EPA - Ireland's Environment, An Integrated Assessment - 2020

Chapter 16: Conclusions POLICY AREA CURRENT ASSESSMENT OUTLOOK Nature Overall, current assessment is very poor. Deteriorating trends dominate, especially for EU protected habitats, with 85% of EU protected habitats having an unfavourable status. The picture for EU protected species is mixed, but 15% are in decline, with freshwater species most at risk. Agricultural practices are a key pressure. Habitat changes point towards a deteriorating trend in overall biodiversity. Some species, such as the curlew and some freshwater species, are under threat; measures are needed to halt their decline. Largely not on track to meet policy objectives. The outlook for biodiversity is challenging unless there are fundamental changes. Climate change adds to the challenge. Transformative change is needed to achieve the vision in the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021. Waste and Circular Economy While Ireland is meeting current targets, recycling rates have levelled off for municipal waste and packaging and in some cases declined. Waste generation remains high and linked to economic activity, while circular use of material remains very low. Most of the environmental complaints from the public relate to waste and litter, which means that waste enforcement work is still a key function for local authorities. There have been improvements in waste management brought about through the introduction of waste licensing and producer responsibility legislation and the amount of waste we landfill has decreased in favour of energy recovery. Work is needed to move towards a life-cycle-driven ‘circular’ economy, preventing waste, maximising use of resources during their life cycle and, where waste is generated, increasing the amount that is recycled. Illegal dumping, littering and the level of plastic waste in our seas are concerns that demand solutions. The publication of a new national waste policy, a Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, is welcome and brings a renewed impetus for change. Achieving future EU recycling targets, dealing with capacity challenges and achieving the circular economy goals will be dependent on the implementation of waste legislation, policy initiatives and related measures. Radon A modest reduction in indoor concentrations of radon has been measured since the 1990s (13%). Awareness levels nationally are high, at 75%. A government-led National Radon Control Strategy was adopted in 2014 and this has had a legal basis since 2019. Work carried out under the strategy addresses prevention in new buildings, raising awareness, providing advice, supporting radon services and addressing radon in workplaces. This work is supported by a comprehensive research programme. However, testing and remediation rates have not improved. Testing and remediation rates remain low, with approximately 6% of private homes tested. Of those homes that have been tested and are above the reference level, only 20% of householders take action to reduce radon concentrations. Financial support is needed for householders to increase testing and remediation rates. Workplace testing and remediation should become routine in high- risk areas. Radon testing should be a requirement when selling or renting a home. Building regulations should require stronger preventative measures to protect new buildings. The national retrofit programme should include measures to ensure that radon concentrations are addressed. 427