merrion street

Denis Naughten, T.D., Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Energy today (12th September 2016) launched the public consultation for Ireland’s second National Implementation Report under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (known as the Aarhus Convention).

The Aarhus Convention lays down a set of basic rules to promote citizens’ involvement in environmental matters and improve enforcement of environmental law. Its provisions are broken down into three Pillars: Access to Information on the Environment, Public Participation in Environmental Decision-making and Access to Justice. Ireland ratified the Aarhus Convention on 20th June 2012.

Public Participation

In keeping with the spirit of the Aarhus Convention of ensuring meaningful public participation in environmental decision-making, Minister Naughten recognises the role the public, including environmental NGOs, can play in environmental protection and, in particular, the role that effective public participation can play in improving the quality of decision-making related to the environment. Prior to finalising Ireland’s second National Implementation Report, Minister Naughten encourages members of the public and other parties with an interest in the protection of Ireland’s environment to submit comments on the implementation of the Aarhus Convention in Ireland.
The purpose of this consultation is to provide the UNECE, the Aarhus Convention Secretariat and the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee with the widest possible range of views and opinions on issues related to the implementation and promotion of the Aarhus Convention in Ireland.

To view the Draft NIR Report​ and find out more information, visit the consult​ation page​.