Environmental Control

Ireland’s air quality currently is good, relative to other European Union (EU) Member States, but maintaining this standard is a growing challenge.

The Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC) aims to put in place a European wide system for identifying sources of environmental noise, informing the public about relevant noise data and taking the necessary steps to avoid, prevent or reduce noise exposure.

Limerick City and County Council investigates all reported incidents of water pollution in public waters within its functional area. As a maritime local authority, the Council will also respond to reports of pollution above the high water mark in coastal areas.

If your home or premises is connected to a domestic waste water treatment system (DWWTS), such as a septic tank, then you should have the sewage sludge removed at appropriate intervals.

The most recent Noise Action Plan was finalised in October 2018. It covers the period up to the end of 2023.

In January/February 2018 Limerick City and County Council acquired noise modelling software and hardware. As this was an entirely new area of activity for the Council, there was a significant staff training requirement.

Limerick City and County Council is an official agency of the Foods Safety Authority of Ireland which is the national body responsible for the implementation of food safety legislation in the state.

Radon is a radioactive gas which originates from the decay of uranium in rocks and soils.

The Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations, 2009 (as amended) specifically prohibit the disposal of household and commercial waste by burning, also called backyard burning.

The European Union (Mercury) Regulations (S.I. No. 533 of 2018) provide for the enforcement of the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2017/852.

The European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014 are designed to promote the recovery of packaging waste by imposing recycling obligations on commercial suppliers who place packaging or packaged products onto the Irish market.

The Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Regulations were introduced to encourage the diversion of waste away from landfill and generate revenue for the new Environment Fund that can be used for a range of environmentally beneficial purposes, including improved enforcement measures.

Local authorities issue authorisations for various waste related activities. These activities vary from importation of waste soils and rubble to raise the level of lands, to vehicle dismantling.

Any person who proposes to collect waste for the purposes of reward, with a view to profit or otherwise in the course of business, is required to hold a Waste Collection Permit (Section 34, Waste Management Act, 1996).

Limerick City and County Council has a detailed Drone Policy which sets out our commitment to protecting the rights and privacy of individuals and details how we will ensure compliance with the GDPR and Irish data protection legislation.

The Irish Farm Film Producers Group (IFFPG) is Ireland's compliance scheme for recycling farm plastics.

These Regulations provide for the registration and regulation of sewage sludge facilities in order to meet the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive.

The use of certain types of industrial solvents is heavily regulated in the interests of minimising air pollution. It is an offence for any one to undertake either activity without a valid Certificate of Compliance issued by a local authority.

The plastic bag levy was successful in encouraging us to change our behaviour and use reusable shopping bags.

Site Assessors test sites to determine whether or not they are suitable for a domestic wastewater treatment system or septic tank, and what type of system is most suitable.