Waterford one of Ireland’s top improvers in EPA Environmental Enforcement Report
The EPA report tracks local authority performance across 19 National Enforcement Priorities (NEPs) covering waste, water, air and noise. In 2024, Waterford achieved Strong or Excellent ratings in 17 out of 19 NEPs, up from just three in 2022, an improvement described by the EPA as one of the most notable in Ireland.
“This report underlines Waterford’s commitment to protecting our environment and ensuring compliance with environmental standards at every level. Waterford is recognised as one of the most notable local authority improvers over the last 3 years thanks to the remarkable collective effort of the Environment Team, and it shows what can be achieved when staff, management and the community work together for a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment.”
“Our teams take huge pride in this result. It’s proof that careful planning, proactive inspection and effective follow-up make a real difference. We’ll continue to build on this success and maintain momentum in the areas of air and water quality, which remain priorities nationally.”
Nationally, the EPA found that 79% of all assessments were rated Strong or Excellent in 2024, up from 59% in 2022, with notable gains in tackling illegal waste and improving construction and demolition waste management.
Waterford City & County Council has pledged to maintain its strong performance as it moves into the 2025–2027 cycle of the EPA’s Local Authority Performance Framework, ensuring continued progress and innovation in environmental protection across the county.
