Investigation and Enforcement for Environmental Officers
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Environmental Inspection Skills
‘Environmental Protection’ encompasses a broad range of activities for the purpose of protecting the environment. Underpinned by legislation at EU and national level, Environmental Protection is enforced mainly by Local Authorities.
Online / In Person
2 days
About this course
Carrying out the work of monitoring and enforcing legislation, Environmental Inspectors are endowed with a broad range of powers. To execute their environmental protection responsibilities, Local Authorities require an effective regulatory framework and a well-trained and efficient enforcement workforce.
The training is aimed at local authority staff, engineers and technicians working under waste management and environmental legislation.
Local Authority Environmental Inspection functions include:
- Waste / Litter / Batteries / Tyres / Producer Responsible Initiatives / Food Waste and Recycling
Water
- Air Pollution / Odour / Deco Paint and Solvents / Petroleum Vapours / Solid Fuels
- Noise Pollution
- Diesel / Fuel Laundering
- Monitoring permits/registration for all involved in collecting/disposing/recovering waste
- Monitor the magnitude and impacts of accidental pollution; e.g. Contaminated Land
- Farm Inspections - Cross-reporting of non-compliances to the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine
- Monitoring discharge licensing of trade and sewage effluents
Course syllabus
This 2-day training programme is tailored to environmental enforcement investigations. It is designed to provide environmental inspectors with a clear insight into the regulatory and legal framework in which they work.
Each module is intense, highly practical and interactive where the attendees ‘learn by doing’. This training provides a structured development path for all investigators, giving them the necessary competencies to carry out their work effectively.
Attendees will learn about their powers, gain an understanding of governing legislation, collect evidence, document findings, how to present evidence in court and how to set up and run an investigation from start to finish.
Key Learning Points
- Learn how to set up an investigation.
- Gain a practical working knowledge of relevant legislation including The Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 and 2003 and the Waste Management Acts 1996 to 2018 The Litter Pollution Act 1997 to 2009, the Air Pollution Act 1987 and relevant by-laws.
- Clear understanding of powers and offences.
- Enforce ‘Producer Responsible’ Initiatives.
- Best practice in evidence gathering.
- Develop the skills to conduct best practice investigative interviews.
- Investigating complaints.
- Improve standards of note taking, warning letters, statement and report writing.
- Prepare a file for prosecution.
Our expert trainers
La Touche Training Legal Experts
We work with a wide panel of specialist trainers, all chosen based on their experience and knowledge, experience both in practice and as trained trainers. The majority of our trainers are experienced...
Read BioPractical training with small groups to ensure quality.
Our training sessions are not lectures—they're practical, interactive experiences. The small group format allows every attendee to ask questions, take part in discussions involving practical exercises and role-plays.
This method of training allows attendees to put the skills learned into practice immediately. Course participants benefit from the focused attention and guidance of an independent expert.
Environmental Inspection Skills
FAQs
This course provides practical training for professionals carrying out environmental inspections in Ireland. It focuses on planning and conducting inspections, gathering evidence, and ensuring compliance with environmental legislation and regulatory standards.
The course is aimed at local authority staff, environmental health officers, enforcement personnel, and regulatory professionals responsible for monitoring compliance with environmental laws and licence conditions.
Effective inspections are critical to identifying breaches, ensuring compliance, and supporting enforcement action. Poor inspection practices can result in missed violations or weak evidence, which may undermine prosecutions.
Environmental inspections may involve a range of legislation, including the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 and the Waste Management Act 1996, along with associated regulations and local authority powers.
Key skills include planning inspections, conducting site visits, identifying non-compliance, taking notes, gathering and preserving evidence, and preparing reports that may be used in enforcement or legal proceedings.
Yes. A core element of the training is how to collect, record, and manage evidence so that it is legally robust and can support enforcement actions or court proceedings if required.
An inspection should be structured and systematic, with clear objectives, proper documentation, and adherence to legal powers and procedures. The course provides guidance on best practice to ensure inspections are thorough and defensible.
Common issues include inadequate note-taking, failure to follow proper procedures, overlooking key evidence, and not understanding the legal basis for enforcement. The course helps participants avoid these pitfalls.
Yes. Environmental inspections often involve site risks, so the course typically includes consideration of personal safety, risk assessment, and safe working practices during inspections.
Yes. The course is designed to support both new and experienced professionals by reinforcing best practice, improving consistency, and enhancing confidence in carrying out inspections.
