Local authorities face fines of up to €15 million for failure to enforce environmental regulations properly in their areas.
Under a major reform of the current regulation regime, the performance of county and city councils in enforcing environmental laws is also to be audited.
The reforms were announced yesterday in a package which also saw the establishment of an Office for Environmental Enforcement (OEE) within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Previously the agency's enforcement role was confined to the investigation and prosecution of breaches of pollution control licences. It also provided expertise to local authorities in relation to major pollution investigations.
However, the OEE will oversee investigations into major pollution and illegal dumping cases, liaising directly with gardaí, local authorities and State bodies.
Organised illegal dumping activities are set to be the first target of the OEE, and staff are also expected to work closely with the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Revenue Commissioners.
The OEE will have a major role in overseeing the work of county and city councils, which will remain the primary enforcement authorities.
The OEE will be able to issue directions to local authorities found not to be enforcing legislation properly.
The office can also bring prosecutions against local authorities for serious environmental enforcement failures, with fines of up to €15 million on conviction.
Dr Mary Kelly, the agency's director general, said the office would be "leading an offensive against polluters".
Under new legislation being brought into force today, the courts will also be empowered to apply remediation charges to firms found to have caused pollution.
Mr Gerry Carty, head of the OEE, said the new office's priority would be to target illegal waste movement and dumping. However, he acknowledged the OEE faced a huge task, with continuing reports of illegal pollution and dumping around the country.
"We're under no illusion in terms of the work of the office."
Launching the OEE, the Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen, said the office would bring Ireland into line with other Western countries.
"The weak link in the past has been the lack of a dedicated, professional and fully resourced team with extensive powers for environmental enforcement.
"'Quick-buck' merchants who are prepared to sacrifice our environment at the altar of personal profit must think again."
Mr Cullen reiterated his support for incineration."Coming up to bonfire night, 100 times more dioxins will be emitted from bonfires than if I had the seven thermal treatment plants that are proposed up and running."