AN EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF EPA RESEARCH IN THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION IN IRELAND

Abstract

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a statutory role to support and coordinate environmental research in Ireland. Over the last ten years the EPA has supported research activities in a range of environmental areas. The objectives of this paper are to assess the achievements and impacts of a selected subset of EPA-funded projects on Ireland meeting its requirements in relation to Water Framework Directive (WFD) implementation (specifically targeted projects), and to assess how the EPA Water Research Programme contributes towards meeting the overall aims and targets of the EPA's STRIVE (Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for the Environment) Programme. The EPA Water Research Programme has been a key vehicle for funding areas of vital research in support of WFD implementation. It has supported environmental policy with the significant contribution made by EPA-funded researchers into the development of novel methodologies. The research has provided essential outputs, which have kept Ireland fully compliant with WFD deliverables. A 2007 communication from the European Commission on WFD-reporting performance placed Ireland first out of the 27 EU member states. The overall EPA Water Research Programme has also greatly contributed towards meeting the STRIVE Programme objectives and overall EPA vision of protected water resources.