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Ireland’s Environment 2012
132
protect the most vulnerable groups
including children.
Where there is uncertainty as to
the existence or extent of risks
of serious or irreversible damage
to the environment, or injury to
human health, the precautionary
principle dictates that adequate
protective measures must be taken
without having to wait until the
reality and seriousness of those
risks become fully apparent. This
principle of precautionary action is
now enshrined in environmental
legislation and is designed to
protect human health and the
wider environment from unforeseen
consequences of pollutants.
A review of the EPA in 2011
found that, of all the concerns
about environmental matters, it
is the potential for impacts on
human health from emissions
and environmental pollution that
gives rise to most anxiety among
the public. The review group
recommended a strengthening of the
Health Impact Assessment element
of licensing by the EPA and the
setting up of a statutory Advisory
Committee to examine the overall
issue of public health protection in
environmental decision making.
Recognising that the health status
of any individual or community is a
complex issue, work is under way
in the EPA to establish a Health
Advisory Committee, including
public health authorities, to advise
the EPA in the carrying out of
its functions, where there is an
interaction between health and the
environment. This development
should build collaborative advantage
in this important area of health and
environmental protection.
Conclusion and
Future Challenges
This chapter shows that
environmental protection and health
protection are inextricably linked.
At a time of major concern about
employment and economic issues
it is easy to overlook the truth in
the maxim that health is wealth.
Protecting the Irish environment
plays an essential role in protecting
the health of the population.
Everyone should be encouraged to
take full advantage of the tangible
benefits to health that come
from contact with a good-quality
environment. Raising awareness
of the value of green spaces and
ensuring safe, convenient access
to them will facilitate this. Planning
authorities have a key role to play
in this regard.
Ireland’s clean air and improving
water quality mean that risks to
health from the environment
are few. Continuing enforcement
by the EPA and local authorities
of new and recent legislation
will further reduce the risk to
health from water pollution.
Successful implementation of
existing and proposed strategies
from Government departments
that impact on health and the
environment will reduce the risk
further.
Emerging issues with the potential
to impact adversely on health should
be kept under review. These include
nanotechnology and electromagnetic
radiation. Further research is required
to assess fully the risk of these
technologies.
A combination of coordinated
Government actions and public
responsibility/participation is needed
to deliver best outcomes for the
environment and health.
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