Public consultation on the Aarhus Convention National Implementation Report (NIR) 2025

The Aarhus Convention National Implementation Report (NIR) is produced every 4 years in advance of the Meeting of the Parties to the Aarhus Convention which is scheduled for November 2025.

Information included in the report addresses Ireland’s performance in the implementation of the Convention. More specifically, detailed submissions are included on access to information, public participation and access to justice in relation to the environment. The report details the increased number of Access to Information requests received by public bodies, the activities of the Commissioner for Environmental Information (OCEI) and the initiation of the new planning and environmental court. The report also outlines the approach taken by public authorities in engaging with the public in relation to the taking of decisions which affect the environment.

This consultation seeks submissions on the Aarhus Convention NIR 2025.

The document below provides an overview of the report and includes instructions on submission.

The closing date for submissions has been extended to 11.59pm on Wednesday, 9 April 2025

Submissions should be sent by email to aarhus@decc.gov.ie or by post to:

Public Consultation on the Aarhus Convention National Implementation Report 2025

Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

Tom Johnson House

Haddington Road

D04K7X4

Enquiries concerning this consultation can be made to aarhus@decc.gov.ie

We are committed to engaging with stakeholders in a clear, open and transparent manner. Any person or organisation can make a submission in relation to this consultation. We will consider all submissions and feedback before we publish the final version of the Review.

Your response to this consultation is subject to:

• the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (FOI)
• the Access to Information on the Environment Regulations 2007-2018 (AIE)
• the Data Protection Act 2018

Publishing of responses

We intend to publish the contents of all submissions received to our consultations on our website. We will redact (remove) personal data before publication.

Please indicate any sensitive information

In responding to this consultation, clearly indicate where your response contains any information which you would not wish to be released under FOI, AIE or otherwise published. This can include:

• personal information
• commercially sensitive information
• confidential information

Read our Data Privacy Notice

We would like to draw your attention to our Data Privacy Notice which explains:

• how and when we collect personal data
• why we do so
• how we treat this information
• your rights in relation to the collection of personal information
• how you can exercise those rights