Policing pollution performance: Let’s make this system work

Even if you factor in the standard excuses about a lack of resources, direction, or priorities, today’s report that more than a third — 11 out of 31 — of the country’s local authorities did not meet environmental legislation enforcement standards last year makes for shabby, dispiriting reading.

It reflects a level of failure that cannot be tolerated and must be challenged.

That only three authorities — well done Cork City, Louth, and Meath — were recognised by the EPA as having excellent, overall levels of enforcement confirms one of the oldest truths, or dishonesties, really, about this society: We are great at making rules, but not so very good at enforcing them.