Dempsey says EU figures are misrepresentative

Environment Minister Noel Demspey has responded to EU figures which point to Ireland being the fourth worst environmental polluter in the European Union.

Mr Demspey said the figures are misrepresentative and added that "the number of infringement proceedings would be a better indicator".

Ireland is also the worst per-capita polluter, according to official EU figures released under the Freedom of Information Act.

The documents show that Ireland received 111 complaints from the European Commission over environmental infringements, accounting for 10% of all such complaints.

The complaints relate to the environment, hazardous waste and waste management plans, while

the EC has also criticised Ireland’s failure to implement a 10-year-old nitrates directive.