Luxembourg, 08/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - In a judgment delivered on 3 May (Case C-391/06) the Court of Justice found that Ireland had failed to transpose directive 2003/4/EC on public access to environmental information into national law. Dublin did not take the necessary steps within the prescribed period for transposition, which expired on 15 February 2005, and failed to provide a satisfactory response to the formal notice from the Commission on 15 December of the same year. At this stage, there is no sanction apart from costs, which are minimal for this kind of procedure. However, if Ireland fails to comply with the requirements of the judgment within the deadlines set, it could face further charges, which could bring a fine or a penalty payment. It is unlikely the matter will go that far, however, since the Irish authorities have indicated that the legislative process is in motion and the Commission seldom pursues cases of non-transposition retrospectively once the member state's law has been brought into compliance. (cd)