European chemicals safety took centre stage in Kilkenny this week as Minister of State Alan Dillon met officials attending the 83rd meeting of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Management Board. The meeting highlighted Ireland’s role in European cooperation on hazardous substances, public health and environmental protection.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment said the Health and Safety Authority hosted representatives from all 27 EU Member States during the meeting, held as part of the Irish Presidency. Discussions took place ahead of the expected adoption of a new Basic Regulation for ECHA.
ECHA meeting focuses on chemicals safety and stronger EU cooperation
Established in 2007 under the EU’s REACH framework, ECHA assesses the risks posed by chemicals and provides recommendations to the European Commission. Its work supports safer decisions for workers, consumers and the environment across the European Union.
ECHA’s Management Board includes technical experts from every EU Member State. Minister Dillon welcomed the opportunity to meet board members, European Commission officials and ECHA Executive Director Dr Sharon McGuinness, who previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Ireland’s Health and Safety Authority.
The minister said ECHA demonstrated the value of European cooperation by helping Member States address risks that would be difficult to manage independently. He also recognised the commitment of officials working to reduce exposure to the most harmful chemicals.
Why the new Basic Regulation matters
A new Basic Regulation is designed to strengthen ECHA’s:
- Financing and long-term resources
- Governance arrangements
- Operational capacity
- Ability to manage an expanding legal remit
Political agreement on the proposal was reached in June 2026, with adoption expected by the end of the year. The changes are intended to ensure the agency can continue delivering its responsibilities as EU chemicals legislation develops.
Read more
ECHA’s expanding responsibilities across Europe
While REACH remains central to ECHA’s work, the agency’s responsibilities now extend across several areas, including batteries, chemical hazard classification, occupational safety and water-related legislation. Further additions are expected as the EU responds to emerging risks and strengthens its chemicals strategy.
The agency is based in Helsinki and has operated for almost two decades. Its assessments help inform restrictions, authorisations and other measures intended to protect human health and the natural environment.
In Ireland, the Health and Safety Authority plays an important role in workplace chemical safety and hosted the Kilkenny gathering. The meeting also reflects wider government priorities involving Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Health and Climate Action.
Explore more
What the Kilkenny meeting means for Ireland
The meeting provided an opportunity for Ireland to engage directly with EU technical experts while supporting preparations for the agency’s next phase. Effective chemicals regulation is relevant to employers, manufacturers, importers, workers and communities, particularly where hazardous substances may affect health or ecosystems.
Key takeaway: The Kilkenny ECHA meeting underlined Ireland’s contribution to EU-wide chemicals governance and the importance of giving the agency sufficient resources to manage its growing responsibilities.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
