The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent public body set up under legislation (EPA Act 1992) with the sponsorship of Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government. Its mission is to promote and implement the highest practicable standards of environmental protection and management which embrace the principles of sustainable and balanced development. The main responsibilities of the EPA include:

• monitoring and reporting on quality of the environment
• licensing and regulation of large industries, waste disposal operations and large fuel storage installations
• implementation and enforcement of regulations on the use and release of GMOs
• promotion and co-ordination of environmental research

The EPA provides funding for environmental research and development in Ireland with a budget of 32 million euros over the period 2000-2006. The R&D programme is currently funding more than 250 projects in colleges, state research organisations and private companies. In 2003, EPA established a committee (ERC) to co-ordinate the funding of environmental research in Ireland across the various funding bodies.

Key research themes in the EPA R&D programme include: Biodiversity, water quality, air quality, climate change, waste & resources management, transport, land use & soils and environmental & socio-economics.

International strategy and activities
EPA fully supports initiatives for the development of the European Research Area. International cooperation is a priority issue for EPA and was identified as a key result area in the EPA Strategic Framework (2003-2006). The EPA recently organised and hosted the third Bridging the Gap conference (bringing together over 350 delegates from 37 countries) and has committed to providing full support and advice to the organisers of the next conference..

Biodiversity research
Biodiversity is a key research area for the EPA and represents 10% (2.6 million euros) of current commitments with major projects underway on the assessment and management of plant, bird & animal life in major land-use types (e.g. farmland, peatlands, forestry). The EPA also co-founded and sponsors Ireland’s National Platform for Biodiversity Research (www.biodiversityresearch.ie) and will co-hosted the EPBRS meeting in Killarney, Ireland in May 2004 with national Parks & Wildlife Service.