European Commission calls on Ireland to correctly transpose EU legislation on industrial emissions

The European Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion to Ireland (INFR(2021)2116) for failure to address shortcomings in the transposition of the Industrial Emissions Directive (Directive 2010/75/EU). Industrial activities have a significant impact on the environment and health.

The Industrial Emissions Directive lays down rules designed to prevent and reduce harmful industrial emissions into air, water, and land, as well as prevent the generation of waste. The European Green Deal, and notably the Zero Pollution Action Plan, call for air, water and soil pollution to be reduced to levels no longer considered harmful to human health and natural ecosystems, thereby creating a toxic-free environment.

The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Ireland in February 2022. However, Ireland's legislation still does not correctly transpose certain permitting requirements such as compliance with emission limit values when a derogation is granted from the requirement to respect the emission levels associated with the best available techniques, some technical requirements in annexes to the Directive, and certain definitions.

Therefore, the Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion to Ireland, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.