Environmental Legislation

A practical guide to legal responsibilities in environmental management

Environmental regulations continue to evolve, placing increasing demands on organisations to demonstrate accountability, minimise risk and maintain compliance. This one-day course provides learners with a structured overview of Irish and EU environmental legislation relevant to a wide range of industry sectors.  Designed for those with responsibility for environmental performance and regulatory compliance, the programme helps learners understand key legal obligations and prepare proactively for changes in the regulatory landscape. The training promotes an informed, strategic approach to managing environmental risk. 

Delivery Mode

  • Customised
    In-Company
    Programmes

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Course Code
EE008

What's covered?

This course delivers an essential overview of environmental legislation affecting Irish organisations, with a focus on key regulations and how they are applied.

Topics include:

  • Overview of Irish environmental legislation
  • Planning & Development Act, 2000 and related regulations
  • EC (EIA) Regulations 1989 to 2011
  • Air Pollution Act, 1987
  • Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts 1977 to 1990
  • Dangerous Substances Acts 1972 to 1979
  • Waste Management Act, 1996
  • EC (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2006
  • Access to Information on the Environment Regulation (2007 & amendment regulation 2011)
  • Protection of the Environment Act, 2003
  • Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Act, 1998 and Regulations, 2011
  • REACH/CLP Regulations
  • Energy/Product Stewardship
  • Energy legislation, including European Community (EPB) Regulations
  • Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act, 2005

Who should participate?

This course is intended for those who are responsible for environmental management or compliance within their organisation. It is particularly relevant for: 

  • Personnel monitoring the impact of environmental legislation on business operations 
  • Team members involved in the maintenance or implementation of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) 
  • Managers and supervisors overseeing emissions, waste and environmental performance

English Language Competency
A good standard of written and spoken English is important to engage effectively with this programme. While formal certification (e.g. IELTS) is not required, learners whose first language is not English should have a self-assessed proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5–6.0 or CEFR level B2. This level of competence will support learners in understanding course materials, contributing to discussions and completing assessments where applicable.

What will I learn?

On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to: 

  • Develop a broad understanding of Irish and EU environmental legislation 
  • Interpret how key laws impact business operations and compliance strategies 
  • Understand the importance of environmental legislation in meeting legal and regulatory expectations outlined in ISO 14001 (Clause 4.3.2) 
  • Recognise the implications of major acts and directives on environmental responsibilities 
  • Stay informed on impending legislation relevant to their industry 

These outcomes support practical understanding and confident decision-making in environmental compliance roles. 

Who are the tutors?

Finbarr Stapleton

Finbarr Stapleton, Antaris, has a B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry and a Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety and is a member of IOSH. He has over thirty years experience, initially as Laboratory Manager in an Analytical Laboratory, a number of years experience as an EHS Manager in the Food Industry and subsequently in technical consultancy.

He has successfully implemented OHSAS 18001/45001, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 in a large number of industries. He has extensive experience of quality management and environmental and health and safety management systems, energy management, waste management as well as environmental and health and safety legislation. He is a qualified Auditor of ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 management systems. Finbarr has also extensive experience of energy management systems such as ISO 50001. He has carried out a number of projects on behalf of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
He regularly carries out audits and risk assessments for client companies. He has also qualified as a dangerous goods safety adviser.

Finbarr has assisted a number of companies in making successful applications to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for an IPPC (Integrated Pollution Prevention & Control) licence and has also carried out Environmental Impact Assessments for a number of companies.

Finbarr also holds an NUI Certificate in Training and Continuing Education. He is the lead tutor for the Nebosh International Certificate and Diploma courses.


Gerry Higgins

With extensive experience of implementing quality, environmental, health and safety, asset, energy and information security management systems and advising companies on how to integrate them, Gerry adopts a very practical approach to designing, implementing and maintaining management systems and brings this expertise to any training course, which he delivers.

Gerry has carried out first-, second- and third-party audits in a number of jurisdictions and across a range of organisations involved in manufacturing and service industries in both the public and private sector. He has also assisted many companies to demonstrate compliance with their statutory and regulatory requirements.

He has consulted with companies on developing appropriate sustainability, decarbonisation and energy transition strategies and on enhancing their circular value chains.

He has a degree in engineering and an MBA from the University of Limerick and is a chartered engineer and Fellow of Engineers Ireland. He is also a Fellow and chartered environmentalist through IEMA and holds a Certificate in Circular Economy & Sustainable Strategies from the University of Cambridge

Gerry founded Antaris in 1994 and now works as a consultant to the company. Antaris is at the forefront of climate action in Ireland and is a signatory to the science-based target initiative (SBTi), which commits us to reducing our absolute scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2019 base year, and to measure and reduce our scope 3 emissions. Antaris is also a member of 1% for the Planet, committing us to donating 1% of our annual gross revenue (sales, not profit) to grassroots environmental organisations dedicated to protecting our planet.


Nick Smyth

Nick Smyth graduated from the University of Limerick in 1981 with a BSc in Manufacturing Technology having taken the Materials Engineering specialisation. He has worked as a Technical, Q.A./Materials Engineering and E.H.S. professional for 24 years, which included management roles in Intel Ireland, Johnson and Johnson, DeBeers Industrial Diamond, SPS International, Abbott Ireland and Fulflex International. He holds qualifications in Quality Assurance/Management, Lead Auditing, Safety Health and Welfare at Work, Occupational Hygiene and Environmental Management.

Nick also holds an NUI Certificate in Training and Continuing Education, and a CAE certificate in Accessible Environments and the Disability Discrimination Act.
He joined Antaris in June of 2005 and provides consultancy and SQT training services in his areas of experience and expertise.


How do we train and support you?

Our training approach is practical, highly interactive and discussion-based, with flexibility to meet organisational needs:

  • Pre-training consultation to tailor content where appropriate (for In-Company courses)
  • Comprehensive course notes, regularly updated to reflect the latest standards and best practices
  • Training is delivered live either virtually or onsite at your premises
  • Real-time support from expert tutors

Class sizes are generally limited to 12-15 to support personalised learning and individual support.

How can you progress?

This course provides an ideal foundation for further professional development in the areas of compliance and environmental management.

Recommended progression options:

  • ISO 14001 Foundation or Internal Auditor Training
  • Environmental Management Systems Implementation
  • Waste Management Programmes

Nick Smyth

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Nick Smyth

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