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National Implementation of Agenda 21
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Information Provided by the Government of Ireland to the
United Nations Department for Policy Coordination and
Sustainable Development |
This country profile has been provided by: Ireland
Name of Ministry/Office: Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations
Date: 14 March 1997
Submitted by: Conor Murphy, Deputy Permanent Representative
Mailing address: 1 Dag Hammarsköld Plaza, 885 Second Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10017
Telephone: (212) 421 6934
Telefax: (212) 752 4726
E-mail:
Note from the Secretariat: An effort has been made to present all country profiles within a common format, with an equal number of pages. However, where Governments have not provided information for the tables appended to Chapters 4 and 17, those tables have been omitted entirely in order to reduce the overall length of the profile and save paper. Consequently, there may be some minor inconsistencies among the formats of the different country profiles.
All statistics are rendered as provided by the respective Governments.
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| APELL | Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level |
| CFC | chlorofluorocarbon |
| CGIAR | Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research |
| CILSS | Permanent Inter-State Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel |
| EEZ | exclusive economic zone |
| ECA | Economic Commission for Africa |
| ECE | Economic Commission for Europe |
| ECLAC | Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean |
| ELCI | Environmental Liaison Centre International |
| EMINWA | environmentally sound management of inland water |
| ESCAP | Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific |
| ESCWA | Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia |
| FAO | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |
| GATT | General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade |
| GAW | Global Atmosphere Watch (WMO) |
| GEF | Global Environment Facility |
| GEMS | Global Environmental Monitoring System (UNEP) |
| GEMS/WATER | Global Water Quality Monitoring Programme |
| GESAMP | Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution |
| GIPME | Global Investigation of Pollution in Marine Environment (UNESCO) |
| GIS | Geographical Information System |
| GLOBE | Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment |
| GOS | Global Observing System (WMO/WWW) |
| GRID | Global Resource Information Database |
| GSP | generalized system of preferences |
| HIV | human immunodeficiency virus |
| IAEA | International Atomic Energy Agency |
| IAP-WASAD | International Action Programme on Water and Sustainable Agricultural Development |
| IARC | International Agency for Research on Cancer |
| IBSRAM | International Board of Soil Resources and Management |
| ICCA | International Council of Chemical Associations |
| ICES | International Council for the Exploration of the Sea |
| ICPIC | International Cleaner Production Information Clearing House |
| ICSC | International Civil Service Commission |
| ICSU | International Council of Scientific Unions |
| IEEA | Integrated environmental and economic accounting |
| IFAD | International Fund for Agricultural Development |
| IGADD | Intergovernmental Authority for Drought and Development |
| IGBP | International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (ICSU) |
| IGBP/START | International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme/Global Change System for Analysis, Research and Training |
| ILO | International Labour Organisation |
| IMF | International Monetary Fund |
| IMO | International Maritime Organization |
| INFOTERRA | International Environment Information system (UNEP) |
| IOC | Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission |
| IPCC | Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change |
| IPCS | International Programme on Chemical Safety |
| IPM | integrated pest management |
| IRPTC | International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals |
| ITC | International Tin Council |
| ITTO | International Tropical Timber Organization |
| IUCN | International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources |
| MARPOL | International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships |
| OECD | Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development |
| PGRFA | plant genetic resources for agriculture |
| PIC | prior informed consent procedure |
| SADCC | South African Development Co-ordination Conference |
| SARD | sustainable agriculture and rural development |
| UNCTAD | United Nations Conference on Trade and Development |
| UNDP | United Nations Development Programme |
| UNDRO | Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator |
| UNEP | United Nations Environment Programme |
| UNESCO | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |
| UNFPA | United Nations Population Fund |
| UNICEF | United Nations Children's Fund |
| UNIDO | United Nations Industrial Development Organization |
| UNU | United Nations University |
| WCP | World Climate Programme (WMO/UNEP/ICSU/UNESCO) |
| WFC | World Food Council |
| WHO | World Health Organization |
| WMO | World Meteorological Organization |
| WWF | World Wide Fund for Nature (also called World Wildlife Fund) |
| WWW | World Weather Watch (WMO) |
Ireland has a widely based approach towards the promotion and achievement of sustainable development; and in particular towards the implementation of the Rio Declaration and Agenda 21. This approach is reflected in a range of national policy plans/statements and practical measures which together provide a dynamic framework for action across major areas of the economy and within both governmental and non-governmental sectors. Environmental principles and policies for the 1990s were outlined in the Government's Environment Action Programme, published in January 1990 and subject to periodic reviews and updates (cf Moving Towards Sustainability). Since 1990, the momentum towards fuller environmental integration has intensified at many levels - institutional, regulatory, consultative and sectoral. It is now a key component of Government policy and an integral consideration in Ireland's economic development programme for the remainder of the decade, (cf the National Development Plan and Community Support Framework (1994-1999)). National Sustainable Development Strategy: As part of the further development of Ireland's sustainable development policies the Government is committed to preparing a National Sustainable Development Strategy, and is establishing a cabinet sub-committee to oversee and drive the process. The strategy will address all areas of Government policy which impact on the environment and will contain detailed targets and provision for annual reviews. A parliamentary committee on sustainable development has also been established. In association with this strategy, the government is also committed to working towards a new set of indicators of sustainable economic development which will take account of environmental and social factors. It is intended that the National Sustainable Development Strategy will be published in early 1997. National Land Use Policy: The Government is also committed to drawing up guidelines for both national policy-makers and planning authorities regarding the location of agricultural, industrial, forestry, aquaculture, and tourism developments. In addition, the operation of current planning controls will be improved and amended if necessary in relation to the protection of high quality landscapes especially in tourist/amenity areas.
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1. Key National Sustainable Development Coordination Mechanism(s)/Council(s). Environment Policy Unit, Department of the Environment
Contact point (Name, Title, Office): Ms. Geraldine Tallon, Principal Officer, Environment Policy Section, Department of the Environment
Telephone: +353-1-6793377 Fax: +353-1-8742423 e-mail:
Mailing address: Department of the Environment, Custom House, Dublin 1, Ireland
2. Membership/Composition/Chairperson: See note below.
2a. List of ministries and agencies involved: No information.
2b. Names of para-statal bodies and institutions involved, as well as participation of academic and private sectors: No information.
2c. Names of non-governmental organizations: No information.
3. Mandate role of above mechanism/council: The Department of the Environment (Environment Policy Section) has lead responsibility nationally for the implementation of Agenda 21. Reflecting Ireland's widely based approach towards the promotion and achievement of sustainable development, the Department's role over recent years has been to secure better regulation, monitoring and information systems through the establishment and build-up of the Environmental Protection Agency; to complete a modern environmental legislative code; to improve arrangements for public participation in planning and development control; to encourage the integration of environmental considerations in the policies and work of other Government Departments; and to promote environmental education and awareness; improve access to environmental information and develop partnerships with non-governmental organisations. While new structures have not been developed specifically to coordinate Agenda 21 actions, arrangements to monitor and review the implementation of sustainable development policies nationally will be formalised in the context of the National Sustainable Development Strategy.
4. If available, attach a diagram (organization chart) showing national coordination structure and linkages between ministries: N/A
Submitted by (Name): Mr. Conor Murphy Title: Deputy Permanent Representative of Ireland Date: 20 March 1996 Ministry/Office: Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations, 885 Second Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10017
Telephone: (212) 421-6934 Fax: (212) 752-4726 e-mail:
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| NATIONAL PRIORITY: No information. | |
| STATUS REPORT: No information.
|
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 3: COMBATING POVERTY
The National Anti-Poverty Strategy has, to date, involved the
following: (i) The preparation of a statement setting out
the nature and extent of poverty and social exclusion in Ireland;
(ii) The evaluation of submissions from the voluntary and
community sector, the social partners and other interested bodies
and individuals; (iii) The selection of key issues/policy
areas which must be addressed if poverty and social exclusion are
to be tackled, i.e. educational disadvantage,
unemployment, income adequacy, regenerating disadvantaged
communities with concentrations of poverty, and tackling
poverty in rural areas; (iv) Regional seminars to discuss the
submissions received were held; (v) Five key theme sub-groups were
established to study unemployment, income adequacy, rural poverty,
educational disadvantage and
disadvantaged areas with concentrations of poverty. These groups
included Government Departments, trade union and
employers bodies and the national anti-poverty networks (which are
state-funded voluntary groups).
The sub-groups were established to identify policy areas which
cut across Departments and strategic responses to be
developed. As part of this process a public consultation seminar
has been held by each of the sub-groups. All the working
groups have now or are in the process of reporting to the NAPS
Inter-departmental Committee. Each Government
Department has been asked to prepare a statement in relation to
poverty, after reviewing the key issues/themes already
identified by the strategy, within their own areas of
responsibility. A commitment to the contiued development of NAPS
has been included in the new three-year national agreement between
the Government and the social partners (employers,
employees and farming organisations) entitled "Partnership
2000".
The next steps in the process will involve the following: (i)
A review is being carried out to identify what institutional
mechanisms should be put in place to ensure that the issue of
social exclusion remains a high priority; (ii) The engagement
and involvement of the voluntary and community sector and those
members of society with first hand experience of
poverty will continue and additional public consultation seminars
will take place at key intervals; (iii) The finalisation of
the overview statement will take place particularly in light of two
new studies carried out by the independent Economic
and Social Research Institute for the Department of Social Welfare
and the Combat Poverty Agency, "Poverty in the
1990s - Evidence from the Living in Ireland Survey" and "A Review
of the Commission on Social Welfare's Minimum
Adequate Income", both of which were published in December 1996.
These studies provide a wide variety of very useful
information on poverty levels in Ireland from 1994 data and will be
a key input to the NAPS process. The second report
reviews the findings of the Commission on Social Welfare which
reported in 1986 on what constituted a minimally
adequate income for those receiving social welfare payments. It is
intended that a report to the UN setting out progress
achieved to date will be finalised very soon. Proposals for the
next phase of development of the strategy will also go to
Government very soon.
The Combat Poverty Agency (CPA) was established by statute in
1986 under the Combat Poverty Act. It is under the
aegis of the Department of Social Welfare. It has the following
four main functions: (1) To advise and make
recommendations to the Minister for Social Welfare on all aspects
of economic and social planning in relation to poverty
in the State; (2) The initiation and evaluation of measures aimed
at overcoming poverty in the State; (3) The examination
of the nature, causes and extent of poverty in the State along with
the promotion, commission and interpretation of
research; and (4) The promotion of greater public understanding of
the nature, causes and extent of poverty in the State
and the measures necessary to overcome it.
The Agency is involved in a range of programmes and activities
to combat poverty. Exchequer support for the three
Irish projects in the third EU Poverty Programme were, for example,
channelled through CPA. The Agency also funds a
number of representative national voluntary anti-poverty networks
including the Community Workers Co-operative, the
European Anti-Poverty Network, the Irish National Organisation of
the Unemployed, Irish rural Link and the irish
Traveller Movement.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Ireland is currently preparing a
National Anti-Poverty Strategy (NAPS). NAPS was initiated by the
Government after the United Nations Social Summit in Copenhagen,
Denmark, in 1995. The strategy involves setting out
the extent of poverty, an identification of main themes as well as
formulating strategic responses for combating poverty in
Ireland. In 1997, a report, addressing the achievements to date in
developing the strategy will be forwarded to the United
Nations.
| STATUS: (Cont'd) The Department of Social Welfare supports local self help and community development initiatives to assist people as individuals and as members of communities develop the confidence and capacity to participate as partners alongside statutory agencies and others in local development initiatives. This support is available through a range of grant schemes: - The Scheme of Grants for Voluntary organisations is one under which once off grants for equipment, premises and other once off purposes can be made to a range of voluntary and community groups; - The Scheme of grants to Locally-Based Women's Groups, Men's Groups and Lone Parent's Groups is one under which support is provided for groups engaged in personal development, second chance education, skills based training, community development and leadership courses and activities; - The Community Development Programme (CDP) which provides three-year funding towards the staffing and equipping of (currently 80) local resource centres and other community development projects; - The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) funds a network of local projects to tackle the problems of moneylending and overindebtedness.
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1. Decision-Making Structure: The Social Welfare Acts are
reviewed each year. Other legislation concerned with
social housing, health, education and community employment has a
legal framework for anti-poverty action.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Please refer to
the Status Report.
3. Major Groups: The Local Development Programme support,
in partnership with local companies, facilitates
alleviation of poverty in disadvantaged areas. This involves
cooperation with trade unions, employers, farmers etc. In
1993, voluntary support helped the Government establish the
National Economic and Social Forum. The Forum provides
an opportunity through a structured mechanism to contribute to the
development of initiatives to tackle unemployment at
both national and local levels. It consists of a wide base of 49
representatives, including those representing the
disadvantaged and the unemployed. The National Women's Council,
which is funded by the Department of Equality and
Law Reform, is a representative forum of women's organizations in
Ireland. The output of the Council is being
considered by decision-making bodies concerned with empowering
disadvantaged groups, including women.
4. Finance: Funding for community development groups,
women's groups and other groups representing disadvantaged
communities is supported by the Department of Social Welfare. The
Combat Poverty Agency, which comes under the
aegis of that Department, also supports community development and
directly funds a national network of organizations
representing the sector.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The Department of
Social Welfare is represented on the High Level Group on
Social Exclusion which was established by the European Commission
in 1995. The group was established to exchange
information on developments affecting social exclusion and to
assist the Commission in the preparation of its strategies and
initiatives.
| Latest 1996 | |||||
| Unemployment (%) | |||||
| Population living in absolute poverty (See note.) | |||||
| Social Welfare expenditure as a % of Current Government Expenditure |
| ||||
| Note: Absolute poverty is a term often
used to describe outright destitution, the strugle to survive, not
having enough food
to stay alive, not having enough clean water to avoid dehydration
or infection by life threatening diseases, or not having
basic shelter from the elements. In industrialized countries such
as Ireland, poverty is often understood in a relative way
rather than an absolute way. Relative poverty is described with
reference to the prevailing socio-economic conditions of
the society in question. No figures are available for absolute
poverty in Ireland. However, in 1994, 8.4% of individuals
were living below the 40% relative income poverty line.
| |||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 4: CHANGING CONSUMPTION
PATTERNS
National policy objectives/focus
The Transport Operational Programme, 1994-1999, reflects a
development of previous policy, which was largely
concerned with national roads. The Programme has put an increased
emphasis on rail transport, urban public transport and
local road networks, while recognising the importance of the
interurban road network to the attainment of the objective of
economic and social cohesion.
The Dublin Transportation Initiative (DTI) includes proposals
for the increased use of public transportation. Effective
action on traffic management and enforcement is acknowledged as,
(including parking restraint) essential, particularly in
Dublin City, if the DTI strategy is to be successfully implemented
and its objective is shifting commuters from the private
car to public transport is to be achieved. At the same time it is
recognised that there is a need to provide for certain
business, shopping, leisure and tourist trips by private car as
part of the policy of supporting the continued viability of the
city centre. Almost $600 million will be invested in public
transport and enforcement measures over the period 1994 to
1999.
One of the objectives in the National Development Plan and the
Community Support Framework, is a strong
management of tourism policy, with special attention being paid to
measures which will encourage a greater seasonal
spread of activities. Since 1990, Dublin has had a permanent ban on
marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal.
In 1995, this practice was adopted in Cork. In connection with
these bans, a special weekly allowance (in 1995, 3
weekly) paid by the Department of Social Welfare to lower income
groups has helped overcome the increased cost of
environmentally friendly fuels in comparison to bituminous coal.
These schemes cost IR6 million and IR1.6 million for
Dublin and Cork, respectively.
National targets
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The National Development
Plan and the Transport Operational Programme (1994-1995)
are the major policy directives in this area.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Under the
Transportation Operational Plan major infrastructural investments
will be undertaken with special regard to the use environmental
impact assessment procedures and public participation.
3. Major Groups: Please refer to the Status Report.
4. Finance: Under the Transport Operational Programme
1994-1999, the investment in railroads has increased from 3%
of the total amount available in the programme for the period
1989-1993, to 11% for the period 1994-1999. Urban
transport has increased in the same period from 2% to 14%, and
non-national roads from 8% to 17%.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Ireland has
participated in the preparatory committee for the planned UNECE
Conference of Ministers in relation to transport and the
environment. Ireland also participates in the THERMIE and the
SAVE programs within EU. The aim of the former is to promote new
technologies for improving energy efficiency and
to enhance the use of alternative energy sources. The objective of
the latter is to promote efficient energy use on the
demand side, focusing on key areas including boilers, buildings and
car inspection systems and energy audits. Ireland has
been cooperating with Northern Ireland in a series of conferences
addressing energy efficiency in buildings, industry etc.
Ireland has a natural gas linkage with the U.K., the European
Continent and
beyond.
| Latest 199_ | |||||
| GDP per capita (current US$) | |||||
| Real GDP growth (%) | |||||
| Annual energy consumption per capita (Kg. of oil equivalent per capita) | |||||
| Motor vehicles in use per 1000 inhabitants | |||||
| Other data
| |||||
1 1989.
Government policies affecting consumption and production.
1. Goals and Agents (Stakeholders)
Indicate with a () those agents which your Governments policies are meant most to influence.
| |||||
| Material efficiency | |||||
| Energy efficiency: | |||||
| Transport | |||||
| Housing | |||||
| Other | |||||
| Waste: | |||||
| Reduce | |||||
| Reuse | |||||
| Recycle |
Comments:
2. Means & Measures and Agents (Stakeholders)
Indicate with an (R) those agents who assume primary responsibility for any of the policy measures indicated; indicate with an (I) the agents for which the impact is expected to be especially significant.
| Agents Means & Measures | |||||
| Improving understanding and analysis | |||||
| Information and education (e.g., radio/TV/press) | |||||
| Research | |||||
| Evaluating environmental claims | |||||
| Form partnerships | |||||
| Applying tools for modifying behaviour | |||||
| Community based strategies | |||||
| Social incentives/disincentives (e.g., ecolabelling) | |||||
| Regulatory instruments | |||||
| Economic incentives/disincentives | |||||
| Voluntary agreements of producer responsibility for
aspects of product life cycle | |||||
| Provision of enabling facilities and
infrastructure (e.g., transportation alternatives, recycling) | |||||
| Procurement policy | |||||
| Monitoring, evaluating and reviewing performance | |||||
| Action campaign | |||||
| Other (specify) |
Comments:
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 5: DEMOGRAPHIC DYNAMICS AND
SUSTAINABILITY
| NATIONAL PRIORITY: | ||||
| STATUS REPORT: Ireland is currently working on a National Strategy for Sustainable Demographic Development. The Strategy will address issues linking the environment and demographics in an Irish context. Issues include the depopulation of rural areas combined with the increasing population in the urban areas, and as a consequence, the economic pressure of migration and emigration. The Government provides universal services for family planning. As a member of the EU, Ireland has adopted the principles of the Resolution of 1992 put forward by the Development Council for usage in aid-programmes. The basic guidelines of the resolution are: non-coercion and non-discrimination; observance of the rights of individuals and couples to choose the number and the spacing of their children; integration of population and development policies; and wider attention paid to the needs of individuals, families and the community.
| ||||
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Departments of Health
and Finance are responsible for this sector.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: In the policies related to family
planning, NGOs provide complementary services to those offered by
the Health Authorities. The Irish Family Planning Association and
the Dublin Well Woman Center are important
participants in this process. In June 1995, a discussion document
on special health needs for women was published and
will be the basis of a widespread consultation with women and those
interested in improving the health and welfare of
women. This consultation will in time become the foundation of a
National Plan made by the Department of Health to be
adopted by the Government.
4. Finance: The Government is funding the NGOs that are
involved in providing the complementary services.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: In 1993, Ireland
made its first contribution to the United Nations Population
Fund (UNFPA). The Government has subsequently announced that an
increase in the contribution is to be expected.
Ireland's policies in this area are consistent with EU
principles.
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Population (Thousands) mid-year estimates | ||||
| Annual rate of increase (1990-1993) | ||||
| Surface area (Km2) | ||||
| Population density (people/Km2) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 6: PROTECTING AND PROMOTING
HUMAN HEALTH
Ireland has improved the general level of health during the last
decades. However, much remains to be done. Life
expectancy is still lower than the EU average and, in 1992, over
one-fifth of all deaths in Ireland were under the age of
65. In 1994, a Strategy for Health was designed. Its objective is
to improve the average life expectancy, which includes an
effort to minimize the main causes of premature deaths, namely:
cardiovascular disease, cancer and accidents. Together
with the National Health Strategy, a Four-Year Action Plan was set
up. The Plan details risk reduction targets and action
programs. These focus on key issues which contribute significantly
to premature deaths. Monitoring of the progress in
relation to the targets will be of importance to the Strategy in
general and will also serve as background material for a data
base which is to be developed. In 1995, the Government of Ireland
indicated its intention to increase the financial and
technical assistance to Health Care.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Please refer to
the Status Report.
3. Major Groups: Please refer to Chapter 5.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: In 1993, it was
proposed to examine, under the Bilateral Aid Programme, what
specific projects in AIDS-related areas might be undertaken in
cooperation with the recipient country.
| 1994 | ||||
| Life expectancy at birth Male Female |
|
|
| |
| Infant mortality (per 1000 live births) | ||||
| Maternal mortality rate (per 100000 live births) | ||||
| Access to safe drinking water (% of population) | ||||
| Access to sanitation services (% of population) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
1 1979-81.
2 1985-89.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 7: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE HUMAN
SETTLEMENT DEVELOPMENT
Up to the mid 1980s, there had been a dramatic decrease of
both economic activity and population in the core centres
of the large cities. Large central areas were left under-utilized
or derelict as a result of, for example, a decline in port-related
and traditional city center industries, changes in retail shopping
patterns, the emergence of large-scale suburban
residential areas and a movement of business and commercial
activities to the periphery areas of the cities.
Since 1986, however, a significant turnaround has been
achieved, largely as a result of urban renewal schemes based
on tax incentives which were first introduced in that year. The
central tenet of the schemes was to target the core areas of
our urban centres which have suffered from the worst effects of
urban decay and to make incentives available in those
areas which would encourage the private sector to invest there.
A recently completed consultants' study on the impacts of the
schemes concluded that they had been highly successful
in achieving their aim of leveraging private sector investment
towards the targeted areas. Former derelict and decaying
inner urban areas have been transformed. This has had considerable
positive impacts in terms of sustainability. Greater
use is now being made of existing infrastructure in city and town
centres, with less developmental pressures on the green
belts in the suburbs. In addition, the greater number of people
"living in town" means there is less reliance on the motor
car for commuting to work.
In addition to the tax incentive schemes, the Urban and
Village Renewal Sub-Programme of the operational
Programme for Local Urban and Rural Development provides for
funding to be made available for measures which are
designed to promote sustainable physical, social and economic
revitalisation of urban centres ranging from the smaller
villages to the larger cities throughout the country. Among the
measures which are being implemented is one which funds
a major initiative in each of the five main cities, each of which
is based on an interatedaction plan for a key area. A range
of urban improvement actions, including landscaping,
pedestrianisation and eradication of derelict sites, is also being
implemented in the smaller urban centres. The principal objective
is to improve the physical environment of towns in
order to attract and sustain an enterprise base, as well as support
tourism and living conditions generally.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Between 1926 and 1991, the urban
population in Ireland increased from 32% to almost 60% of the
total population. The five largest urban centers - Dublin, Cork,
Limerick, Galway and Waterford - among them have 67%
of the total urban population.
1. Decision-Making Structure: In Ireland, planning for
dealing with major human settlements emergencies are
primarily a matter for the main emergency units, but other agencies
(e.g. Red Cross, Civil Defense, etc.) may be involved
in the response to incidents.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: There is an Irish
Standard Specification (IS) for building products which is
the responsibility of the National Standards Authority of Ireland
(NASI). Ireland must recognize, as an EU Member State,
building materials equivalent to the IS.
3. Major Groups: The responsibility of accommodating
homeless adults lies with local authorities, who are also
responsible for providing accommodation for travellers. The Health
Boards and the Department of Health share
responsibility for sheltering people under the age of 18.
Urban-management rests with local authorities.
A scheme of capital assistance is available to approved bodies
providing accommodation for people who qualify -
elderly, homeless and handicapped persons, victims of violence and
desertion, single parents or people otherwise accepted
as qualified for local authority housing.
4. Finance: The Urban Renewal Plan for 1994-1999 will have
an implementation cost of IR 92.5 million over the five
years. Funding for this programme is pooled together from the
Exchequer, EU and local authorities. The local authorities
provide a rental subsidy scheme whereby people qualified for
receiving the benefit are paid an ongoing subsidy according
to their situation. Local authorities also provide incentives for
home ownership cooperatives.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Urban population in % of total population | |||
| Annual rate of growth of urban population (%) | |||
| Largest city population (in % of total population) | |||
| Other data
| |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 8: INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENT AND
DEVELOPMENT IN DECISION-MAKING
In 1978, the Ministry of the Environment was assigned general
responsibility for the promotion and protection of the
physical environment. Ireland has an Environment Action Programme
which at a national level formulates environmental
targets and policy objectives. This programme was reviewed in 1993
for the period 1993-1997, and the Government made
commitments to speed up its implementation. In December 1994, a
Government programme was published which included
a commitment to adopt both the "precautionary" and the "polluter
pays" principles, as well as integrated environmental
protection considerations in all policy areas and at all levels of
Government. By early 1997, a National Sustainable
Development Strategy was published, with an objective of providing
a cross-sectoral framework for all sectoral plans and
programmes related to Sustainable Development, and of identifying
future objectives. The Strategy also led to the
establishment of a National Coordinating Mechanism for Sustainable
Development. The Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) is primarily used in relation to development
proposals and projects. The Environmental Protection
Agency has issued guidelines on the content of Environmental Impact
Statement prepared for the EIA process.
For the period 1994-1999 Ireland has adopted both a European
Community Support Framework (CSF) and a National
Development Plan. Both the CSF and the Plan have as their primary
objective the enhancement of Ireland's economic
performance through sustainable growth and development. They are
both multi-sectoral and cover a vast range of Agenda
21 issues. The Plan is primarily designed for addressing the needs
of industry, tourism and rural development.
In addition to the measures mentioned above, Ireland also relies on
environmental legislation which is consistent with the
recommendations of UNCED and with the EU Fifth Environment Action
Programme, "Towards Sustainability".
In October, 1994, a Green Network of Government Departments
was established. The concept of the network is to
promote better exchange of information among departments and to
support the work of the environment units which have
been established in the main economic Departments.
A Parliamentary Committee on Sustainable Development has also
been established.
The Department of the Environment has concluded an agreement
with the National Economic and Social Research
Institute on setting up an Environmental Policy Research Center to
study the economic aspects of environment policy.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure (please also refer to the fact
sheet): The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
responsible for regulations and control of activities which pose a
high pollution risk. The agency also handles many other
tasks, including, supervision of local authorities, research,
advisory and information functions.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: The Advisory Committee to EPA includes
representatives of environmental NGOs, and the industry,
agriculture, education and research sectors.
4. Finance: The European Regional Fund is supporting the
Operational Programme 1994-1999.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 9: PROTECTION OF THE
ATMOSPHERE
The Montreal Protocol and its Amendments
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
The Government is promoting policies and programmes in a wide range
of areas concerned with this sector, including
energy efficiency, environmentally sound and efficient transport,
and industrial pollution control. In 1995, a scheme of
Power Purchase Agreements amounting to 111 MW was approved. The
scheme includes 34 alternative energy projects
providing over 100 megawatts, at a cost of 70 million, over the
next fifteen years. A competition to secure a 30 MW
Biomass/Waste to energy electricity generating plant is nearing
completion and further renewable energy targets have been
set, up to 2010. Ireland is currently complying with EU Regulation
EC 3093/94, which adopted targets to phase out CFCs
(except for essential use) by 1995, halons by 1994, carbon
tetrachloride by 1995, HCFC by 2015, 1,1,1,-trichloroethane
by 1996, HBFCs and curbs on methyl bromide by 1996.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
Montreal Protocol (1987) ratified 10 August 1992.
London Amendment (1990) ratified 10 August 1992.
Copenhagen Amendment (1992) signed in 1996
The latest report(s) to the Montreal Protocol Secretariat were
prepared in 19--
UNFCCC was ratified 20 April 1994.
The latest report to the UNFCCC Secretariat was submitted in 199-.
1. Decision-Making Structure: EPA and the Department of
the Environment are the institutions primarily responsible
for this sector. Post-Rio, the Air Quality Act, 1987, and the
Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, have been
reviewed, taking into account the measures recommended in Agenda
21. Ireland has also implemented emissions standards
to reduce the adverse environmental effects of benzene, sulphur and
lead.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Ireland's capacity
to observe and assess transboundary atmospheric pollution
and to exchange information is sufficient. In 1994, the Irish
Energy Center was established to co-ordinate the
implementation of the National Energy Conservation Programme and
other Government policy on energy efficiency,
renewable energies and research. The Government has conducted
surveys concerning air pollution and selective limited
observations regarding emissions from traffic. The Government has
also facilitated training opportunities, data and
information exchange at both national and international levels.
3. Major Groups: Participation by industry and therefore
the private sector is crucial for meeting the objectives of the
EU within this sector.
4. Finance: Under the Energy Audit Grant Scheme the Irish
Energy Center provides grants of 40%, subjected to a
maximum of IR5,000, to energy users in the industrial,
institutional and commercial sectors for the hiring of consultants
to make energy audits. The Energy Efficient Investment Support
Scheme provides grant assistance to energy users also
within the above mentioned sectors. The grants paid out are for
energy technology and amount to 40% of the investment
subjected to a IR250,000 maximum.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Government spending
in multilateral trust funds, including the Vienna-Montreal Trust
Fund, went from $246,414 in 1993, to $ 321,754 in 1995. After Rio
and in addition to the global
conventions, Ireland has acceded to a number of other international
agreements concerning transboundary air pollution,
including the Sofia Protocol and the Second Sulphur Protocol, both
in 1994.
Please also refer to chapter 4.
| Latest 199_ ? | ||||
| CO2 emissions (eq. million tons) | a | |||
| SOx " | b | |||
| NOx " | c | |||
| CH4 " | d | |||
| Consumption of ozone depleting substances (Tons) | e | |||
| Expenditure on air pollution abatement in US$ equivalents (million) | f | |||
| * Other data taken from 1996 National
Report: main sources of the above-mentioned emissions: a. energy;
b. energy
production 30% industrial combustion 50%; c. energy production
10-20%, transport 30%; d. agriculture. National fig. 2000: CO2 52%; NO2 20%; CH4 28%. | ||||
1 1990 figures for CO2 + CH4 are actual million tons.
2 1994 estimate is provisional.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 10: INTEGRATED APPROACH TO
THE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF LAND
RESOURCES
A system of land-use management, in line with that envisaged in
Agenda 21, has been in operation in Ireland since 1964.
Under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts, 1963 to
1993, each of Ireland's 88 planning authorities
has been obliged to prepare, at least every 5 years, a Development
Plan. The Government is preparing a series of
guidelines on land use issues for local planning authorities and An
Board Pleanala (Planning Appeals Board). Guidelines
on Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures were
published on 31 July 1996, and Guidelines on Wind Farm
Development were published on 19 September 1996. Guidelines on
Forestry Development, high amenity landscapes and
the scope and content of development plans are now being prepared.
Taken together, the National Sustainable
Development Strategy and the guidelines will provide a
comprehensive policy framework for land use planning.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: Legislation with respect to
land use planning is supplemented by administrative and
policy measures at the national level. Environmental Impact
Assessment procedures have been incorporated into the
planning system and are also applied to public development
proposals. The National Department of the Environment issues
circulars and guidelines to local land planning authorities to
advise and inform them of issues to be taken into
consideration in the operation of the planning process. The
Department also monitors the overall operation of the planning
process.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: Decisions by local authorities may be
appealed to the independent national Planning Appeals Board
by any individual or organization. The Rural Environment Protection
Scheme (REPS) which provides special grants for
farming in an environmentally friendly way is available to
landowners in all parts of the country. Additional payments are
available in certain designated areas in order to solve specific
environmental problems, to protect important habitat sites
and to give farmers the opportunity to respond to market demands
for the supply of organic food and the provision of
tourism/leisure facilities. Local authorities are taken into
account by the National Department of the Environment on
issues related to the operation of the planning process.
4. Finance: Please refer to #3.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Ireland is
represented on the European Union Committee on Spatial
Development and on the informal Council of Ministers for Regional
and Spatial Development. Ireland is also a member of
the European Conference of Ministers responsible for Regional
Planning, under the Council of Europe. The EIA of
Ireland's land planning takes full account of the relevant EU
directives.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 11: COMBATING
DEFORESTATION
The forest estate is predominantly Sitka spruce, an exotic
conifer species, but there is an increasing emphasis on
diversity in species and on the planting of broadleaves in
particular, for which the target is 20% of planting. Irish forests
are managed primarly for timber production on the basis of
sustained yield.
In 1996, the Government published a Strategic Plan for the
Development of the Forestry Sector in Ireland, a long-term
development plan for the sector up to the year 2030.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: The area under forest in Ireland
has been steadily increasing from the 1% under forest at the turn
of
the century and is currently 8%. The annual afforestation targets
are 25,000 hectares/p/a up to the year 2000 and 20,000
ha/p/a thereafter to the year 2030 and should increase the area
under forest to 17%. Harvesting is controlled by a licensing
procedure, of which replanting is a basic condition. Because of the
relatively young age of the forest estate, only about
5,000 hectares is being harvested (and replaced) annually.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Forest Service of the
Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is responsible
for national forest policy. Public forests are managed by the State
company, Coillte Teoranta. EIA and planning
permission is required for afforestation projects over 70 hectares.
A range of environmental controls is applied to all
afforestation projects including guidelines in relation to the
landscape, fisheries and archaelogy.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The Forest Service
has produced and distributed a series of school video
packs on forestry. Since 1989, courses on forest establishment and
maintenance, forest harvesting and the downstream
timber industry have been developed in addition to forest degree
courses. Two thousand trainees have graduated from
these courses.
3. Major Groups: Some 70% of Irish forests are owned by
Coillte Teoranta, the State forest company, reflecting the
dominant role of the State in forestry development. The balance of
ownership is changing, however, as the private sector,
and in particular farmers, becomes increasingly involved. In 1995,
27% of afforestation was undertaken by Coillte and
63% by the private sector, of which 85% was undertaken by farmers.
Consultation with the public on forestry has been on an ad
hoc basis. In early 1994, a wide range of interested parties
and the general public were invited to make submissions in relation
to the Strategic Plan for the Development of the
Forestry Sector in Ireland.
4. Finance: The total investment planned in the period
1989-1999 is IR521 million, of which some IR170 million was
spent under the Forestry Operational Programme 1989-93. The
contribution from EU is IR303 million of the total
amount. The Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry
Sector in Ireland estimates that the cost of the
afforestation programme to the end of 2030 will be over 3
billion.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Ireland participates
in EU forest health surveys; FAO forest related activities;
the Pan-European Process on the Protection of Forests in Europe,
which is developing the concept of sustainable forest
management in Europe and the criteria and indicators by which it
can be measured; and the Intergovernmental Panel on
Forests.
| Latest 1995 | ||||
| Forest Area (ha) | ||||
| Protected forest area (ha) | ||||
| Roundwood production (m3) | ||||
| Deforestation rate (Km2/annum) | ||||
| Afforestation rate (Km2/annum) | ||||
| Other data * Ireland has only a very small area remaining of indigenous forest. About 5,200 ha are now protected by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in national parks and nature reserves. We have no information on the relevant figures for previous years.
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 12: MANAGING FRAGILE ECOSYSTEMS: COMBATING DESERTIFICATION AND DROUGHT
| NATIONAL PRIORITY N/A | |
| STATUS REPORT:
International Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries
Experiencing Drought and/or Desertification Additional comments relevant to this chapter
No information.
|
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Land affected by desertification (Km2) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 13: MANAGING FRAGILE
ECOSYSTEMS: SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT
A condition was introduced into the national administration of
the Ewe Premium Scheme in 1994, that flockowners
who graze sheep on degraded commonages and are not participating in
REPS who wished to acquire additional quota
rights, give an undertaking not to graze their additional ewes on
the "degraded areas" between 1 November and 30 April
each year. Flockowners who do not comply with this requirement lose
entitlement to Ewe Premium and Rural World
Premium for the year in question and the following year.
EU Council Regulation 3013/89 (Article 5a) provides for the
prohibition on the leasing and transfer of sheep quota
rights from the 1994 marketing year between disadvantaged areas and
non-disadvantaged areas in Ireland.
A committee consisting of representatives of the Department of
Agriculture, Food and Forestry, the National Parks
and Wildlife Service, REPS planners and farming organisations has
recently devosed a set of rules for the application of
REPS in proposed Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). In addition, large
areas of proposed NHAs are to be further
designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under EU Wildlife
Legislation, which will ensure that sustainable farming
is maintained in these areas.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Soil erosion as a result of
overgrazing is a significant problem on mountains and highland
areas, as
the number of mountain sheep has increased. In 1992, with the
agricultural policy reform, the number of sheep in Ireland
has been tied to a quota which should prevent a further increase.
A change was made to the Rural Environment Protection
Scheme (REPS) in October 1995 to make it more attractive and
feasible for upland farmers in designated "degraded"
upland areas to reduce or maintain sheep numbers at sustainable
levels. This measure is mandatory for REPS participants
in these areas. Other measures include the following:
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 14: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
The Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS), the Control of
Farm Pollution Scheme (CFP) and the Farm
Improvement Programme (FIP) have major roles to play in the
prevention of nutrient enrichment of water courses. All
participants in REPS are required to draw up a nutrient management
plan in order to maintain the quality of water
resources by minimising nutrient losses from agriculture. Under CFP
and FIP, participants receive grant aid for the
provision of aid towards the provision of animal housing and waste
storage facilities.
The Erne Catchment Nutrient Management Scheme (ECNMS) was
launched during 1996 under the EU's Support
Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the
Border Counties of Ireland. This Scheme offers a
nutrient management service to intensive farmers on both sides of
the Border along the River Erne in Counties Cavan and
Monaghan in the Republic and Fermanagh in Northern Ireland.
Organic crop production is governed by Regulation (EEC) No
2092/91. A draft regulation on organic livestock
production is currently under preparation at EU level.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry has approved
three Organic Certification Bodies who provide
advice, information and certification of farms which are in
conversion to the organic system of production. In addition,
the Department's Operational Programme for Agriculture, Rural
Development and Forestry, 1994-1999 contains a
Scheme of Aid for the Development of the Organic Farming Sector. A
number of allocations were made under the
Scheme for 1996, and further allocations will be made for 1997,
1998 and 1999.
In addition, additional financial payments are available to
organic farmers in the Department's Rural Environment
Protection Scheme (REPS).
There were 430 organic farmers in Ireland at the end of 1995,
covering a land area of 12,400 hectares.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Ireland has experienced an
intensification of stockfarming leading to excessive nutrient
enrichment
of some waters, particularly by nitrogen and phosphates.
Overgrazing, especially by sheep, has also become an issue of
concern. In 1992, an agreement on a Common Agricultural Policy
(CAP) was reached. The policy was accompanied by
two schemes for investment aid: the Rural Environment Protection
Scheme (REPS) to promote environmentally friendly
farming, and a complementary scheme for on-farm investment measures
called "Control of Farm Yard Pollution" (CFP).
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Agriculture,
Food and Forestry administers the Operational Programme
for the Control of Farmyard Pollution. A Code of Good Practice to
Protect Waters from Pollution by Nitrates" was
launched in July 1996 by the Ministers for Agriculture, Food and
Forestry and the Environment, which is required by
Directive 91/676/EEC (the Nitrates Directive). This Code prescribes
methods to prevent or minimise the pollution of
waters from nitrates by adopting certain farm waste management
techniques.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Research is
ongoing, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and
Forestry, in the area of sustainable agriculture. Under the Teagasc
(agriculture and food research and development
authority) Environment Protection Programme under the Structural
Funds, research is to be focused on the following
priority areas: (i) the developoment of viable nutrient and waste
management strategies designed to minimise the impact
on the environment of agriculture and other developments in rural
areas; (ii) the development of strategies for the
enhancement of rural landscapes and the ecological management of
set-aside areas, including habitat re-establishment
studies. Sub-Programmes covered by this research programme include
Sustainable Farming Systems; the Environmental
Impact of Phosphorus; the Environmental Impact of Nitrogen; Waste
Management; Land Use Management; and Soil
Fertility. These projects will provide the scientific basis for the
implementation of EU and National Legislation pertaining
to agriculture and the environment.
3. Major Groups: Farmers are the key major group in
meeting the objectives of the Operational Programme.
Substantial assistance has been provided by the Department of
Agriculture, Food and Forestry in recent years in grant aid
for pollution control facilities under the Control of Farm
Pollution Scheme (CFP) and the Farm Improvement Programme
(FIP). A total of about 1 million cattle and 800,000 sheep have
been housed, with effluent storage storage of 6.1 million
cubic metres and fodder storage of 2.6 million tonnes. 26,000
applicants were grant aided to a total of 120 million
between 1986 and 1995 under the FIP. A further 145 million was
allocated in grant aid to some 25,000 applicants under
the CFP Scheme between 1989 and 1993 and under funds agreed for the
period 1994-1999.
4. Finance: See 3 above.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 1995 | ||||
| Agricultural land (Km2) | ||||
| Agricultural land as % of total land area | ||||
| Agricultural land (m2 per capita) | ||||
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Consumption of fertilizers per (Kg/Km2 of agricultural land as of 1990) | ||||
| Other data * It should be borne in mind that the 1991 census of agriculture removed approximately 500,000 hectares from the figure for "agricultural area". | ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 15: CONSERVATION OF
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
Convention on Biological Diversity
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
A National biodiversity plan is being drawn up in accordance
with Article 6 of the Biological Diversity Convention.
The plan will integrate the conservation and sustainable use of
biological diversity into all sectoral and cross-sectoral
plans, programmes and policies.
In 1992, the Government decided to preserve 550,000 hectares
(7% of the state area) for Natural Heritage Areas
(NHAs). These sites are reserved for Ireland's native flora and
fauna. To date, over 100 special protection areas (SPAs)
have been designated under EU Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the
Conservation of Wild Birds (Birds Directive).
Regulations to transpose EU Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the
Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and
Flora (Habitats Directive) into Irish law are at an advanced stage.
Following the making of these regulations, special areas
of conservation (SACs) will be designated. Proposals are currently
being prepared for the inclusion in the Rural
Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) of a system of compensating
for curtailed farming practices. Due to the mostly
extensive nature of Irish agriculture, landscape quality and
habitat biodiversity has been well conserved in addition to
hedges/streams and field systems. Improvement in the authorisation
process for plant protection products and the
continuing success of Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS)
which contains measures to retain wildlife habitats,
should act to preserve these valuable resources into the future.
In 1995, there was no indication of species loss over the
previous 10 years. However, some species are in serious
decline due to changes in farming practices. Habitat destruction
is thought to be the main reason for the decrease in
biological diversity. Pollution and over-harvesting (mainly in the
marine environment) are also of concern. Ireland has
set aside protected areas, including national parks and nature
reserves. Regulation of exploited species takes place, as
does ex-situ maintenance of threatened populations and
establishment of pilot studies in restoration ecology.
A Heritage Council was established on a statutory basis in
1995, the functions of which include, inter alia, proposing
policies and priorities for the identification, protection,
preservation and enhancement of the national heritage and the
promotion of interest and knowledge in the national heritage.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
Signed in 1992.
Ratified in 1996.
Signed in 1974.
1. Decision-Making Structure: Ireland can meet the
requirements of jurisdiction of the Convention on Biological
Diversity, via the Wildlife Act, 1976. In addition, Ireland has
ratified the Berne Convention on Conservation of European
Wildlife and Natural Habitats, the Bonn Convention on the
Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals and the
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. Ireland
also intends to ratify the Washington Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora,
the objectives of which are already in force in
Ireland through EEC Regulation No. 3626/82.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Ireland has
conducted surveys on Areas of Scientific Interest (ASIs) to review
old areas and to set up new ones.
3. Major Groups: Farmers who have land designated for
Natural Heritage Areas containing habitats listed in EU
Habitats and Birds Directives are eligible for higher payments
under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
4. Finance:
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Ireland
participates in international conservation, for example by
cooperating
with Northern Ireland authorities on protected areas for birds.
Also within the EU, Ireland has obtained funding for
purchasing threatened areas.
| Latest 199_ | |||
| Protected area as % of total land area | |||
| Latest 199_ | |||
| Number of threatened species | |||
| Other data
| |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 16: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biotechnology is being used for in-house treatment of waste and the
recovery of energy for re-use. Ireland has both
legislation dealing with environmentally sound management of
biotechnology and a broad based research capacity (please
refer to #1 and #2).
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry for the
Environment is responsible for the legal and political issues
relating to the environmentally sound management of
biotechnology.
The Genetically Modified Organisms Regulation, 1994, came into
effect on 1 January, 1995. It gives legal effect to
two EU directives on the contained use of genetically modified
micro-organisms (90/219/EEC) and the deliberate use of
genetically modified organisms (90/220/EEC). EPA is the competent
authority for the purpose of monitoring and
regulations.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Ireland has
brought together biotechnology expertise in one organization, Bio
Research Ireland. One of its key functions is to raise awareness of
biotechnology. Almost half of all University-based
researchers work in biotechnology.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: Since 1985, the Government has been funding
research within the sector.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 17: PROTECTION OF THE
OCEANS, ALL KINDS OF SEAS, INCLUDING ENCLOSED
AND SEMI-ENCLOSED SEAS, AND COASTAL AREAS AND THE PROTECTION,
RATIONAL USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR LIVING RESOURCES
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
See also the attached tables on the next pages.
Ireland is anticipating a ratification of the Convention for
the Protection of the Marine Environment agreed upon in
Paris on 22 September, 1992.
Within the National Development Plan and the Community Support
Framework, special emphasis has been given to
fisheries development measures undertaken. In 1995, a strategy
document for Coastal Management was prepared to assist
the national policy in this area.
Two important targets were established in this area. In July
1992, the disposal of industrial wastes at sea was no
longer permitted. December 1998 is the deadline for ending
disposal of sewage sludge at sea. The result of this is that
dredged materials from capital and maintenance works at harbours
will be the only waste of any significance being
disposed of in Irish coastal waters.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
Signed in 1982.
Ratified in 1996.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Department of the Marine
(DOM), on ad hoc consultation with relevant
departments, is responsible for the preparation of the Coastal Zone
Management Strategy. DOM is also responsible for
implementing policies in relation to aquaculture and other
developments on the foreshore (as defined in the Foreshore
Acts, 1933 and 1992). DOM, through the Irish Marine Service, is
responsible for addressing oil pollution and other
pollution incidents at sea. For any major projects, EIA through the
statutory development consent processes is required.
The "polluter pays principle" underlies Irish environmental
legislation, including the Local Government (Water Pollution
Acts, 1977 and 1990, and the Sea Pollution Act, 1991). Ireland's
law on water quality for shellfish implements the
requirements of the Council Directive 79/923/EEC.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The official
Governmental bodies have access to technology capable of
identifying major types of pollution. However, Ireland has
financial constraints which result in limited assessments made
of the environment of coastal and marine areas.
The Martin Ryan Marine Research Institute of Galway University
participates in international projects on,
inter alia, air-sea gas exchanges and studies on the ocean's
thermal skin.
The European Directory of Marine Environmental database gives
adequate data on practically all areas relevant for the
Irish marine context. A major research project entitled ECOPRO
(Environmentally Friendly Coastal Protection) is being
undertaken in Ireland, funded by the EU LIFE Programme.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: Ireland has made a contribution of US$ 15,000
to the Voluntary Trust Fund for Small Island Developing
States.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Ireland is
participating in the OSPAR Convention. In January, 1995 Ireland
ratified the MARPOL Convention. Ireland also participates in the
work of ICES fish stock, which is used in EU in the
annual setting of Total Allowable Catches and Quotas.
| Latest 1994 | ||||
| Catches of marine species (metric tons)* | ||||
| Population in coastal areas | ||||
| Population served by waste water treatment (% of
country's total population) | ||||
| Discharges of oil into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
| Releases of phosphate into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
| Releases of nitrate into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
| Other data | ||||
* 1996 National Report.
Chapter 17 (Oceans) Continued:
| Check the boxes in the column below left: | Check the boxes in the column below right: |
| For level of importance use: | For level of implementation use: |
| *** = very important | *** = fully covered |
| ** = important | ** = well covered- gaps being addressed |
| * = not important | * = poorly covered |
| N = not relevant | O = not covered; N = not relevant |
TABLE I. THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE APPROPRIATE COORDINATING MECHANISM FOR INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL AND MARINE AREAS AND THEIR RESOURCES.
| A. Preparation and implementation of land and water use and siting policies. 1 | ||
| B. Implementation of integrated coastal and marine management and sustainable development plans and programmes at appropriate levels. | ||
| C. Preparation of coastal profiles identifying critical areas including eroded zones, physical processes, development patterns, user conflicts and specific priorities for management. | ||
| D. Prior environmental impact assessment, systematic observation and follow-up of major projects, including systematic incorporation of results in decision-making. | ||
| E. Contingency plans for human induced and natural disasters. | ||
| F. Improvement of coastal human settlements, especially in housing, drinking water and treatment and disposal of sewage, solid wastes and industrial effluents. | ||
| G. Periodic assessment of the impacts of external factors and phenomena to ensure that the objectives of integrated management and sustainable development of coastal areas and marine environment are met. | ||
| H. Conservation and restoration of altered critical habitats. | ||
| I. Integration of sectoral programmes on sustainable development for settlements, agriculture, tourism, fishing, ports and industries affecting the coastal areas. | ||
| J. Infrastructure adaptation and alternative employment. | ||
| K. Human resource development and training. | ||
| L. Public education, awareness and information programmes. | ||
| M. Promoting environmentally sound technology and sustainable practices. | ||
| N. Development and simultaneous implementation of environmental quality criteria. |
1 The Department of the Marine has responsibility for implementation of siting policies in relation to acquaculture and other development on the foreshore (as defined in the Foreshore Acts, 1993 and 1992). The development of Coastal Zone Management will establish a context in which such policies can be coordinated with other plans and policies (including land use policies) relevant to coastal areas.
2 A major consultancy study, the purpose of which is to develop an overall strategy for CZM in Ireland, is in progress and is expected to be completed by the end of March 1996. Action on matters referred to in questions b, c, g and i will be pursued in the context of CZM.
3 The Department of Marine, through its Irish Marine Emergency Service, has a key role in addressing pollution and other pollution incidents at sea.
TABLE II. TECHNOLOGY (MARINE ENVIRONMENT)
| A. Apply preventive, precautionary and anticipatory approaches so as to avoid degradation of the marine environment, as well as to reduce the risk of long-term or irreversible adverse effects upon it. | ||
| B. Ensure prior assessment of activities that may have significant adverse impacts upon the marine environment. | ||
| C. Integrate protection of the marine environment into relevant general environmental, social and economic development policies. | ||
| D. Develop economic incentives, where appropriate, to apply clean technologies and other means consistent with the internalization of environmental costs, such as the polluter pays principle, so as to avoid degradation of the marine environment. | ||
| E. Improve the living standards of coastal populations, particularly in developing countries, so as to contribute to reducing the degradation of the coastal and marine environment. | ||
| F. Effective monitoring and surveillance within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of fish harvesting and transportation of toxic and other hazardous materials. |
1 Preventative, precautionary and anticipatory approaches are incorporated in Irish environmental law, including licensing and permitting processes. These approaches will also be reflected in new legislative initiatives in the environmental sphere, including the Dumping at Sea Bill which is before the Irish Parliament at present. 2 Ireland attaches considerable importance to effective monitoring and surveillance of fish harvesting and transportation of toxic and other hazardous materials. It is pressing, within the International Maritime Organisation, for stricter safety standards for the transportation of irradiated nuclear fuels.
TABLE III. SEWAGE RELATED ISSUES
| A. Sewage related problems are considered when formulating or reviewing coastal development plans, including human development plans. | ||
| B. Sewage treatment facilities are built in accordance with national policies. | ||
| C. Coastal outfalls are located so as to maintain acceptable level of environmental quality and to avoid exposing shell fisheries, water intakes and bathing areas to pathogens. | ||
| D. The Government promotes primary treatment of municipal sewage discharged to rivers, estuaries and the sea, or other solutions appropriate to specific sites. | ||
| E. The Government supports the establishment and improvement of local, national, subregional and regional, as necessary, regulatory and monitoring programmes to control effluent discharge. Minimum sewage effluent guidelines and water quality criteria are in use. |
1 Sewage related probelms are addressed in Development Plans prepared by local authorities under the physical planning code set out in the Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts, 1963 to 1993. Such issues will be to the forefront also in the current work on development of Coastal Zone Management.
TABLE IV. OTHER SOURCES OF MARINE POLLUTION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS:
| A. Established or improved upon, as necessary, regulatory and monitoring programmes to control emissions, including recycling technologies. | ||
| B. Promoted risk and environmental impact assessments to help ensure an acceptable level of environmental quality. | ||
| C. Promoted assessment and cooperation at the regional level, where appropriate, with respect to the input of point source pollutants from the marine environment. | ||
| D. Taken steps to eliminate emissions or discharges of organohalogen compounds from the marine environment. | ||
| E. Taken steps to eliminate/reduce emissions or discharges or other synthetic organic compounds from the marine environment. | ||
| F. Promoted controls over anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen and phosphorous that enter coastal waters where such problems as eutrophication threaten the marine environment or its resources. | ||
| G. Taken steps to develop and implement environmentally sound land-use techniques and practices to reduce run-off to water courses and estuaries which would cause pollution or degradation of the marine environment. | ||
| H. Promoted the use of environmentally less harmful pesticides and fertilizers and alternative methods for pest control, and considered the prohibition of those found to be environmentally unsound. | ||
| I. Adopted new initiatives at national, subregional and regional levels for controlling the input of non-point source pollutants which require broad changes in sewage and waste management, agricultural practices, mining, construction and transportation. | ||
| J. Taken steps to control and prevent coastal erosion and siltation due to anthropogenic factors related to, inter alia, land-use and construction techniques and practices. |
1 Effluent discharges are regulated under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts, 1977 and 1990 and the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992. Regulatory processes under the Foreshore Acts, 1933 and 1992 also take accunt of the need to protect the marine environment from pollution.
TABLE V. ADDRESSING CRITICAL UNCERTAINTIES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE. IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THIS PROGRAMME AREA THE GOVERNMENT IS CARRYING OUT THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:
| A. Coordinating national and regional observation programmes for coastal and near-shore phenomena related to climate change and for research parameters essential for marine and coastal management in all regions. | ||
| B. Providing improved forecasts of marine conditions for the safety of inhabitants of coastal areas and for the efficiency of marine operations. | ||
| C. Adopting special measures to cope with and adapt to potential climate change and sea-level rise. | ||
| D. Participating in coastal vulnerability assessment, modelling and response strategies particularly for priority areas, such as small islands and low-lying and critical coastal areas. | ||
| E. Identifying ongoing and planned programmes of systematic observation of the marine environment, with a view to integrating activities and establishing priorities to address critical uncertainties for oceans and all seas. | ||
| F. Research to determine the marine biological effects of increased levels of ultraviolet rays due to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. | ||
| G. Carrying out analysis, assessments and systematic observation of the role of oceans as a carbon sink. |
TABLE VI. RATING OF ACTIVITIES IN THE AIR AND MARITIME TRANSPORT SECTORS IN THE SMALL ISLANDS DEVELOPING STATES (SIDS)
| 1. Frequency (external flights) | 1. Frequency (external shipping) | ||
| 2. Frequency (in-country flights) | 2. Frequency (in-country shipping) | ||
| 3. Cooperation at regional level in air transport and civil aviation | 3. Cooperation at regional level in shipping | ||
| 4. Cooperation at international level | 4. Cooperation at international level | ||
| 5. Economic viability of national air line | 5. Economic viability of national shipping line(s) | ||
| 6. Economic viability of regional air line | 6. Economic viability of regional shipping line (s) | ||
| 7. national level training in skills for air transport sector | 7. National level training in skills for maritime transport sector | ||
| 8. Access to training in skills for air transport sector within the region | 8. Regional level training in skills for maritime transport sector | ||
| 9. Access to international training for air transport sector | 9. Access to international training for maritime transport sector | ||
| 10. Supportive of ICAO |
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 18: PROTECTION OF THE
QUALITY AND SUPPLY OF FRESHWATER RESOURCES:
APPLICATION OF INTEGRATED APPROACHES TO THE DEVELOPMENT,
MANAGEMENT AND USE OF WATER RESOURCES
In 1993, a survey, based on 1200 rivers, 172 lakes and important
bays and estuaries, showed that 77.5% of the rivers
(measured by length) were unpolluted; the rest was either "slightly
polluted" (12%), "moderately polluted" (9.5%), or
"seriously polluted" (1%). The Environment Action Programme
committed IR300 million investment until the year 2000
for the provision of new and improved public water supply. Under
the Operational Programme 1994-1999,
IR61 million is to be spent on drinking water, waste water
treatment and group water schemes.
A IR230 million sewage treatment programme involves the
provision of full secondary treatment for inland towns
discharging to rivers and lakes.
Several local projects have been launched to protect the
inland water from pollution. These projects address many
aspects, including farmyard pollution, improved monitoring of water
quality and introducing phosphate-free domestic
detergents.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: Ireland has a vast array of
local legislation related to the protection of water quality.
These legislative measures deal with water pollution, including
the discharge of toxic materials in drinking and
groundwater supplies. Regulations made in 1992 concerning
groundwater strengthened the statutory pollution control
system. As an EU member, Ireland has adopted EU regulation in
relation to water, including the Urban Waste Water
Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC).
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The Environment
Policy Research Center is part of the National Economic
and Social Research Institute which carried out research regarding
the use of economic instruments, including waste water
charges.
3. Major Groups: Farmers are the major group both in terms
of being affected by the legislative framework aiming at
minimizing farmyard pollution and by meeting the national targets
for this sector.
4. Finance: The financial commitments stated in the
Environmental Action Plan were reaffirmed in the National
Development Plan, 1990-1994. The total capital spending on water
services was IR442 million. The EU has been
sponsoring the Operational Plan for Water, Sanitary and other local
Services with IR110.92 million.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Fresh water availability (total domestic/external in million m3) | ||||
| Annual withdrawal of freshwater as % of available water | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 19: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF TOXIC CHEMICALS, INCLUDING
PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN TOXIC AND DANGEROUS
PRODUCTS
Ireland participates in the EU/OECD work on chemical risk
assessment, and is currently drafting a risk assessment of
a priority chemical within this programme.
Ireland is committed to the advancement of global
harmonisation of classification, and participates in EU/OECD/IFCS
discussions on this topic. Ireland is already part of the
harmonised EU system for classificatio and labelling of dangerous
chemicals.
Ireland participates in an information exchange network on
import and export of certain dangerous chemicals under
EU legislation, and is committed to the impending PIC
Convention.
Ireland is also committed to any global risk reduction
activities within the framework of IFCS/OECD, including those
on lead and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), and has
implemented risk reduction measures on a number of dangerous
chemicals at EU level under the EU Marketing and Use Directive
(76/769/EEC).
On 16 May 1994, integrated pollution control licensing of
activities which pose a high risk of pollution was launched.
The activities include managing materials such as minerals, energy,
mineral fibres, glass, chemicals, food, drink, wood,
paper, textiles, leather and cement.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Ireland is committed to the key
programme areas of Chapter 19 and has involvement in the
Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS), which seeks to
advance environmentally sound management of
toxic chemicals.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The National Authority for
Occupational Safety and Health is the competent body for
implementing EU legislation in relation to risk assessment,
classification and labelling of dangerous chemicals, other than
for pesticides and biocides, for which the competent body is the
Pesticide Control Service of the Department of
Agriculture. The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for
integrated pollution control licensing.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: In compliance with
EU legislation set out for this sector, Ireland has
developed the capacity for responding to emergencies, to
rehabilitate contaminated sites and poisoned persons, and has
establsihed systems for notification of new chemicals, information
gathering and dissemination.
3. Major Groups: Participation by Irish industry in
addition to the governmental decision-making structure is essential
to
achieve the objectives of Chapter 19. Irish industry is fully
committed to these objectives.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Ireland
participates fully in all EU work related to management of toxic
chemicals and participates in the OECD and IFCS fora as resources
permit.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 20: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS WASTES,
INCLUDING PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN HAZARDOUS
WASTES
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements
of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
Ireland's policy is, first, to try to avoid creating waste;
second, to minimize waste; and, third, where necessary, to
recycle or safely dispose of waste. In 1995, the Operational
Programme included improvement of the waste management
system as a priority. At the same time, Ireland drafted a new Waste
Bill, enacted in 1996 as the Waste Management Act,
which is meant to bring consistency between international and
national waste management.
Hazardous waste arising in Ireland in 1995 were estimated to
be 243,754 tonnes. The recovery rate for hazardous
waste was estimated to be 42.5%. Over 90% of reported hazardous
waste is treated in Ireland. Incineration of hazardous
wastes and hospital waste requires an Integrated Pollution Control
license under the EPA Act, 1992. The recently enacted
Waste Management Act, 1996, requires, inter alia, that a national
hazardous waste management plan be prepared by the
EPA.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
Ratified in 1994.
1. Decision-Making Structure: Under the new Waste Bill, it
is suggested that EPA is responsible for the licensing of all
significant waste disposal activities, including local authority
landfills, and for planning, management and control of
hazardous waste. The Ministry of the Environment retains power over
policy direction and makes regulations to promote
waste prevention.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Please refer to
Status Report.
3. Major Groups: In 1992, a Discussion Document was
published, bringing together thoughts and ideas from interested
parties for the new Waste Bill. The private sector has been
encouraged to promote the capacity for the prevention,
reduction and safe management of hazardous waste.
4. Finance: Investment of some 30.5 million will be
undertaken in the period 1995-1999 to develop waste management
strategies at local and regional levels, improve recycling
infrastructure, and support the provision of appropriate hazardous
waste management.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Generation of hazardous waste (t) | ||||
| Import of hazardous wastes (t) | ||||
| Export of hazardous wastes (t) | ||||
| Area of land contaminated by hazardous waste (km2) | ||||
| Expenditure on hazardous waste treatment (US$) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 21: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF SOLID WASTES AND SEWAGE-RELATED ISSUES
Industrial waste was categorised using the European Waste
Catalogue and Hazardous Waste List, along with the
NACE classification system for economic activities. A set of
indicators for both municipal and industrial wastes were
developed from the data which can be used to track trends in waste
arisings, as well as recovery and disposal practices,
for both waste streams.
In 1995, Ireland had 118 municipal waste landfills receiving
approximately 2.2 million tonnes of waste per annum.
The majority of these sites are relatively small with 58% accepting
less than 15,000 tonnes per annum and only 7 landfills
receiving in excess of 50,000 tonnes per annum. In 1994, the
Government set targets for increased recycling of packaging
materials in compliance with targets set by the EU. Municipal waste
recovery infrastructure is improving with 6 recycling
schemes, 28 civic amenity sites and over 400 bring banks reported
for 1995. The Government recently enacted the Waste
Management Act which, inter alia, introduces comprehensive measures
for the management of solid wastes in Ireland.
Between 1989 and 1993, IR 1.6 million was allocated to a
demonstration project and programmes for municipal
waste recycling. Among other benefits, this has created an increase
in public awareness and participation.
Regarding sewage-related issues, refer to chapter 18.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: In 1995, a new National Waste
Database was constructed and a report detailing waste arisings and
infrastructure for disposal and recovery for 1995 was published.
National waste arisings for 1995, including agricultural
wastes, were estimated to be 42,260,757 tonnes of which 31,000,000
tonnes were of agricultural origin. The municipal
and industrial sectors were therefore estimated to have produced
over eleven million tonnes of waste in 1995:
Total Non-Agricultural Waste Arisings in Ireland (tonnes/annum;
%):
Municipal waste (including recycled materials): 1,848,232
(16.4%)
Other wastes collected by or on behalf of local authorities:
953,189 (8.5%)
Industrial (non-hazardous): 7,410,982 (65.8%)
Industrial (hazardous): 243,754 (2.2%)
Healthcare wastes: 20,000 (0.2%)
Dredge spoils: 784,600 (7.0%)
TOTAL: 11,260,757 (100%)
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Please refer to
Status.
3. Major Groups: Local authorities are empowered under the
General Government legislation to collect household
waste and provide waste disposal facilities.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Generation of industrial and municipal waste (t) | ||||
| Waste disposed(Kg/capita) | ||||
| Expenditure on waste collection and treatment (US$) | ||||
| Waste recycling rates (%) | ||||
| Municipal waste disposal (Kg/capita) | ||||
| Waste reduction rates per unit of GDP (t/year) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 22: SAFE AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTES
In 1994, all imported sealed radioactive sources were to be sent
back to the original supplier at the end of their useful time
period.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The storage and disposal of
all radioactive waste in Ireland is controlled by the
Radiological Protection Act, 1991. The Radiological Protection
Institute of Ireland handles the licensing that is mandated
by the Act.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: In 1994, the
Radiological Protection Institute recommended establishing a
centralized waste management facility for low level radioactive
waste.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: In 1993, Ireland
supported the ban on dumping of low and intermediate level
radioactive waste at sea, which was adopted at the Consultative
Meeting of the London Convention.
| |
| Ch. 24: GLOBAL ACTION FOR WOMEN TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AND
EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT.
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
Against Women was 24.a Increasing the proportion of women decision makers.
No information.
24.b assessing, reviewing, revising and implementing curricula and other educational material with a view to promoting dissemination of gender-relevant knowledge.
No information.
24.c and 24.d formulating and implementing policies, guidelines, strategies and plans for achievement of equality in all aspects of society including issuing a strategy by year 2000 to eliminate obstacles to full participation of women in sustainable development.
No information.
24.e establishing mechanisms by 1995 to assess implementation and impact of development and environment policies and programmes on women
No information.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information.
| |
| Ch. 25: CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT. 25.a establishing processes that promote dialogue between the youth and government at all levels and mechanisms that permit youth access to information and opportunity to present their views on implementing A21. No information.
Describe their role in the national process: 25.b reducing youth unemployment No information.
25.c ensuring that by year 2000 more than 50% of youth -- gender balanced -- have access to appropriate secondary education or vocational training. No information.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information.
| |
| |
| Ch. 26: RECOGNIZING AND STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND THEIR
COMMUNITIES.
26.a establishing a process to empower indigenous people and their communities -- through policies and legal instruments: No information.
26.b strengthening arrangements for active participation in national policies No information.
26.c involving indigenous people in resource management strategies and programmes at the national and local level. No information.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information.
| |
Ch. 27: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS: PARTNERS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. 27.a developing mechanisms that allow NGOs to play their partnership role responsibly and effectively. 27.b reviewing formal procedures and mechanisms to involve NGOs in decision making and implementation. 27.c promoting and allowing NGOs to participate in the conception, establishment and evaluation of official mechanisms to review Agenda 21 implementation. 27.d establishing a mutually productive dialogue by 1995 at the national level between NGOs and governments.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): Local and National Major Groups are considered essential in the overall contribution to the national sustainable development initiatives, and participate most actively at the local level. In particular, NGOs are involved in the National Economic and Social Forum, the Advisory Committee to the Environment Protection Agency, and the National Forum on Development Aid. NGOs were also consulted in the preparation of the National Sustainable Development Strategy during 1996. They have taken part in the CSD 1996, and will again in 1997. They have also participated in other UN meetings, such as the Social Development Summit, Copenhagen, and the Women's Conference, Bejing. Financial aid is given to a number of NGOs linked with Agenda 21 issues, and the Government considers NGOs and regional Major Groups (e.g. Amazonian, Baltic, Pacific) as being quite helpful.
| |
| Ch. 28: LOCAL AUTHORITIES' INITIATIVES IN SUPPORT OF
AGENDA 21.
28.a encouraging local authorities to implement and monitor programmes that aim to ensure participation of women and youth in local decision making.
The Government supports local Agenda 21 initiatives.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): In Ireland, the local authorities are empowered by the Local Government Act, 1991. It was recommended that the National Sustainable Development Strategy for 1997 should be accompanied by a complementary strategy for the local levels. The strategy should involve the whole community, its local elected members, and other community and representative groups. Given the structure of governance in Ireland, the pivotal role for the purposes of Local Agenda 21 should be at county and borough level. Guidelines were issued by the Department of the Environment in mid-1995 to assist local authorities in developing local Agendas 21.
| |
| Ch. 29: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF WORKERS AND
THEIR TRADE UNIONS. 29.a full participation of workers in implementation and evaluation of A21. 29.b (By year 2000, (a) promoting ratification of ILO conventions; (b) establishing bipartite and tripartite mechanism on safety, health and sustainable development; (c) increasing number of environmental collective agreements; (d) reducing occupational accidents and injuries; (e) increasing workers' education and training efforts.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): The National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) is responsible for enforcing safety in work legislation and promoting safety awareness among employers and employees.
| |
| 30: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF BUSINESS
AND INDUSTRY. | 30.a increasing the efficiency of resource use, including reuse, recycling, and reduction of waste per unit of economic output. 30.b encouraging the concept of stewardship in management and use of natural resources by entrepreneurs. 30.c increasing number of enterprises that subscribe to and implement sustainable development policies.
The Community Support Framework (CSF), 1994-1999, is based on principles which will entail: focusing on cleaner technologies, waste minimisation and recycling, and pursuing a policy of conservation of energy and other raw materials. Voluntary initiatives in relation to the industrial sector include: participating in the annual industry environment awards schemes, exploring the potential of voluntary agreements to reduce emissions, developing initiatives to implement the national recycling strategy, and implementing environmental management and auditing at the company level. In March 1995, Ireland, as an EU member, launched the Eco-management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), and complemented it with some of their own standards under the Environmental Management Systems (EMS). Integrated pollution control (IPC) and the licensing measures handled by EPA are continuously being expanded to address a broader range of industrial activities.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): The Department of Enterprise and Employment is responsible for the implementation of industrial policy. The Department works closely with the Departments of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and the Marine in developing natural resource based industry reconciled with conservation and environmental protection objectives.
| ||
| Ch. 31: SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL
COMMUNITY. 31.a improving exchange of knowledge and concerns between s&t community and the general public. scientific community has already established ways in which to address the general public and deal with sustainable development. No information.
31.b developing, improving and promoting international acceptance of codes of practice and guidelines related to science and technology and its role in reconciling environment and development. No information.
Brief comments on this chapter not already described in chapter 35 (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): No information.
| |
| Ch. 32: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF
FARMERS. 32.a promoting and encouraging sustainable farming practices and technologies. 32.b developing a policy framework that provides incentives and motivation among farmers for sustainable and efficient farming practices. 32.c enhancing participation of organizations of farmers in design and implementation of sustainable development policies. No information.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information.
| |
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 33: FINANCIAL RESOURCES
AND MECHANISMS
Financial resources and mechanisms are also covered under each
sectoral chapter of Agenda 21 where
relevant. This summary highlights broader national financial
policies, domestic and external
(including ODA)
Since 1992, the Government has provided the following new and
additional grant funds for sustainable development not
specifically earmarked for the sectoral chapters under review in
1996: US$ eq. 90,000 to the Voluntary Fund for
Desertification Convention; US$ eq. 30,000 to the Voluntary Fund
for Climate Change Convention; US$ eq. 15,000 Trust
Fund for Commission on Sustainable Development.*
In 1994, Ireland joined the GEF. It has implemented EIA as a
standard part of aid-project appraisal, and has made an
important contribution to environmentally linked projects in
developing countries, e.g. in Lesotho and Tanzania.
CHANGES IN NATIONAL BUDGET TO ADDRESS SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT:
Subsidies are given to firms for undertaking environmental audits
and for promoting industrial education in environmental
management and energy use. Subsidies are also given to the
agricultural sector, as direct payment under the farmyard
pollution programme, and as support for farm improvements and
education linking environmental issues and agriculture.
Grants are available e.g. towards recycling projects, and site
energy audits and surveys.
NEW ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS:
The following measures are currently being applied: user charges
as a fixed proportion are being levied on most
households in order to pay for water and waste services;
administrative charges as a fee on environmental licensing and
monitoring; and lower level of tax on unleaded fuels. The
Department of Environment funds an Environment Policy
Research Center to study the economic aspect of environmental
policies. This process also entails reviewing and revising
economic instruments, and developing new instruments.
ELIMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY UNFRIENDLY SUBSIDIES:
The National Sustainable Development Strategy (1997) addresses this
issue.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
* Please elaborate on the financing since 1992.
| ODA policy issues
|
| ODA funding provided or received (Total US$million) | ||||||
| Net flow of external capital from all sources as % of GDP | ||||||
| Other data
| ||||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 34: TRANSFER OF
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND TECHNOLOGY, COOPERATION AND
CAPACITY-BUILDING
Transfer of environmentally sound technology, cooperation and
capacity-building is also covered under each sectoral
chapter of Agenda 21 where relevant. This summary highlights
broader national policies and actions relating to chapter
34.
Ireland is involved in two projects in Tanzania: a coastal
protection programme in Tanga and a joint research project in
the field of hydrology. The coastal protection programme is a
multi-disciplinary project managed by the International
Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION:
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON LINKS BETWEEN NATIONAL, REGIONAL
AND INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION
NETWORKS/SYSTEMS:
| Describe any work being undertaken at the national or
local level regarding efforts to promote clean production
processes and/or the concepts of eco-efficiency. These processes
may include training, preferential financial
arrangements, information dissemination and changes in legal or
regulatory frameworks.
Work on developing and promoting the concept and use of clean technologies is undertaken by the Clean Technology Center at Cork Regional Technical College, with a focus on minimizing waste and avoiding pollution. It is co-funded by members of the Irish chemical/pharmaceutical industry and by EU structural funds. In addition, the Cleaner Production Promotion Center in University College Cork focusses on academic input into cleaner production processes. The Center has also established a network with EU and U.S. institutions.
Provide information on the adoption of environmental management systems. National reaction to environmental management system standards such as the ISO 14000 Series and others. Please note efforts made at the national level to promote their adoption and the creation of certification infrastructure in order to facilitate access to these standards to local industry.
List and describe programs or work under way to facilitate the transfer of ESTs to small and medium sized enterprises. Please note efforts to facilitate access to financial resources and other transfer strategies.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 35: SCIENCE FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
No information.
STEPS TAKEN TO ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING, IMPROVE LONG
TERM SCIENTIFIC
ASSESSMENT, BUILDING OF CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY:
No information.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE,
RESEARCH NEEDS AND PRIORITIES:
| Year | |||
| Number of scientists, engineers and technicians engaged in research and experimental development | 1988 | ||
| Total expenditure for research and experimental development (US$eq.) | $ | 19-- | |
| Other data
| |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 36: PROMOTING EDUCATION,
PUBLIC AWARENESS AND TRAINING
The Departments of Education and Environment are primarily
responsible for the activities in this sector which include
encouraging partnerships, mobilizing resources, providing
information, assessing the needs of different population groups,
and preparing a National Education Strategy. They also have an
interdepartmental advisory body which has produced a
report on Environmental Education. The Department of Environment
undertakes attitude surveys on an occasional basis
and organizes information campaigns on a variety of environmental
issues e.g. Anti-litter, recycling, etc. Ireland also has
an environmental information service called ENFO which promotes
environmental awareness by providing free
environmental information on all environmental topics to the
general public, schools, industry, research institutions,
NGOs, etc. ENFO also offers international access to information,
including the United Nations information network
INFOTERRA.
a) Reorientation of education towards sustainable
development
Ireland has a number of educational programs focusing on the
environment. These include "Young Reporters for the
Environment", the South Wexford Environment Education Programme
(SWEEP) which involves an European network for
exchanging and developing teaching materials; a Curriculum
Development Unit for "European Action for the
Environment"; and the GLOBE initiative to exchange information on
the Internet. Some Teachers Centres have also been
involved in environmental education networks, and The Irish Energy
center has organized school programmes on energy
conservation.
b) Increasing public awareness
The Department of the Environment funds three annual awards schemes
which aim at promoting awareness in various
ways, including identifying technical design, management and
manufacturing to enhance conservation of resources within
the industry; the best environmental record of the year among local
authorities; and best public awareness campaigns
among NGOs. Ireland also has Tidy Towns Competitions, Clean-up
Ireland Week and National Energy Awareness Week,
which in a number of ways address public awareness.
c) Promoting training
No information.
ROLE OF MAJOR GROUPS:
In producing textbooks and curriculum gender issues have been taken
into account.
FINANCING AND COST EVALUATION OF THE LABOUR ACTIVITIES:
No information.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
| Latest 199+ | ||||
| Adult literacy rate (%) Male | ||||
| Adult literacy rate (%) Female | ||||
| % of primary school children reaching grade 5 (1986-93) | ||||
| Mean number of years of schooling | ||||
| % of GNP spent on education | ||||
| Females per 100 males in secondary school* | ||||
| Women per 100 men in the labour force* | ||||
| Other data: Percentage of GDP spent on
education: 5.58% (1980); 5.04% (1990); 5.72% (199+).*
| ||||
+ Please specify the year.
* Taken from 1996 questionnaire.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 37: NATIONAL MECHANISMS
AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR CAPACITY-BUILDING IN DEVELOPING
COUNTRIES
National capacity building is also covered under sectoral
chapters.
Donors: You may wish to describe here how Agenda 21 has
influenced your ODA policies in this area.
Developing countries: You may wish to describe any new
national mechanisms for capacity building - and any changes
in technical cooperation.
No information.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON NATIONAL ENDOGENOUS CAPACITY
BUILDING:
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 38: INTERNATIONAL
INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
| Ch. 38: Brief summary of any particular UN System
response affecting this country/state:
No information.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 39: INTERNATIONAL LEGAL
INSTRUMENTS AND MECHANISMS
| Ch. 39: International Legal Instruments are covered
under the relevant sectoral chapters. This is a listing of major
agreements/conventions (not already covered) entered into and
relevant to Agenda 21:
1) Convention for the Establishment of the European and
Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation (Paris, 1951); |
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 40: INFORMATION FOR DECISION-MAKING
This chapter is also covered under sectoral and other chapters of this profile. The matrix below gives an overview of how national authorities rate the available information for decision making.
| 2. | International cooperation and trade | |||||
| 3. | Combating poverty | |||||
| 4. | Changing consumption patterns | |||||
| 5. | Demographic dynamics and sustainability | |||||
| 6. | Human health | |||||
| 7. | Human settlements | |||||
| 8. | Integrating E & D in decision-making | |||||
| 9. | Protection of the atmosphere | |||||
| 10. | Integrated planning and management of land resources | |||||
| 11. | Combating deforestation | |||||
| 12. | Combating desertification and drought | |||||
| 13. | Sustainable mountain development | |||||
| 14. | Sustainable agriculture and rural development | |||||
| 15. | Conservation of biological diversity | |||||
| 16. | Biotechnology | |||||
| 17. | Oceans, seas, coastal areas and their living resources | |||||
| 18. | Freshwater resources | |||||
| 19. | Toxic chemicals | |||||
| 20. | Hazardous wastes | |||||
| 21. | Solid wastes | |||||
| 22. | Radioactive wastes | |||||
| 24. | Women in sustainable development | |||||
| 25. | Children and youth | |||||
| 26. | Indigenous people | |||||
| 27. | Non-governmental organizations | |||||
| 28. | Local authorities | |||||
| 29. | Workers and trade unions | |||||
| 30. | Business and industry | |||||
| 31. | Scientific and technological community | |||||
| 32. | Farmers | |||||
| 33. | Financial resources and mechanisms | |||||
| 34. | Technology, cooperation and capacity-building | |||||
| 35. | Science for sustainable development | |||||
| 36. | Education, public awareness and training | |||||
| 37. | International cooperation for capacity-building | |||||
| 38. | International institutional arrangements | |||||
| 39. | International legal instruments | |||||
| 40. | Information for decision-making | |||||
On 20 May 1993, Ireland put into law, a Directive 90/313/EEC
on freedom of access to information held by public
authorities in relation to the environment for all persons.
Planning and EPA licensing Regulations have been amended to
provide fuller access to environmental information. The Access to
Information on the Environment Regulations, 1996,
gave improved access to information under the EU Directive. On the
more general question of freedom of information, a
Freedom of Information Bill was published in December 1996 and is
now before Parliament.
The Irish Government is committed to work towards a new set of
indicators in relation to Sustainable Development.
This commitment was backed by a 2-day conference on Sustainable
Development indicators which was fostered by NGOs
and the academic community. An initial study "Formulating
Indicators of Sustainable Development", commissioned by
the DOE from the Economic and Social Research Institute, was
published in April 1996. The development of indicators
will involve a number of Government Departments, NGOs, sectoral
representatives and international experts.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Number of telephones in use per 100 inhabitants | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
Copyright © United Nations
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Comments and suggestions: esa@un.org
Last updated 1 November 1997