Sustainable Development: a Strategy for Ireland , the first Irish document of its kind, was published in 1997. The Government has now published a new draft sustainable development strategy for Ireland, with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government taking the lead. The document has a broad focus (economic, environmental and social) and proposes 68 short-term, medium-term and longer-term measures by State Departments and Agencies under 12 identified challenges for sustainable development. The document is broadly in line with the key challenges identified in the 2009 EU Sustainable Development Strategy.

The 12 identified challenges for sustainable development are list below. Many of these are also reflected in the business sustainability agenda.

1. Public finances and economic resilience
2. Consumption and production
3. Conservation and management of natural resources
4. Climate change and clean energy
5. Agriculture
6. Transport
7. Social inclusion, sustainable communities and spatial planning
8. Public health
9. Education, communication and behaviour change
10. Innovation, research and development
11. Skills and training
12. Global poverty and development

The document is currently in draft form and is being consulted on. IBEC will be making a submission and all input from members is most welcome.