Tuesday, 1 Jul 2025

Departmental Meetings

Questions (167)

Alan Kelly

Question:

167. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has met with a group (details supplied); and if not, if he will do so in the coming months. [35320/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

I have not, as yet, had the opportunity to hold a meeting with the National Biogas Concern Group.

Departmental Meetings

Questions (168)

Alan Kelly

Question:

168. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to list the dates and attendees of all meetings he and or his Department officials have had with the Environmental Protection Agency since he took office. [35322/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

I can confirm that I have had the following engagements with the Environmental Protection Agency since my appointment.

I met with EPA Director General Laura Burke, Director Eimear Cotter and Programme Manager Mary Frances Rochford on Monday 3 March 2025.

I also met Eimear Cotter, Mary Frances Rochford and EPA Inspector Suzanne Monaghan on Wednesday 21 May 2025.

Officials from my Department frequently meet with the EPA to discuss matters pertaining to waste, circular economy and climate.

Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan

Questions (169)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

169. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he anticipates a decision in the coming months on the three phase 1 offshore renewable energy projects for which An Bord Pleanála has requested further information; if he will provide an indicative timeline for construction should approval be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35335/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

All Phase One offshore wind projects have submitted applications for planning consent to An Bord Pleanála. I am aware that three of these projects have received requests for further information from An Bord Pleanála. The timeline for determinations on planning applications is a statutory function of An Bord Pleanála in accordance with the Planning and Development Acts.

On the basis of the Terms and Conditions for the ORESS One auction, and the related Implementation Agreements signed by the ORESS One projects which account for three of the Phase One projects, I anticipate that the ORESS supported projects will aim to issue a Notice to Proceed under their main construction contracts within two years of planning consent. I have no function in relation to the remaining two merchant projects which are not receiving ORESS supports.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (170)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

170. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to list all the public services contracts worth €10 million or more, which have been granted by himself or the forerunner for his Department, or other State bodies in the past five years; the value of each contract; the length of term of each; the expiration date of each contract; and whether any contract was discontinued during its term and for what reason. [35479/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

My Department has one contract which falls within the category specified by the Deputy.

Supplier	Contract Value	Contract Expenditure (Inc VAT)	Term	Expiry Date	Discontinued
PHD Media (Ireland) Ltd.	€20,000,000	€11,644,553	3 years	07/12/2024	No

The information sought in the question in relation to each agency or public body under the auspices of my Department is an operational matter for each of the State bodies concerned and, as such, it is not information held by my Department. It is suggested that the Deputy contact the Bodies directly in relation to this matter. Contact details for the Bodies are set out below.

List of Agencies under the aegis of Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and Email

Bord na Mona Oireachtas@bnm.ie

CRU oireachtas@cru.ie

Eirgrid oireachtas@eirgrid.ie

EPA oireachtasqueries@epa.ie

ESB Oireachtas@esb.ie

IFI oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie

INPC enquiries@nora.ie

Loughs Agency oireachtasqueries@loughs-agency.org

MARA oireachtas@mara.gov.ie

NORA enquiries@nora.ie

SEAI oireachtas@seai.ie

Data Centres

Questions (171)

Ciarán Ahern

Question:

171. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the annual emissions generated by all existing data centres currently operating in the State in each of the past ten years, in tabular form; the expected emissions to be generated in each of the next five years by the additional 14 data centres currently under construction and the 40 data centres which have received planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35504/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Environmental Protection Agency have provided estimates of the annual emissions generated by all existing data centres currently operating in the State in each of the past ten years, in tabular form (available in the attached excel table).

These estimates are based on the latest information available to the Environmental Protection Agency which are from two sources:

EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS) Permits

SEAI Interim Energy Balance, Information and Communication NACE 58-63 sector which includes Data Centres.

Attached is a summary table of verified emissions from EU ETS permitted facilities from 2013-2024. In 2024, 24 Data Centres met and/or exceeded the threshold of 20 MW on-site stand-by generation capacity requiring them to obtain a Greenhouse Gas Emissions permit from the Environmental Protection Agency under the EU Emissions Trading System. In total, across the 24 EU ETS permitted Data Centres, there were 37,147.01 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2024.

Additionally, based on the SEAI Interim Energy Balance received by the EPA (23/05/2025), the Information and Communication NACE sector more broadly (58-63 NACE sector) used 716 ktoe of electricity in 2024, up from 120 ktoe in 2014. The CO2 emissions attributable to the Information and Communication sector is ca. 1.9 million tonnes in 2024.

In relation to "the expected emissions to be generated in each of the next five years by the additional 14 data centres currently under construction and the 40 data centres which have received planning permission", modelling assumptions underpinning the EPA’s latest greenhouse gas projections published in May 2025 are as follows, (www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring--assessment/climate-change/air-emissions/irelands-greenhouse-gas-emissions-projections-2024-2055.php):

• For electricity consumption, EirGrid Median scenario from 10-year median forecast (EirGrid's best estimate) taken for both WEM (with existing measures) and WAM (with additional measures).

• For gas consumption, projected increase in gas use by data centres aligned to the Low scenario of “Annual large new industrial & commercial loads demand forecasts” from GNI’s latest Network Development Plan (www.gasnetworks.ie/sites/default/files/docs/corporate/gas-regulation/Network-Development-Plan-2023.pdf) for both WEM and WAM. This scenario, “is limited to Data Centre customers with connection agreements already in place.”

The Environmental Protection Agency advises my Department that given the production cycle of the GNI National Development Plan, if this connection agreement was not in place prior to July 2024, then it will not have been included in their 'Low scenario', and will not have been included in EPA projections published in May 2025.

In addition, Data Centres are not specifically identifiable in EPA greenhouse gas projections but are contained in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change sector 1.A.4.a 'Other sectors a. Commercial/institutional' sector. Current projected emissions for Commercial Services sector for both WEM and WAM scenarios are provided in the table below. It should be noted that the below emissions do not include the emissions from public electricity generation utilised by data centres. Emissions from public electricity generation are reported under a separate IPCC sector 1.A.1.a 'Public electricity and heat production'.

Commercial Services sector Emissions	2024	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029	2030
WEM Mt CO2eq	0.80	0.88	0.93	0.92	0.92	0.91	0.90
WAM Mt CO2eq	0.80	0.86	0.89	0.85	0.74	0.57	0.51

Finally, it is important to note that Data Centres under construction and those with planning permission also need a connection agreement with a Systems Operator before they become operational.

Data Centres 2013-2024

Data Centres

Questions (172)

Ciarán Ahern

Question:

172. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment how the 14 data centres currently under construction and the 40 data centres which have received planning permission in the State will be powered; the amount of energy and water that will be used on an annual basis by the 14 data centres currently under construction and 40 data centres which have received planning permission; whether the electricity network has capacity to supply energy to the additional 40 data centres which have received planning permission; the amount of that energy that will come from sustainable sources; the amount of the energy that will come from gas or other fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35505/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

The Programme for Government commits to addressing these challenges by scaling up investment in critical infrastructure and in our electricity grid and committing to allow data centres that contribute both to economic growth and efficient grid usage, by enhancing the use of renewable energy, energy efficient technology and energy effective solutions.

However, Government is aware of the challenges of finding a balanced approach to facilitating additional demand by data centres while also ensuring the competitiveness, sustainability and security of supply of our energy system. The Government’s policy statement on Data Centres already outlines the principles for sustainable data centre development and encourages implementation of decarbonised energy solutions and to increase energy and water efficiency.

My Department is in regular engagement with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and system operators working to address these challenges around facilitating data centre connections. The proposed decision by CRU on the Large Energy Users connection policy will apply to data centres and will direct System Operators to continue assessing connection applications aimed at protecting security of supply and mitigating negative effects to the local electricity network in constrained areas impacting other customers’ connections, including households and other commercial customers. Following a public consultation CRU are in the process of analysing extensive feedback received.

Planning, building, safely operating and maintaining the electricity and gas system are functions which are assigned to the respective Distribution and Transmission System Operators, who are independent of me as Minister in the exercise of their respective functions and for which they are accountable to the independent regulator, the CRU. EirGrid and GNI regularly review their forecasted electricity and gas demand for the next ten years through the Generation Capacity Statement and All-Island Resource Adequacy Assessment and the GNI Network Development Plan. Similarly, the CRU regularly reviews electricity and gas connection policies to ensure they align with national policy.

As such the Deputy may wish to engage with these organisations directly, including GNI, ESBN and EirGrid who may be contacted via email at: oireachtas@gasnetworks.ie, oireachtas@esb.ie and oireachtas@eirgrid.ie.

Fishing Industry

Questions (173)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

173. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of man-hours devoted to preparing the draft the inland fisheries (modernisation and consolidation) Bill by his officials since 2013; if the draft Bill has been subjected to an appropriate assessment under the EU Habitats Directive in addition to a regulatory impact analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35535/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

My Department has spent a great deal of time in the preparation and drafting of Heads of Bill for our new Inland Fisheries (Consolidation) Bill. It is not possible, however, to estimate precisely the number of hours spent on this Bill due to turnover of staff and restructuring of work areas that deal with this project since 2013. The new Inland Fisheries (Consolidation) Bill is highly technical in nature and will consolidate and modernise fisheries legislation from the 1840's to 2017.

I can assure the Deputy that all legal requirements in relation to appropriate assessments under the EU Habitats Directive and carrying out of any relevant RIA will be undertaken by my Department in the context of bringing any final Heads of Bill to Government.

Invasive Species Policy

Questions (174)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

174. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Departmental officials support the conservation of invasive pike (esox lucius) under the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law (No. 809) 2006; if the species is discovered in Lough Inagh, County Galway and Lough Melvin County Leitrim both of which are special areas of conservation protected under the EU Habitats Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35536/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

As Minister, I am concerned with the threat posed by the presence and spread of all non-native invasive fish species in Irish waters including those in Lough Inagh, County Galway and Lough Melvin, County Leitrim and the impact they pose to our native fish population species and our ecosystems.

The management of any species in a particular fishery is an operational matter for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in which neither I nor my Department have any function.

The Deputy may wish to contact IFI directly in relation to this matter. IFI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries in relation to operational matters can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie

Fishing Industry

Questions (175)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

175. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the inland fisheries division of his Department will be a viable entity into the future considering how dysfunctional inland fisheries policies are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35540/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

I do not accept the Deputy's characterisation of inland fisheries policies. As a matter of fact it is a time of enormous opportunity for the inland fisheries section of my Department and for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) more generally. My Department is progressing the development of a draft policy framework for the Inland Fisheries sector, while IFI is also progressing its 2026–2030 Corporate Plan. This alignment presents a timely opportunity to shape a shared vision for the future of the sector in recognising the vital role inland fisheries play in biodiversity, recreation, and rural economies, and this programme of work will provide a strong strategic foundation to guide sustainable development and resource management in the years ahead.

Moreover, as the Deputy will be aware, a full new Board and Chairperson of IFI were appointed last year and have been active in overseeing the implementation of the recommendations and programmes of work that were provided for in the Governance Review of IFI. An independent follow-up review - to examine the extent to which the recommendations have been adequately implemented and embedded in IFI - will be commissioned at a later date. These important developments underpin the positive renewal of inland fisheries policy and governance in recent times and my Department will continue to play a vital role in the sustainable development of the sector.

Fishing Industry

Questions (176)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

176. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if Inland Fisheries Ireland in conjunction with his Departmental officials are continuing to prepare retrospective appropriate assessment screenings under the EU Habitats Directive for the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law (No. 806) 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law (No. 809) 2006 in an attempt to legitimise their provenance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35541/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

I refer the Deputy to the written response given to Question 136 on Tuesday 22 October 2024, which stated:

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is currently reviewing the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 as part of an extensive work programme on relevant Bye-Laws that are in existence for over 10 years. This review is currently proceeding through IFI’s internal environmental assessment and compliance processes. No retrospective appropriate assessment is planned for the existing Bye-laws which may be subject to amendment in the future depending on the outputs from the review process and my subsequent consideration of those outputs..

The position has not changed.

Fishing Industry

Questions (177)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

177. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the internal review of the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law (No. 806) 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law (No. 809) 2006 will form part of the Western Lakes Management Plan or be treated separately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35542/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

As the Deputy is aware, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), in conjunction with my Department, is carrying out a review of relevant inland fisheries bye-laws in force for 10 years or more and their continued application. The Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 are being examined as part of this extensive work programme.

Whilst the review of the byelaws and the Western Lakes Management Plan are interconnected, they are subject to separate processes and procedures.

The making, review or revocation of bye-laws follows a procedure which is set out on the IFI website at www.fisheriesireland.ie. The process is applicable to the review of the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law (No. 806) 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law (No. 809) 2006 .

Any regulatory change that may be considered for SAC-designated waters in the Great Western Lakes will be done in the context of the implementation of the long-term management plan for the Western Lakes.

Departmental Inquiries

Questions (178)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

178. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will report on the change in name of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35543/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Angling Consultative Council of Ireland (ACCI) was renamed as the Angling Advisory Group (AAG) by agreement of the Group at its meeting in August 2024. The change was proposed and agreed principally because the new name more accurately reflects the purpose and function of Group and now clearly distinguishes it from the Angling Council of Ireland (ACI).

My Department provided information to the Department of Rural and Community Development for inclusion in its Report - 'Values and Principles for Collaboration and Partnership Working with the Community and Voluntary Sector' in July 2024 on the AAG and its pending name change as it was then. However, that Department's Report was not published, as you have noted, until October 2024.

Renewable Energy Generation

Liquified natural gas (LNG) is one of the main methods used for storing natural gas. It is a method deployed at scale internationally and subject to thorough national and EU safety legislation and regulations. The Health and Safety Authority, under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, under my Department, will have roles in the safety regulation of the FSRU offshore and its associated transmission infrastructure onshore. My Department is working with all relevant stakeholders to scope the current and envisaged gas safety framework as it relates to LNG and the FSRU. This will continue to be developed at every step of the engineering design for the FSRU.

Departmental Policies

Questions (184, 185, 188)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

184. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the Private Wires Policy; the likely date for publication; if legislation is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35985/25]

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Paul Murphy

Question:

185. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he plans to make provision for private individuals to be able to charge their EV from their home in circumstances in which their wire would have to cross a public footpath due to not having a private front garden. [36102/25]

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Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

188. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the delivery of the Programme for Government commitment on private wires policy framework; if this will require any primary or secondary legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36148/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 184, 185 and 188 together.

I have recently answered a number of parliamentary questions on the topic of Private Wires including Dáil Questions Numbers 24 of 10th April, 135 of 22nd May, and 20 of 11th June. This matter was also the subject of debate in the House recently. The position is unchanged and it is my intention to bring a policy document on Private Wires to Cabinet in advance of Summer Recess.

The Private Wires policy will, amongst other things, aim to unlock private sector resources to build new electricity infrastructure by expanding the rights of private undertakings to connect supply directly with demand. Once introduced, the policy will require primary legislation, along with increased powers and staffing for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, which this Government will move to implement as a priority.

Question No. 185 answered with Question No. 184.