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The Government welcomes the publication of NESC’s report No. 136, Ireland’s Environmental Data: Inventory, Assessment and Next Steps. The report and related Council Comments provide a useful exploration of this area outlining the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Two years ago, the Government extended the NESC’s remit to integrate a sustainable development perspective more fully into its work. This report is a product of this focus and provides a timely examination of the current data provision and practices for data use and management, as well as future policy requirements.

The report and Council Comments point out the value of credible, timely and accessible data as a driver of business opportunities as well as underpinning resource and environmental policy.

In recent years, there has been real progress in generating new data and indicators, with the CSO leading the way as well as the EPA, SEAI among others. The European Union’s environmental policy and directives have also been a major driver of the collection of environmental data in Ireland. The report includes EU and Irish policy statements and strategies for green growth and sustainable development which impact on environmental data decisions.

Looking to 2020 and beyond, the report and Council Comments set out key questions concerning the role that quality environmental data have in furthering the green economy and sustainable development, and also examine what data and indicators might be most critical to develop.