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Chapter 8
Environment and the Economy
Establishing a sustainable pattern of development is a key
challenge for Ireland, and improving resource efficiency is a top
priority to achieve this goal. Resource efficiency is also one of the
key environmental priorities at EU level and is one of the seven
flagship initiatives within the Europe 2020 Strategy. The challenge
is to utilise resources in a sustainable manner throughout their life-
cycle, avoiding over-exploitation and reducing the environmental
and social impacts of their use.
Transforming the economy onto a resource-efficient path will bring
increased competitiveness and new sources of growth, through cost
savings from improved efficiency, commercialisation of innovations
and better management of resources. This requires policies that
recognise the interdependencies between the economy, wellbeing
and natural capital and the removal of barriers to improved resource
efficiency. To achieve a resource-efficient and green economy, there
is a need to make a transition across all sectors of the economy and,
in particular, the energy, agricultural and transport systems, as well
as changing behaviours of producers and consumers.