EU condemns Ireland over beauty spots

Ireland was condemned by the European Commission today for breaches of nine major EU environment laws.

Announcing legal action against Dublin, environment commissioner Margot Wallstrom said the Government had a duty to safeguard Ireland’s “stunning” beauty for future generations.

Several of the cases being brought by Brussels relate to “insufficient protection” of Ireland’s rich biodiversity.

A Commission statement said Ireland had also failed to deal adequately with “unlawful, environmentally damaging waste operations” and had not correctly implemented other EU laws designed to provide citizens with a healthy environment.

In two cases Ireland has already been condemned by the European Court of Justice.

The Commission is now following up these judgments as Ireland “has still not changed its legislation and practices”, said the Commission statement.

It went on: “These cases concern threats to a nature site and a protected bird species due to overgrazing by sheep, and the prevention of pollution of shellfish waters.

“Through its actions, the Commission seeks to ensure that Ireland is correctly applying agreed EU law. Failure to do so means that citizens do not get the level of environmental protection they are entitled to.”

Ms Wallstrom said: “Ireland’s nature is stunningly beautiful. It is important to preserve this richness for future generations as well as for the tourists that visit Ireland. Full implementation of EU conservation legislation will ensure this.

“Ireland also has to continue to fight against illegal waste operations and clean up the damage they have created to give its citizens the quality of life they have the right to expect.”

The Government is accused of not complying with the requirements under EU law for the treatment of waste water and for applying the EU’s emissions trading system and keeping up regular reports to Brussels on the use of the pesticide methyl bromide on crops – a pesticide being phased out but still allowed in limited use subject to detailed reports submitted to Brussels.

These breaches are in addition to breaches of EU habitats and wild birds rules by allowing sheep to graze in large numbers on wild bird habitats.

The Commission said today Ireland had taken steps to reduce sheep numbers but the plans had not been fully carried out.

Meanwhile, the Commission is concerned over inadequate protection of rare animals and plants and about “damaging” recreational activities, including quad-biking and jet-skiing on rough terrain within designated nature preservation sites.

There is also a lack of protection in Ireland of shellfish waters, particularly under threat from untreated urban waste water, the Commission said.