European authorities propose tough crackdown on environmental crime

According to the World Bank, the illegal extraction of water is a major headache for authorities across the globe, with nearly 50m cubic metres of drinkable water escaping daily from official supply networks, or enough to provide water for 200m people. File picture Denis Minihane

European authorities have vowed to get tougher on environmental crime by adding a list of new offences and compelling member states like Ireland to take action against perpetrators – including stiff jail sentences.

The European Commission said its new proposal would add crimes such as illegal timber trading, illegal ship recycling and the illegal taking of water from natural sources such as a river.