Ireland is one of 11 European Union member states who have been issued a warning by the European Commission for not issuing industrial emissions permits on time.
Ireland, Denmark and Malta have received first warnings. The other eight countries, who were sent initial warnings last May, will now be issued with final written warnings, the EC said
An EC directive on pollution required member states to issue or renew permits to industrial installations. The directive is intended to prevent and control industrial emissions to air, water, and soil.
According to the EC, some 4,000 of the 52,000 plants affected still have not been issued with updated permits.
European environment commissioner Stavros Dimas said it was “unacceptable” that industrial installations are operating without legal permits that ensure they minimise polluting emissions.
“These permitting procedures have been agreed by all member states,” he said. “To protect the health of our citizens and the environment they must be respected.”
Denmark, Ireland and Malta have been sent first warning letters while eight other countries warned last May will now receive final written warnings. The permits should have been issued by October 2007.
If member states fail to comply with the orders, they could be taken to the European Court of Justice.