The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it is seeking the views of the public on how the Agency should prioritise activities over the next number of years to protect and improve Ireland’s environment.

The public consultation process offers interested parties the opportunity to submit suggestions on the EPA’s fourth formal strategy before publication later this year.

The EPA's previous strategy 2020 Vision: Protecting and Improving Ireland’s Environment, which set out a long term vision for Ireland's environment up to 2020, outlined six broad environmental goals. While much has changed in the interim these goals remain valid. The new draft EPA Strategic Plan 2013-2015: Working with others for a Better Environment, sets out the proposed priority actions that the EPA will take between now and the end of 2015 to deliver on its mission of protecting and improving Ireland’s environment as a valuable asset for the people of Ireland.

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Laura Burke, Director General, EPA said: "We believe that a clean, healthy and well protected environment lies at the heart of economic recovery. Our over-riding priority for the next three years is to keep the environment centre-stage and support sustainable economic recovery.”

"We want to hear your views on what should be included in our new strategic plan. I would encourage people to get involved in this consultation process and help shape the future of environmental protection in Ireland."

The EPA is also consulting with Government departments and other agencies or organisations with an environmental protection function to obtain their views on key priorities and how best they can be implemented effectively through working together. The EPA Strategic Plan 2013-2015 is due to be published in December.

(CD)