 2007), as amended.
Could a landfill at a licensed site fall under class 11.1 instead of 11.5?
A landfill that is covered by the IED will be licensed as class 11.5. For a landfill to be class 11.1, it must be the following:
Further guidance will issue on how to decide if a landfill is covered by the IED.
When does Class 11.1 apply / not apply?
A Class 11.1 activity must have a connection or association with another activity at the same licenced site and can only be an ‘additional’ class of activity.
Class 11.1 is not an IED class of activity. Class 11.1 will generally only be applicable where there are non-IED classes of activity being carried on at a facility in addition to IED classes of activity. Class 11.1 can be associated with any other IED activity, and not just other class 11 waste activities. It is therefore not the case that Class 11.1 can be the only class applying to your activity.
Class 11.1 is the 'recovery or disposal of waste in a facility, within the meaning of the Act of 1996, which facility is connected or associated with another activity specified in this Schedule in respect of which a licence or revised licence under Part IV is in force or in respect of which a licence under the said Part is or will be required'.
Is there always a corresponding class of activity under the Industrial Emissions Directive for activities under the Waste Management Act?
The Industrial Emissions Directive has introduced a new type of licensing. Whereas in the past we had waste licences under the Waste Management Act as amended and IPPC licences under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 as amended we now have a third type of licence - the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) licence. Under the IED there is a new set of capacity thresholds (perhaps daily or annual capacity thresholds) which bring activities under the control of the IED and the thresholds may depend on the intended destination of the waste. For example the composting of waste now has an associated threshold of 50 tonnes per day (Class 11.4(a)(i)) if the waste is destined for disposal but if the waste is intended for recovery, or a mix of disposal and recovery, then the threshold is 75 tonnes per day (Class 11.4(b)(i)).
Clearly then you will not find a direct correlation between classes of activity under IED and classes of activity under the Waste Management Act 1996 as amended.
Some of the frequently asked questions we receive about the Circular Economy and their answers
What is a Circular Economy?
A circular economy is a way of using resources that minimizes waste, pollution, and environmental impact. In a circular economy, waste and primary raw material use are minimised by maintaining the value of products and materials for as long as possible. Resources are kept within the economy for as long as possible – products are used for longer or reused again and again. When they do reach the end of their life, products are repurposed as secondary raw materials and create further value. They can be used to recreate the same product or something new. The 2020 EU Circular Economy Action Plan focuses on accelerating the transition of Europe’s economy towards a more circular model. Ireland’s national waste policy was published in 2020: A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy.
The Ellen Mc Arthur Foundation has information on Circular Economy, Climate Change, and the impacts of waste on our Climate: Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Consumption and the Circular Economy
At the current rate of consumption, we will need three planets to meet our resource demands by 2050. To correct this unsustainable trend, we must focus on reducing consumption and thereby reducing waste. To reduce consumption, we must reconsider all aspects of our economy in the context of a Circular Economy: how we prevent waste generation and resource consumption, how we design products to be safe and sustainable, how we consume materials and resources, and how we extend the productive life of all goods and products.
How much waste do we make per year?
Ireland generates many millions of tonnes of waste every year, including construction & demolition, municipal (household and similar) waste, packaging, food, hazardous etc.
The waste that people see in everyday life is that collected in wheelie bins from homes, schools, shops and businesses is called municipal waste and it only makes up a fraction of the overall waste generated. Of that municipal waste, less than half is recycled (visit the National Waste Statistics Waste Characterization site and the Highlights Report for up to date figures). To see how much waste is generated by material type, visit the Waste generation page.
Where can I find up-to-date statistics about waste?
EPA’s National Waste Statistics webpage is updated yearly. The EPA also publishes a Waste Statistics Release calendar so you can track when new data will be available. You can find more information by checking out the Latest National Waste Stats Publications.
What happens to my waste?
Waste is presented for collection in bins or skips and sometimes bales of pure materials such as cardboard or plastic from business, shops and industry. The waste is segregated into residual waste, recyclables and organic waste.
Waste is collected by permitted collectors that are authorised by the National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO). These permitted collectors report annually on the types of waste collected and on where it is brought.
Permitted collectors bring the waste to treatment facilities in Ireland or abroad. Waste treatment facilities in Ireland are authorised by the EPA or in the case of smaller facilities by the relevant City or County Council.
All waste treatment facilities report annually on the types of waste accepted and how it is treated. Permitted collectors my also bring waste for direct export, in which case the destination and treatment is reported to the National Transfrontier Shipment Office (NTFSO).
The EPA has access to all of the reports mentioned above and validates the data submitted by cross checks and site audits. Validated data is used to prepare the reports published on our website, and to comply with EU reporting obligations. The compilation and validation of the data is a relatively complex task and in recognition of the complexity of waste data, most European reporting is due 18 months after the end of the year of reference. We work within this timeframe.
The market plays a huge role in where waste is treated. Once waste is sorted and baled at waste treatment facilities it becomes a commodity that waste management companies sell on the open market. Because waste is a commodity that is sold and resold there can be multiple interim destinations before it reaches its final destination. The EPA draws attention to this in our media releases and reports
A collection of frequently asked questions on EPA corporate activities to assist you with your queries.
Popular FAQs
What entitlement do I have to access information from the EPA?
The EPA is committed to a policy of openness and transparency. All monitoring results and environmental quality information is available for access by the public on our website. Information related to EPA licensing is also available to the public from our website or can be inspected in our offices. Copies of the information will also be provided but there may be a charge. Most information generated by the EPA is made publicly available through published reports. For further information, please see our pages on Access to Information on our website.
Does the EPA provide funding to PhD students?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does provide funding in support of Doctoral Scholarships. All research funding provided by the EPA, including that for doctoral scholarships, is awarded in response to calls for proposals issued by EPA STRIVE Programme. Calls for Doctoral scholarships are usually issued in March every year. Doctoral Scholarship proposals are normally submitted by College supervisors who if successful in their application then recruit a student to undertake the research. Any call for proposals will be advertised in the Research section of the EPA website and a notification will be sent to all 3rd level research offices.
A collection of frequently asked questions on drinking water to assist you with your queries.
View full details on drinking water
Popular FAQs
When do I need to notify the Agency of a proposed abstraction?
A proposed new abstraction, or an increase to an existing abstraction, between 25m3/day and 1,999m3/day must be notified to the Agency before commencing. The Agency will carry out an assessment to determine if a licence is required. A proposed abstraction that meets or exceeds 2,000m3/day requires a licence and an application must be made to the Agency for a licence. You cannot commence that abstraction until authorised to do so by the Agency.
When is the application of fertiliser (chemical, organic fertiliser (other than farmyard manure) and farmyard manure) to land prohibited?
The periods when the application of fertilisers to land is prohibited are specified in Schedule 4 of the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2014 as follows:
1. In counties Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow, the period during which the application of fertilisers to land is prohibited is the period from—
(a) 15 September to 12 January in the case of the application of chemical fertiliser
(b) 15 October to 12 January in the case of the application of organic fertiliser (other than farmyard manure)
(c) 1 November to 12 January in the case of the application of farmyard manure.
2. In counties Clare, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath, the period during which the application of fertilisers to land is prohibited is the period from—
(a) 15 September to 15 January in the case of the application of chemical fertiliser
(b) 15 October to 15 January in the case of the application of organic fertiliser (other than farmyard manure)
(c) 1 November to 15 January in the case of the application of farmyard manure.
3. In counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim and Monaghan, the period during which the application of fertilisers to land is prohibited is the period from—
(a) 15 September to 31 January in the case of the application of chemical fertiliser
(b) 15 October to 31 January in the case of the application of organic fertiliser (other than farmyard manure)
(c) 1 November to 31 January in the case of the application of farmyard manure.
Disposing of asbestos waste
Asbestos waste is hazardous and must be disposed of properly. Before any demolition work, identify which waste facility is licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for disposal of asbestos waste.
Hazardous waste transfer stations can accept asbestos waste and then arrange to have it disposed of at an appropriate facility here or abroad.
What is the National Priority Sites System?
The National Priority Sites system allows the EPA to identify which industrial and waste licensed sites should be prioritised for enforcement based on their environmental performance.
The list is used to target the EPA’s enforcement effort at the poorest performing sites in order to drive improvements in environmental compliance.
To which sites does the National Priority Sites System apply?
The system applies to active EPA licensed industrial and waste sites only.
The system does not apply to the following EPA regulated activities:
Note 1 – The EPA publishes the Wastewater Priorities for urban waste water treatment plants.
Note 2 - The EPA publishes a “Remedial Action List” for all public drinking water treatment plants.
There are over 700 sites to which the National Priority Sites System is applied currently. Search the full list of EPA Industrial and Waste licensed activities.
A list of frequently asked questions about how to register, administration activities and other queries on the EDEN portal.
Popular FAQs
How do I report complaints through EDEN?
Most licenses don't require reporting to the EPA of each complaint received directly at the facility, but instead require a summary of complaints to be included as part of general licence reporting (e.g. quarterly or annual reports (AER)). So for this reason there is no facility for you to directly report a complaint through the Manage Complaints button in EDEN.
If your licence specifically requires you to report these complaints or if your inspector has told you to do this, you can send complaints in under "Make a Return" button, Document Type "Site Update/Notification", Subtype "other". You may need to check with your inspector to clarify the requirement.
Can I search/filter by date/year?
Currently filtering and reporting functionality is limited in "Manage my Licence" on the EDEN portal.
How do I update an existing incident notification (an incident that I have already logged on AM on EDEN)?
It is important that updates to previously logged incident notifications are done by going back to the original incident notification record and not by creating a new incident record. To do this you should navigate to “Manage Incidents” on Licence page in AM, select the incident record that you want to update and click on “Edit Incident” icon. You will then be presented with a web form to amend or add details to the incident notification. If the particular piece of information that you want to update is not available to on the web form, please use the notes section to enter the details of the update. Files can also be uploaded as part of the incident update.
How do I reply to a Request for Information (RFI)?
RFIs must be replied to by navigating to the original Licensee Return or Complaint record in AM on EDEN. This can be done by going to the “Manage my Licensee Returns” or “Manage Complaints” tab on the licence page in AM opening the relevant record and clicking on the RFI. Alternatively you can go directly to the RFI in the “My Notifications” tab on AM. Replies to RFIs will not be accepted as Licensee Returns.
I want to submit a quarterly monitoring report. Do I have to break it down into separate Returns by emission receptor (eg air, water, sewer etc)?
Yes, monitoring reports need to be broken out into their constituent sections and submitted individually as Licensee Returns. A summary of each set of results reported should be given as part of the return. Failure to do this will result in the Returns being rejected by the EPA.
Frequently asked questions about environmental assessment.
View the full details on Environmental assessment.
Popular FAQs
When do I need to notify the Agency of a proposed abstraction?
A proposed new abstraction, or an increase to an existing abstraction, between 25m3/day and 1,999m3/day must be notified to the Agency before commencing. The Agency will carry out an assessment to determine if a licence is required. A proposed abstraction that meets or exceeds 2,000m3/day requires a licence and an application must be made to the Agency for a licence. You cannot commence that abstraction until authorised to do so by the Agency.
When is the application of fertiliser (chemical, organic fertiliser (other than farmyard manure) and farmyard manure) to land prohibited?
The periods when the application of fertilisers to land is prohibited are specified in Schedule 4 of the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2014 as follows:
1. In counties Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow, the period during which the application of fertilisers to land is prohibited is the period from—
(a) 15 September to 12 January in the case of the application of chemical fertiliser
(b) 15 October to 12 January in the case of the application of organic fertiliser (other than farmyard manure)
(c) 1 November to 12 January in the case of the application of farmyard manure.
2. In counties Clare, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath, the period during which the application of fertilisers to land is prohibited is the period from—
(a) 15 September to 15 January in the case of the application of chemical fertiliser
(b) 15 October to 15 January in the case of the application of organic fertiliser (other than farmyard manure)
(c) 1 November to 15 January in the case of the application of farmyard manure.
3. In counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim and Monaghan, the period during which the application of fertilisers to land is prohibited is the period from—
(a) 15 September to 31 January in the case of the application of chemical fertiliser
(b) 15 October to 31 January in the case of the application of organic fertiliser (other than farmyard manure)
(c) 1 November to 31 January in the case of the application of farmyard manure.
Disposing of asbestos waste
Asbestos waste is hazardous and must be disposed of properly. Before any demolition work, identify which waste facility is licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for disposal of asbestos waste.
Hazardous waste transfer stations can accept asbestos waste and then arrange to have it disposed of at an appropriate facility here or abroad.
What is the National Priority Sites System?
The National Priority Sites system allows the EPA to identify which industrial and waste licensed sites should be prioritised for enforcement based on their environmental performance.
The list is used to target the EPA’s enforcement effort at the poorest performing sites in order to drive improvements in environmental compliance.
To which sites does the National Priority Sites System apply?
The system applies to active EPA licensed industrial and waste sites only.
The system does not apply to the following EPA regulated activities:
Note 1 – The EPA publishes the Wastewater Priorities for urban waste water treatment plants.
Note 2 - The EPA publishes a “Remedial Action List” for all public drinking water treatment plants.
There are over 700 sites to which the National Priority Sites System is applied currently. Search the full list of EPA Industrial and Waste licensed activities.
Frequently asked questions about Climate Change
Popular FAQs
How is Ireland adapting to Climate Change?
Planning for a Climate Resilient Ireland, Ireland's first statutory National Adaptation Framework (NAF) was approved in 2018. The NAF sets out the national strategy to reduce the vulnerability of the country to the negative effects of climate change and to avail of any positive impacts. The NAF was developed under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 and prepared in the context of the 2013 EU strategy on adaptation to climate change.
The NAF builds on the work already carried out under the 2012 National Change Adaptation Framework (NCCAF). The NAF outlines a whole of government and society approach to climate adaptation in Ireland. Under the NAF a number of Government Departments are required to prepare sectoral adaptation plans in relation to a priority area that they are responsible for. Local authorities are required to prepare local adaptation strategies. The NAF will be reviewed at least once every five years. The NAF also aims to improve the enabling environment for adaptation through ongoing engagement with civil society, the private sector and the research community.
The 12 priority sectors and all local authorities now have climate change adaptation plans and strategies in place. These were published in 2019 and will be reviewed at least once every five years.
For more on national, sectoral and local adaptation see the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
For more adaptation information and climate data see Ireland’s climate information platform, Climate Ireland.
What impacts of climate change have been observed and what is projected?
In 2018, the global temperature had been increased by 1.0°C relative to pre-industrial levels. At the current rate of warming, the world is expected to reach 1.5°C warming between 2030 and 2052 (IPCC, 2008). If this continues, the 2°C increase could occur around 2060. Globally the two main features of climate change are:
For Ireland, by 2050 (mid-century) mean annual temperatures are projected to increase by between 1 and 1.2℃, and between 1.3 and 1.6℃ depending on the emissions trajectory. Heatwave events are expected to increase by mid-century and this will have a direct impact on public health and mortality. These changes may affect the life cycle (phenological) phases in many plant and animal species. By mid-century there are projected increases in both dry periods and heavy precipitation events, meaning we will have to consider increased flood risk as well as droughts. There is also the possibility that, although average wind speed may decrease, the intensity of individual storms may increase.
Building performance will be challenged by a changing climate, needing to cope with more extreme summer temperatures, intense rainfall events and potential changes in wind and storm patterns. This will require appropriate design and building standards, but also adaptation of existing building stock.
As our climate changes, it will create new conditions that may allow existing pests and diseases to spread and new threats to become established in Ireland. Our infrastructure systems are likely to be impacted by an increase in disruptive events and our water quality and supply might be affected.
Global mean sea level rise by 2100 is likely to be in the range of 0.29m to 1.10m (depending on the emissions scenario) and sea levels will continue to rise far beyond the year 2100.
Predicted changes in mean sea level will be magnified by changing storm surge and wave patterns in coastal areas. Sea level rise varies regionally but increasing sea levels around Ireland would result in increased coastal erosion, flooding and damage to property and infrastructure. High-resolution mid-century climate projections for Ireland were published by the EPA in 2020 and are available at Climate Ireland.
What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is the name given to the process whereby the energy which has arrived from the Sun can warm the planet to temperatures well above those which would be expected if there was no atmosphere present. A very simplified explanation of how this works is as follows:
The Sun’s energy is either reflected back into space or passes through the atmosphere to be absorbed at the surface of the Earth. The absorbed energy warms the surface, producing thermal radiation, heating the atmosphere from below. On its way back to space, the thermal energy is captured by certain gases in the atmosphere, and this heats the atmosphere further. These gases are called greenhouse gases. This simple explanation is illustrated in the image below.
Greenhouse gases (ghg), although they constitute only a small fraction of the atmosphere, their impact on climate is very important. Without greenhouse gases, the Earth’s surface would have an average temperature of -18oC, too cold for life as we know it. Instead the average temperature at the surface of the Earth is approximately +15oC. Changing the atmospheric concentration of these greenhouse gases and other particles in the atmosphere can lead to a warming or cooling of the climate system.
The IPCC provides the detailed explanation of the Greenhouse Effect.
For more information on this topic, see Chapter 2: Observations: Atmosphere and Surface, of the IPCC 5th Assessment Report, Working Group 1, The Physical Science Basis (2013)
What is global warming?
The earths climate has remained relatively stable for most of human history. This is evident from temperature records some of which date back to the mid-1800s and before this based on reconstruction from other records and measurements e.g. tree rings. Since about the middle of the 20th Century an increasing trend is evident in the global temperature record. This is frequently referred to as global warming, but the term can include other changes such as melting of ice and thermal expansion of the oceans which is a major contributor to sea-level rise.
How do human activities contribute to climate change and how do they compare with natural influences?
Human influence on the climate system is clear. This is evident from the increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, observed warming, and our current understanding of the climate system.
It is extremely likely that human influence has been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century.
Since the start of the industrial era (about 1750), the overall effect of human activities on climate has been a warming influence. The human impact on climate during this era greatly exceeds that due to known changes in natural processes, such as solar changes and volcanic eruptions.
For more information and further reading on this topic go IPPC Working Group 1 Annual Review 5 Summary for Policy Makers
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Kyoto Protocol provide the basis for international action to address climate change. The objective of the UNFCCC is to stabilize greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous human-induced interference with the climate system. The ability of the international community to achieve this objective is dependent on an accurate knowledge of emissions trends, and on our collective ability to alter these trends. Reliable GHG inventories are essential, both at national and international level. Parties to the convention and its Kyoto Protocol are committed to developing and publishing the national emission inventories of GHGs which is a key element of assessing progress towards meeting commitments and targets.
The EPA has overall responsibility for the national greenhouse gas inventory in Ireland's national system and compiles Ireland's national greenhouse gas emission inventory on an annual basis.
Emissions data for the following gases is reported on an annual basis: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perflurocarbons (PFCs), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3).
The National Climate Change Strategy (2007) designated the EPA with responsibility for developing national emission projections for greenhouse gases for all key sectors of the economy. Emission projections serve to inform national policy initiatives and allow Ireland to comply with EU and UN reporting obligations on emissions projections. The EPA produces national greenhouse gas emission projections on an annual basis.
Popular FAQs
Where do the survey data underlying the estimates come from?
The data underlying the maps come from two national survey datasets (5,312 respondents) collected during May through July of 2021 and August and October 2023 as part of a collaboration between the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (YPCCC). Reports using the individual-level survey data are available here:
What do these maps depict?
The maps depict estimates of the percentage of adult residents of Ireland (age 18 and over) who hold particular beliefs, attitudes, and policy preferences about climate change. The estimates were generated from a statistical model that incorporates actual survey responses but combines these responses with demographic data from the Ireland Central Statistics Office (CSO) (Census 2016 Reports - CSO - Central Statistics Office) to estimate opinions for different groups of people based on information such as their gender, age, and county of residence.
Do the maps account for differences in population density across the country?
The type of map used in this tool is called a choropleth map, which means the colours on the maps reflect the percentage of the population in a given geographic unit who would answer each question as indicated. These kinds of maps are used to represent everything from election results to census and economic data (e.g., per capita income or unemployment rates). Thus, it is important to keep in mind that some geographic areas may be large, but have few residents (e.g., Mayo), while other geographic areas may be small, but have many residents (e.g., Dublin). For reference, The Central Statistics Office has published the relevant population density information.
Do these maps reflect changes in opinions due to recent extreme weather events like Storm Ophelia/Storm Barra?
Perhaps. The maps may reflect the impacts that specific extreme weather events had on public opinion in a given geographic unit. If public opinion in a particular area has been influenced by local events it is possible that the model would detect such an influence. However, data from specific events or types of events are not explicitly built into the model as predictor variables.
How can I cite these maps?
If you publish a news article, visualization, blog post, or other publication using these maps, please include the link to the Irish Environmental Protection Agency maps page and attribution to the EPA and the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.
Frequently asked questions about compliance.
The National Priority Sites system allows the EPA to identify which industrial and waste licensed sites should be prioritised for enforcement based on their environmental performance.
The list is used to target the EPA’s enforcement effort at the poorest performing sites in order to drive improvements in environmental compliance.
Popular FAQs
What is the National Priority Sites System?
The National Priority Sites system allows the EPA to identify which industrial and waste licensed sites should be prioritised for enforcement based on their environmental performance.
The list is used to target the EPA’s enforcement effort at the poorest performing sites in order to drive improvements in environmental compliance.
To which sites does the National Priority Sites System apply?
The system applies to active EPA licensed industrial and waste sites only.
The system does not apply to the following EPA regulated activities:
Note 1 – The EPA publishes the Wastewater Priorities for urban waste water treatment plants.
Note 2 - The EPA publishes a “Remedial Action List” for all public drinking water treatment plants.
There are over 700 sites to which the National Priority Sites System is applied currently. Search the full list of EPA Industrial and Waste licensed activities.
How does the National Priority Sites System work?
In simple terms, each site is given a score based on its licence compliance in the previous six months. The system has four key scoring components: Compliance Investigations, Complaints, Incidents and Non-Compliances. These are described in more detail below. The higher the score the poorer the compliance is at a site.
Compliance Investigations
A Compliance Investigation (CI) is opened by the EPA when there is an issue on a site that is causing, or has the potential to cause an environmental impact and which requires action by the licensee. The EPA monitors progress to ensure that the actions required are completed.
Compliance Investigations are categorised as High, Medium, or Low based on the risk to the environment. Points are assigned based on the category of the CI and whether it is ‘Open’ or ‘Closed’.
| Compliance Investigations Score Allocations |
||
|---|---|---|
| CI Rating* | Open | Closed |
| High | 20 points | 4 points |
| Medium | 10 points | 2 points |
| Low | 3 points | 1 point |
| Note: Only the top 3 highest scoring CIs are counted | ||
* CIs can only be scored as medium/high for odour/noise if a non-compliant odour or noise related issue has been recorded by the OEE during the previous 12 weeks and/or if an action in the CI has not been addressed to the satisfaction of the Agency.
The National Priority Sites system takes account of the number of complaints from the public which are linked to either a Medium or High compliance investigation.
| Complaints Score Allocation |
|---|
| 1 point per complaint* |
* Complaints must be linked to a Medium or High CI to count towards the score; the maximum score for complaints is 20.
Operators of licensed facilities are required to notify the EPA on any occasion where there is a breach of a licence condition. The EPA receives a large number of incidents each year and these are categorised as Minor, Limited, Serious, Very Serious or Catastrophic. The vast majority of incidents reported to the EPA are minor.
Points are assigned based on the category of the incident.
| Incidents Score Allocation | |
|---|---|
| Catastrophic | 30 points |
| Very Serious | 20 points |
| Serious | 10 points |
| Limited | 5 points |
| Minor | No score |
The EPA issues a notification of non-compliance (NC) to a facility when a licence condition is breached. Points are assigned based on the number of non-compliances recorded by the EPA. A greater weighting is applied if a non-compliance is issued for not notifying the EPA of an incident.
| Non-Compliances Score allocation | |
|---|---|
| Non-Compliance with licence | 1 point |
| NC for non-notification of an incident | 5 points |
What score does a National Priority Site have to achieve?
A site becomes a National Priority Site when it has a total score of more than 30 points and a CI score of 10 points or more.
What happens to a site that is on the National Priority List?
The EPA is using the National Priority Sites to focus its enforcement effort at the worst performing sites. Sites that appear on the list are subject to an escalation of enforcement action by the EPA, up to and including legal action, suspension or revocation.
The Medium Combustion Plant Regulations were signed into law in December 2017. Their purpose is to limit emissions to atmosphere from boilers and other stationary combustion plants in the 1-50 MWth (thermal input) range. It covers all fuel types. The Regulations transpose the Medium Combustion Plant (MCP) Directive ((EU) 2015/2193) which was adopted in 2015.
The regulations limit the level of emissions allowable from new combustion plants from 20th December 2018, while operators of existing MCPs will have longer to comply with stricter emission standards. This will assist in limiting the impact on human health, vegetation and biodiversity which can be caused by air pollution.
Popular FAQs
What about emergency generators?
The regulations make special provision for MCP's such as emergency generators, which operate intermittently or rarely. Where these MCP's operate less than 500 hours per year (as a rolling average over 5 years), they are exempt from some of the specified ELVs but there is still a requirement [Schedule 3, Part 1] to measure carbon monoxide. Where necessary, for environmental protection, the regulations allow the EPA to reduce this number of hours in specific circumstances for specific plant (similar to the provisions for reducing ELVs). [See Regulations 13(1), 13(3) and 20(4)(c)].
What are the EPA requirements for monitoring emissions from MCP?
Monitoring of emissions to atmosphere
The European Union (Medium Combustion Plants) Regulations 2017 require that periodic monitoring of emissions to atmosphere from medium combustion plants is carried out. Air emissions sampling and analysis is a particularly difficult aspect of environmental monitoring, and specialist equipment is required to be used. Both the sampling and analysis stages of air emissions monitoring require a high level of competency and quality control. Most MCP facilities will not carry out their own air emissions monitoring, but will instead employ a specialist contractor to carry out the monitoring and provide a report, which can be submitted to the EPA. The EPA generally supports the approach of using external specialist service providers, and would not recommend that facilities attempt to carry out their own air emissions monitoring.
In order to ensure the generation of consistent, high quality and robust monitoring data from MCP facilities, it is a mandatory requirement that all air emissions monitoring carried out is performed by an ISO 17025 accredited air monitoring contractor. Accredited air emission monitoring contractors operating in Ireland either receive their accreditation from the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB), or else they operate under the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
The details of the INAB ISO 17025 accredited air emissions monitoring contractors are as follows:
The Irish-based contractors who hold UKAS ISO17025 accreditation for air emissions monitoring are as follows:
You must ensure that the air monitoring contractor you intend to use for EPA compliance monitoring holds ISO17025 accreditation. The EPA will not accept monitoring results from a monitoring contractor, who does not hold accreditation to the ISO17025 standard.
For guidance on a standardised approach to monitoring the emissions to atmosphere the operator should refer to the Agency Guidance Note on monitoring of Stack Gas Emissions from Medium Combustion Plants: AirGuidance No.11 (AG11).
Where do I go with additional queries?
Please send any additional queries to mcpregistration@epa.ie using the subject heading ‘Medium Combustion Plant’.
Tell me more about the Emission Limit Values (ELVs)
ELVs are set in the regulations based on combustion plant type, size, fuel type, and age ( i.e. new or existing). These can be seen in a series of tables in Schedule 2 of the Regulations. Note the detailed footnotes that clarify and, in some cases, modify the ELVs for specific applications.
These ELVs are default values that may be reduced by the Agency in particular instances where lower ELVs are required for environmental protection purposes. This might occur where, for example, air quality problems in an area are considered by the Agency to be caused or partly caused by MCP emissions. [See Regulations 11(5) and 11(6)].
What do the Regulations require of MCP operators?
The main requirements are as follows:
In addition the regulations require registered operators to keep various records relating to the operation of the plant and emissions monitoring, and specify other obligations such as notifying the Agency of non-compliances. See Regulation 14 for full details.
A collection of frequently asked questions about monitoring and assessment to assist you with your queries.
popular FAQs about freshwater & marine
Where can I find information on water quality for my local river or lake?
Catchments.ie shares science and stories about water quality in Ireland. This includes water quality data for all waterbodies in Ireland, the EPA Water Map and 46 catchment assessments.
You can also use the EPA's My Local Environment Map to show you what is near you by entering your Eircode.
I want to help look after my local river or lake. What should I do?
The Local Authority Waters Progamme has Community Water Officers all around the country who work with local people to build awareness, help build group capacity, support training and citizen science initiatives and strengthen links between public bodies, funders and communities who are looking after their rivers, lakes and other waters.
You can find contact details for your local Community Water Officer on the LA Waters Programme website.
To whom do I report pollution such as: fish kill; forest fire; oil spillage?
Pollution incidents should be reported in the first instance to the local authority in whose area the incident occurred as they can respond rapidly. The Local Authority will contact the Environmental Protection Agency if an EPA licensed activity is concerned.
If you know it is an EPA licensed activity you should contact the EPA directly as well as the Local Authority.
This link has the full details about how to Make an Environmental Complaint
Fish kills: To report fish kills, members of the public are encouraged to call Inland Fisheries Ireland’s confidential hotline number on 0818 34 74 24, which is open 24 hours a day.
Forest Fire: If you need to report a forest fire please dial 999 and ask for Fire Services. You will be put through to one of the national call centres who will record the necessary details.
Where can I find information on bathing water quality at my local beach?
Before you visit the beach this summer with your family or friends, check out www.beaches.ie or our Twitter feed @EPABeaches
Before going to the beach you can check beaches.ie to see the latest bathing water quality (excellent, good, sufficient or poor) and find out if there are any current warnings or advice against swimming notices.
• At the beach or lake – lifeguards will fly the red flags when bathing waters are considered unsafe for bathing. You can check out the notice boards to see the latest water quality and if any warnings or advice against bathing notices have been posted by the local authorities.
• The 48-hour rule after heavy rain – swimming after heavy rainfall carries an added risk of pollution from surface runoff and is best avoided for 48 hours. Further information can be found on www.beaches.ie/protect-your-health-with-the-48-hour-rule/
• @EPABeaches – You can follow the @EPABeaches Twitter account and receive tweets of news and information on bathing waters and tweets of when bathing water incidents start and are over.
Microplastics - do they have an impact on water quality?
Microplastics are a newly identified contaminant in water sources, including drinking water sources, across the world. Microplastics are very tiny (<5 mm) pieces of plastic which can come from a variety of different materials.
As microplastics are an emerging water quality issue, the impact of them on people’s health has not yet been fully assessed and determined. There is currently no water quality standard for microplastics in the Drinking Water Regulations. However, the EPA is keeping a close eye on European and Irish research in this area, and there may be a standard set in the future.
Environmental noise is 'unwanted sound' arising from all areas of human activity such as noise from transport, industrial and recreational activities. Excessive noise can:
Popular FAQs
What sort of improvement measures can be put in place to address aircraft noise?
Fingal County Council are responsible for any planning related matters at the airport. This can include enforcement actions if the airport authorities are deemed to breach existing planning conditions. Fingal County Council is also responsible for developing the Dublin Airport Noise Action Plan (NAP). The NAP is designed to manage noise issues and effects associated with Dublin Airport, and where necessary, present measures to reduce the harmful effects of aviation noise where practical.
The Airport Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) monitors, and regulates where necessary, for the management of aircraft noise in the communities around Dublin Airport. ANCA is a separate and independent Directorate within Fingal County Council. ANCA monitor compliance with noise mitigation (improvement) measures and any operating restrictions at Dublin Airport. When a noise problem is identified, ANCA will ensure that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) balanced approach to Aircraft Noise Management is adopted.
A Noise Abatement Objective (NAO) is a policy objective for managing the effects of aircraft noise emissions on the surrounding communities and environment at an airport. It is an objective to ensure that any growth at the airport occurs in the most sustainable manner possible with regards to noise. An NAO may be used to guide the decisions that are needed by the ANCA to manage the aircraft noise aspects of future aircraft operations at Dublin airport.
What is the role of the various competent authorities in relation to Dublin Airport?
Information on the roles of the various competent authorities is provided below.
The daa has numerous policies and procedures in place in dealing with different elements of noise around the airport. Dublin Airport have their own WebTrak Flight Monitoring System which provides a system for members of the public to monitor flights and submit noise complaints. The Dublin Airport complaints procedure allows for an investigation by their Noise & Flight Track analyst into any given complaint to determine if aircraft have breached the environmental noise corridor. For more information see Dublin Airport Noise.
Air Nav Ireland oversee all aircraft arriving and departing Dublin Airport. Air Nav Ireland provides air traffic control services in Ireland and controls the route in which the aircraft travel. Air traffic management has a vital part to play, not just in delivering a safe and cost-efficient air navigation service but also in minimising the adverse effects of civil aviation, notably aircraft noise and engine emissions. The Flight Track Monitoring Service of daa regularly meet with Air Nav Ireland to carry out a review of aircraft movements in the vicinity of the airport. Further information is available on the Air Nav Ireland website AirNav - Home.
ANCA has the responsibility of ensuring that noise generated by aircraft at Dublin airport are assessed in accordance with EU and Irish Legislation. ANCA monitor compliance with noise mitigation measures and operating restrictions at Dublin Airport. Where a noise problem is identified, ANCA will ensure that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) balanced approach to Aircraft Noise Management is adopted. For more information see Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) Fingal County Council.
The ANCA Aircraft Noise Mitigation report for Dublin airport explains the various steps surrounding aircraft noise mitigation along with the different roles the associated competent authorities play in maintaining such procedures. This report (here) also gives relevant Competent Authority contact details.
According to ANCA, any aircraft noise complaints should continue to be made to the Dublin Airport Authority (daa); https://www.dublinairport.com/about-us/-community-affairs/noise-complaint.
Fingal Co. Council are responsible for any planning related matters at the airport. This can include enforcement actions if the airport authorities are deemed to breach existing planning conditions.
Fingal County Council is also responsible for developing the Dublin Airport Noise Action Plan (NAP) NAP Final.pdf (fingal.ie), as is required under the Environmental Noise Regulations. The NAP is designed to manage noise issues and effects associated with Dublin Airport, and where necessary, present measures to reduce the adverse effects of aviation noise where practical. A 6-8 week public consultation phase will be undertaken by Fingal County Council on the drat NAP.
The North Runway was originally granted planning permission in August 2007 by An Bórd Pleanála (to be named an Coimisiún Pleanála) with conditions that include limitations on night-time use of both the new North Runway and Dublin Airport as a whole. In December 2020, the daa submitted a planning application to modify conditions associated with the new North Runway.
The Airport Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) carried out a detailed noise impact assessment of Dublin Airport’s proposals and made a Draft Regulatory Decision in 2021. The Draft Regulatory Decision proposed the introduction of noise mitigation measures to ensure that issues of concern identified in the assessment can be managed in both the short and longer term.
In August 2022, the planning permission was approved by Fingal County Council. The decision allows for new rules around night-time flights to come into effect at Dublin Airport, as put forward by the ANCA. Fingal County Council's decision has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála. It is expected that an appeal decision will be issued by An Bord Pleanála in 2024.
The EPA is the national authority for overseeing the implementation of the Environmental Noise Regulations 2018, as amended. This includes supervisory and advisory functions in relation to strategic noise mapping and noise action planning (every 5 years) for major roads, major rail, major airports, and for large agglomerations (Dublin, Cork & Limerick). The principal stakeholders in Round 4 mapping are the Noise Mapping Bodies (NMBs) which included the Local authorities and the daa. Noise mapping and action plans | Environmental Protection Agency (epa.ie)
The Round 4 Strategic Noise Maps are published at EPA Maps (Environment & Wellbeing – Noise). The airport maps are also available on the daa website Contour Maps Information and Downloads| Dublin Airport. The Round 4 noise maps are based on 2021 data as required by the legislation, the Round 4 mapping guidance and instructions from the European Environment Agency, so the maps do not include the new airport runway which commenced operations in August 2022.
The Dublin airport noise action plan (NAP) is due to be published in January 2025, and there will be a public consultation phase in 2024. The EPA provides technical noise guidance on how to prepare the maps and action plans.
The EPA does not have an enforcement role in relation to noise emissions arising from the operation of Dublin airport. The EPA provides a noise complaints section on their website. This section outlines the different types of noise complaints and provides links to the relevant competent authorities. See Noise complaints section on the EPA website.
How is an airport noise complaint investigated?
The daa have a procedure on their website which outlines how a noise complaint can be made and how it is investigated - Noise Complaints Procedure| Dublin Airport
The daa operate a Noise & Flight Track analyst to investigate each complaint individually to determine if aircraft have breached the environmental noise corridor. The corridors are the designated airspace that aircraft using the runways at Dublin airport are expected to fly within. If it is concluded that an aircraft has breached the environmental noise corridor, then a letter is sent to the complainant confirming this, and details of the breach are then sent to the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA-ANSP) for further investigation (https://www.iaa.ie/about-us). The result of the IAA-ANSP investigation is conveyed to the daa Noise and Flight Track Analyst and a letter is then sent to the complainant regarding the results of the IAA-ANSP’s investigation. For access to Dublin Airports Web Trak, see WebTrak: Dublin Airport (emsbk.com)
If I have a complaint about noise at Dublin airport, who do I report it too?
In the first instance, you should contact the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA). The DAA have a complaints procedure on their website Noise Complaints Procedure| Dublin Airport. The DAA are also contactable using their dedicated free phone noise complaints helpline 1800200034
What other organisations provide information on environmental noise?
The Citizen information site has a section on Noise pollution and complaints, including some information on Noise from transport. Noise pollution and noise complaints (citizensinformation.ie)
An abstraction is the removal or diversion of water from a river, lake, stream, spring, groundwater well, or borehole, for any purpose. Water abstractions and their associated impoundment need to be regulated so that our rivers, lakes, estuaries, and groundwaters can be managed and protected.
Popular questions and answers
When do I need to notify the Agency of a proposed abstraction?
A proposed new abstraction, or an increase to an existing abstraction, between 25m3/day and 1,999m3/day must be notified to the Agency before commencing. The Agency will carry out an assessment to determine if a licence is required. A proposed abstraction that meets or exceeds 2,000m3/day requires a licence and an application must be made to the Agency for a licence. You cannot commence that abstraction until authorised to do so by the Agency.
Can I access the register?
The abstractions register available to the general public can be downloaded here. Please note that the Register is being redeveloped to reflect the requirements of the Act and this will supersede this current version when published.
The EPA does not publish personal information or other information that could jeopardise the security of water supplies. This is in accordance with the protection of critical national infrastructure direction included under the EU Directive 2016/1148.
The EPA can share information on the water abstraction register with public bodies involved in water management. Information can be requested by contacting the EPA at edenabstractionsupport@epa.ie.
When should I update my registration?
You must notify the Agency at edenabstractionsupport@epa.ie of any material changes to the entry on the Register. These changes include but are not limited to the following: a change in the daily rate of abstraction, transfer of ownership of the abstraction, and cessation of the abstraction.
What if I have more than one abstraction point?
If you are abstracting water from two or more abstraction points in the same waterbody which join to form one abstraction, register all points under the same registration. For example, a factory is abstracting from several wells to supply their process water.
In the situation where there are two or more abstractions that are not connected, then these abstractions should be registered separately. For example, if there were abstractions at two different farms that are several kilometres apart, the abstraction at each farm would be registered separately.
What abstraction information do I need to provide?
