Written answer
Environmental Policy
Environmental damage enforcement spans NPWS and EPA powers, with an updated penalties framework underway and Ireland’s environmental-crime directive opt-in due for review in 2027.
22. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures he and his Department are taking to establish serious offences for environmental damage, creating personal liability and introducing strict penalties for company directors whose actions harm the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65642/26]
Comment on this
I note the Deputy, following engagement with officials, has further clarified that this Question is directed toward environmental damage to ecosystems.
As such, functional responsibility for matters related to the protection and conservation of Ireland’s biodiversity, which may include the extensive destruction, damage to, or loss of ecosystems, is a matter for National Parks and Wildlife Service under the remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
More broadly, the EPA, an agency under the aegis of my department, is committed to protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of pollution, including compliance with environmental laws. To that end, the Agency has a wide range of enforcement powers, including statutory powers that are contained in environmental law.
With respect to licensing, the Agency has scope to add conditions to licences, prohibit the issuing of a licence that causes significant environmental pollution, issue notifications and instructions; and can include prosecution, injunction and ultimately the suspension or revocation of the licence, permit or authorisation.
The Agency also holds powers under the European Communities (Environmental Liability) Regulations, with reference to the prevention and remediation of environmental damage. These regulations transposed the Environmental Liability Directive and came into force in April 2009. The EPA is designated as the Competent Authority for all aspects of these Regulations.
In addition to the existing powers of the Agency, I also note several EU Directives of relevance to the question of penalties or offences and environmental damage. The transposition of the Industrial Emissions Directive is currently underway by my department and provides for the development of an appropriate penalties’ framework related to environmental damage. While Ireland's future opt-in to the new Environmental Crimes Directives, providing for measures to prevent and combat environmental crime, is planned for review in 2027.