EPA publishes its second Irish Language Scheme in accordance with the Official Languages Act, 2003

Date released: September 16, 2022

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published its second Irish language scheme 2022-2025, which sets out a range of areas in which we are committed to improving Irish language services to staff and customers over the next three years. The primary objective of the Official Languages Act is to ensure better availability and a higher standard of public services through Irish.


Commenting on the scheme Carl Phelan, EPA said:

“In developing this Second Scheme, we are reaffirming and building upon the commitments given in the EPA’s First Scheme. Specifically, we are committing to encouraging and supporting the development of Irish language skills among our staff, increasing our bilingual publications material and enhancing the provision of Irish language services via our various communication channels, including our social media channels and website content.”

Carl Phelan continued:

“We acknowledge the key role our staff play in the successful delivery of existing and enhanced services in Irish. In this Second Scheme, therefore, the EPA is very much focused on encouraging and supporting the development of Irish language skills among our staff with a view to fostering the use of Irish and ultimately increasing the core group of staff with proficient Irish language capability to facilitate the delivery of Irish language services as required.”

The EPA’s language scheme is now available on the EPA website. The scheme in accordance with Section 11 of the Official Languages Act 2003. The scheme has been confirmed by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.


ENDS

Further information: Emily Williamson, EPA Media Relations Office 053-9170770 (24 hours) or media@epa.ie