The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will unveil over 50 environmental protection research projects at a conference in Dublin today.

Among the presentations by national and international experts - on topics such as climate change, water quality and land-use, there will be demonstrations of novel technologies for environmental protection.

Speaking about the conference, Dr Mary Kelly, EPA Director General, said that research activities supported by the EPA were helping to produce the researchers needed to address environmental challenges in industry and in the wider society.

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She said: "The provision of a sound evidence base is key for effective environmental protection. It is vital, therefore, that the research community continues to provide high-quality, targeted outputs to be used by EPA and others, including policy makers.

She added that it is equally up to the various bodies and organisations to ensure that this knowledge is used effectively both in policy development and in operational work.

“The exciting developments in environmental technologies presented here demonstrate how Ireland can use its strong scientific base to develop new 'green' business opportunities," she said.

The conference, Today's Environmental Research, Tomorrow's Environmental Protection, will run for the next two days at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

Over 300 researchers and policy makers are expected to attend.

(VB)