Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
225. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress his Department is making in supporting research that assists in meeting climate goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67786/25]
View answerMy department is working with government to support national ambition on Climate Action activity. This work is being led by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
In terms of my remit and research that supports our climate goals, Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland is completing actions under the Government Climate Action Plan.
In 2024, Research Ireland Centres BiOrbic10 and VistaMilk were successful in securing a second phase of government investment of approximately €44 million, supporting sustainable development and more efficient food systems.
Three Co-Centres have been established in the last year, the first research centres to bring researchers from across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK together at scale. The Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and the Co-Centre for Climate and Biodiversity and Water will each facilitate multi-disciplinary programmes which support sustainable development, biodiversity, and climate goals.
The Clean Energy Transition Partnership 2023 transnational funding call closed in March 2024, with funding commitments from Sustainable Energy Authority, Research Ireland and Geological Survey of Ireland across a range of clean energy topics. These projects commenced in 2025.
Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland has partnered with Impact Laboratories/My Green
Lab to implement a Sustainable Laboratory Certification Programme, positioning Ireland as leader in sustainability in research.
Research and Innovation is playing a critical role in informing our understanding of climate change, identifying mitigants and solutions to support a transition to a new climate reality into the future. My department also drives innovation to support modern methods of construction and the green transition.
