Sustaining Progress - Department of Taoiseach

Chapter 4 Sustaining Progress
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4.3.2 National Emissions Ceiling Directive
Following public consultation and approval by the Government, a Strategy, which takes account of
national economic, social and sustainability objectives, will be put in place to ensure compliance with
the National Emissions Ceiling Directive and the Gothenburg Protocol.
4.3.3 Water Services
The current successful River Basin Catchment Strategy against eutrophication will be extended by
promoting and assisting the establishment of integrated local authorities-led River Basin
Management projects, which will provide a major input to the implementation of the EU Water
Framework Directive. Affected parties will be given due notice of changes required to comply with
new limit values.
Implementation of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations will be progressed. The elimination
of substandard water quality in private group water schemes will be a particular focus in rural areas.
The Government is committed to full and effective implementation of the Nitrates Directive. Detailed
proposals will be developed as a matter of urgency in consultation with farming organisations and
other interests.
4.4 Adaptation to Continuing Change
4.4.1 Knowledge-based Economy and Society
It is important that Ireland makes the necessary adjustments towards becoming a knowledge-based
society by focusing its priorities on human capital, research, development and innovation and niche
areas of competitive advantage including ICTs and Biotechnology, within the framework of an
Enterprise Environment and by maximising the potential of eCommerce and eGovernment.
The strategic emphasis is on fostering research and development and the creation of a climate of
innovation, including building the research capability and excellence required in enterprise and third level
institutes to underpin competitiveness into the future and improving the environment for business
expenditure on science, technology and innovation. Within available resources, significant funds will
continue to be invested under the various third level Research and Development initiatives. Government
will contribute to a broad range of initiatives required to reverse declining interest in science amongst
students and the population generally, including promotion of science at primary and secondary level and
the Government will also support the development of ICT capacity at primary and secondary level schools.
Industries targeted for future investment here will add high-value, quality employment opportunities.
“New Economy” industries offer particular potential in this regard. Action will be taken to strengthen
Irish-owned enterprises that can compete on an international basis, including small-scale businesses
and traditional industries. Existing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) enterprises will be supported in
sustaining and upgrading the nature of activity undertaken in the Irish subsidiary.
The development of eCommerce strategies by domestic and internationally-trading companies will be
encouraged and an e-friendly regulatory framework will be further developed. To stimulate the
development of eCommerce, the Government will prioritise the development of a unique business
services identifier to facilitate improved access to public services by the business community.