Minister defends environmental efforts

Ireland is making good progress in implementing EU Environmental Directives, Environment minister Dick Roche claimed today.

Mr Roche admitted the Government had differences of opinion with the EU Commission on how some new rulings should be put in force but insisted he was trying to resolve these cases amicably to avoid the involvement of the European Court Of Justice.

Minister Roche spoke out after the Commission issued a number of press statements on certain infringement proceedings underway against Ireland.

“I fully accept that we have had some problems with the implementation of EU environmental legislation. However, it is wrong and unfair to argue, as some have done, that this implies a failure to take our obligations seriously,” he said.

“The reality is that there are now around 200 pieces of EU environmental legislation. Like every other Member State, we have had to overcome difficulties in relation to some EU Environmental Directives – but we have also been very successful in implementing others.”

Mr Roche said Ireland’s record on the transposition of EU Environmental Directives is among the better ones in Europe.

“Sometimes we are late; more often than not, this is because of the very extensive consultation processes in which we engage with our stakeholders. The partnership model has been very successful in Ireland,” he said.

“It must also be said that, in most cases, these infringement proceedings can be resolved without recourse to court and a high priority is given to achieving that outcome.

“I have made it a personal priority to bring about improved communication and cooperation between my Department and the Commission.”

The minister said the task force he established to oversee a concerted effort to resolve cases is fully operational.

“The important point in considering complaints is for Ireland to try and resolve issues with the Commission before cases are sent for adjudication in the European Court of Justice,” he said.

“In almost all cases such an outcome is achievable as is indicated in the Commissions statement today about the closure of two earlier cases.”