Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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180. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the main areas of environmental protection requirements deemed at present to be urgent; the action to date in hand or proposed to deal with any such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29800/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In November 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its seventh State of the Environment report.  These reports are important milestones for Ireland, as they provide a snapshot of the environment at a particular point, as well as showing trends and changes in the environment over time. The reports assess progress in meeting the main environmental challenges facing the country and evaluate how national policies are being implemented, and if they are operating and delivering as intended.A copy of the report is available at www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/assessment/irelands-environment/state-of-environment-report-/The most recent State of the Environment report recognised climate change as an urgent challenge in terms of Ireland’s environment.  Other areas highlighted in the report, including air quality, waste and energy are all being addressed within the remit of my Department.

Earlier this year my Department published its Statement of Strategy for the period 2021-2023, Le Chéile, setting out our strategic goals in line with the Programme for Government and our long-term vision of a climate neutral, sustainable, and digitally connected Ireland. The statement identified five strategic goals which were set out at a high level and are complemented by a broader list of deliverables for the Department in the year concerned. A copy of the Statement of Strategy is available at gov.ie