Written Answers Nos. 278-295
278. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to examine a submission in respect of the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71047/25]
View answerA public consultation on the draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Regulations was launched on 21 November 2025 and will remain open until 20 December 2025. I welcome this submission which will be considered alongside all other submissions received as part of the public consultation.
279. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department, and agencies under the Department’s remit, purchase data on the habits and activities of social media users and other platforms; if so, the reasons for purchasing such data; the amount spent in 2024 and 2025 year to date on such expenditure, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70859/25]
View answerMy Department is active across a range of social media platforms in order to communicate effectively with the public. We do not purchase data about social media users’ habits or online activities. Any social media analytics used by my Department are anonymised, aggregated metrics provided for free by each social media platform, such as reach, impressions, engagement, follower growth, and broad audience categories. No identifiable user information is collected or stored.
The information sought in the Question in relation to each agency or public body under the aegis 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. A list of these Bodies and their dedicated Oireachtas email addresses is attached.
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List of Agencies under the aegis of Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment |
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Bord na Mona |
Oireachtas@bnm.ie |
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CRU |
oireachtas@cru.ie |
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Eirgrid |
oireachtas@eirgrid.ie |
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EPA |
oireachtasqueries@epa.ie |
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ESB |
Oireachtas@esb.ie |
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IFI |
oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie |
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INPC |
enquiries@nora.ie |
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Loughs Agency |
oireachtasqueries@loughs-agency.org |
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MARA |
oireachtas@mara.gov.ie |
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NORA |
enquiries@nora.ie |
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SEAI |
oireachtas@seai.ie |
280. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if there are specific regulations for the operation of battery energy story systems; the monitoring powers that exist in terms of ensuring that these systems are operating according to existing regulations and operational standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70964/25]
View answerAll batteries used in grid-connected electricity storage systems on the Irish grid are manufactured, sold and operated in line with EU regulation and standards. This includes safety certification and labelling for the marketing and the putting into service of batteries used in grid-connected electrical storage systems.
Batteries, including those integrated within energy storage systems, may only be placed on the EU market or put into service if they meet all the applicable requirements as determined by a Conformity Assessment Body. The Conformity Assessment Bodies are subject to assessment and monitoring by a Notifying Authority.
The EU Batteries Regulation 1542/2023 requires that a conformity assessment procedure be carried out in respect of batteries placed on the market to demonstrate inter alia compliance with safety requirements.
The procedure is intended to ensure compliance with provisions covering the safety of grid-connected stationary battery electricity storage systems such as those under Article 12 of the Regulation, where such systems must be subject to appropriate testing and potential safety hazards must be assessed and tested with appropriate mitigation measures and instructions in place.
281. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department will request that the Commission for Regulation of Utilities provide arrears data disaggregated by income group, welfare status and household type as part of its monthly monitoring returns to the Department, to allow better assessment of households at highest risk of long-term energy debt; and the timeline for introducing such reporting. [71056/25]
View answer282. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the National Energy Affordability Taskforce has completed modelling on projected long-term electricity and gas arrears over the next three years; if the modelling will be published; and how this modelling is informing the development of targeted supports. [71057/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 282 together.
Regulation of retail energy markets is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) since the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and subsequent legislation.
However, officials from my Department correspond with CRU on an ongoing basis to track developments in retail and wholesale energy markets including the effect of Government supports on arrears levels, among other indicators.
The CRU regularly provides market monitoring data to my Department including data on estimated annual bills for households, the number of households in payment arrears on their electricity and gas bills, the number of disconnections and the number of customers switching energy supplier.
The CRU is currently reviewing its market monitoring framework through which this data is collected and reported upon. The review aims to provide more granular information to gain a better understanding of the numbers of customers who may be in more distress and in need of support with their debt.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the first report of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce included a detailed analysis of trends in energy prices and related matters.
283. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the criteria his Department will use to determine the transition from universal energy credits to targeted supports; and if he will outline the evidence base that will inform this decision. [71058/25]
View answerIn recent years, the Government introduced a suite of measures to help households and businesses deal with the cost of energy. This included the provision of electricity credits to households worth €1,500 over four credit schemes with a total cost of €3.3 billion. These universal credits were always envisaged as a temporary, emergency measure because, while necessary at the time, they are not fiscally sustainable nor do they address the cost drivers.
The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and commits to bringing forward measures to contain energy costs and tackle energy poverty. In this regard, the first report of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce, which was published last month, set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process. Many of these options were reflected in Budget decisions. Examples of targeted Budget measures aimed at improving energy affordability include:
• The Fuel Allowance will be increased by €5 per week to €38, supporting over 450,000 households who most require Government assistance to meet their energy costs.
• To directly support working families, the Fuel Allowance is being extended to recipients of the Working Family Payment. This will benefit over 43,000 families.
• From September 2026, those who move from Disability Allowance or Blind Pension to employment will be able to retain the Fuel Allowance for 5 years.
• Record funding of €558 million is allocated for SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes (including the Solar PV scheme). This is an increase of €89 million on 2025’s Budget allocation to support delivery of the National Retrofit Plan. This allocation will support the highest every budget for the Warmer Homes Scheme which is targeted at households in energy poverty
In addition, the VAT reduction (from 13.5% to 9%) on electricity and gas bills has been extended to the end of 2030, saving households up to €100 per year.
The Affordability Taskforce report has been published on Gov.ie with a separate Energy Affordability Action Plan to be published in 2026. This will entail further analysis and investigation of potential options for targeted supports.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the Department of Social Protection can also provide support through the Additional Needs Payment to help households meet expenses, including those who face difficulties with fuel bills.
284. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has assessed whether the current Energy Engage Code provides sufficient protection to households in chronic arrears; and if any reforms are under consideration as part of the forthcoming Energy Affordability Action Plan. [71059/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and commits to bringing forward measures to contain energy costs and tackle energy poverty. Government has introduced a suite of measures over recent years to help households and businesses deal with the cost of energy. In Budget 2026, Government approved an extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity until 31 December 2030, saving households up to €100 per year. From January 2026, the Fuel Allowance payment will increase by €5 to €38 per week equating to an increase of more than 15%.
In relation to the Energy Engage Code, it is important to note that this is an industry-led code which suppliers can voluntarily adopt. Under this code, suppliers will not disconnect customers who engage with them and must provide every opportunity to customers to avoid disconnection. In addition, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities has put in place a range of other regulatory protections to support consumers over the Winter period.
My Department has also established a cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability. The work programme of the taskforce will examine how targeted schemes can best assist households in energy poverty. The first report of the taskforce set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process. This report has been published on Gov.ie, in advance of further analysis and the publication of the Energy Affordability Action Plan in 2026.
285. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the dates on which his Department received correspondence from, or met with, a company (details supplied) or its representatives since March 2025; and the subject of any such correspondence and/or meeting, in tabular form. [71205/25]
View answerIn response to the Deputy’s request, the attached table sets out my Department’s engagement with the company in question.
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Date |
Correspondence/Meeting |
Subject of Correspondence |
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23/05/2025 |
Correspondence |
Request by Teneo on behalf of their client, Barryroe Transition Energy, for a meeting with Minister |
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11/11/2025 |
Meeting |
Meeting between Teneo with their client, Barryroe Transition Energy, and Minister's Special Advisor and Geoscience Regulation Office of the Department |
286. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on if the proposed new large energy users and data centre grid connection policy being developed by the CRU will be aligned with the urgent need to connect new housing developments and small businesses in constrained areas to the electricity network; the extent to which the new requirement for on-site or nearby dispatchable generation or storage for new data centres will reduce grid constraints in the Dublin region over the next decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71206/25]
View answerThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible for electricity connection policy and the economic regulation of the electricity system operators ESB Networks and EirGrid. The CRU is an independent regulator and accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas.
CRU has published its LEU Connection Policy Decision Paper which will apply solely to data centre connections. The LEU connection policy will provide clarity on connection obligations that will apply to data centres in the short to medium term timeframe. The decision paper set outs a pathway for new applications to connect to the electricity system that addresses security of electricity supply risks, system constraints and promotes renewable energy targets.
Among other matters set out in the Decision, the System Operators will consider the location of the requested data centre connection and associated generation in respect of whether it is in a constrained or unconstrained location of the electricity network. Additionally, a dedicated cross-organisational group, the Urban Capacity Contact Group, has been established to ensure continuity in the provision of connection agreements for housing and enterprise in urban areas and to address any potential risk to customers in constrained areas.
EirGrid regularly reviews forecasted electricity demand for the next ten years through the Generation Capacity Statement and All-Island Resource Adequacy Assessment. Similarly, the CRU regularly reviews electricity connection policies to ensure they align with national policy.
Planning, building, safely operating and maintaining the electricity 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.
Each of these organisations have dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters, such as the matters raised in this question. As such the Deputy may wish to engage with CRU, ESBN and EirGrid directly via oireachtas@cru.ie, oireachtas@esb.ie and oireachtas@eirgrid.ie.
287. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will publish an updated year-by-year trajectory to 2030 for renewable electricity generation, broken down by onshore wind, offshore wind and solar PV capacity; the contingency measures he will introduce to stay on track to meet the 80% renewable electricity target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71208/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government 2025 has reaffirmed Ireland’s targets of 80% of electricity demand to be met by renewable energy sources. Achieving this target not only depends on additional renewable electricity generation but also on deployment of electricity storage which plays a critical role in enabling higher levels of variable wind and solar on the system, supporting flexibility.
The updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) sets out the policies to be implemented to achieve our energy and climate targets and contains year-by-year trajectory to 2030 for each renewable electricity generation. The updated NECP is available on the following link: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/irelands-integrated-national-energy-and-climate-plan-2021-2030.pdf
Two cross-Government taskforces, the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce (ARET) for onshore renewables and the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce (OWDT), continue to develop effective policies designed to deliver an accelerated and increased level of renewable generation capacity and related infrastructure, including strengthening the electricity grid and increasing electricity storage.
Ireland has a number of support schemes in place to increase the development of renewable electricity. The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is pivotal to the achievement of Ireland’s 2030 target. RESS consists of a series of competitive auctions, five onshore and two offshore to date, in which successful applicants are offered a two-way support arrangement for a period of approximately 15 years. The Programme for Government committed that RESS auctions will take place annually, which provide a consistent pathway for the continued deployment of renewable electricity.
The revised National Planning Framework includes regional renewable electricity capacity allocations. The inclusion of the allocations will facilitate the accelerated roll-out and delivery of onshore wind and solar development.
Government remains committed to the development of 5 GW of offshore wind capacity with projects in construction by 2030 and energised as soon as feasible thereafter.
288. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment how the operation of the greenlink interconnector with Great Britain and the forthcoming celtic interconnector with France will be optimised to lower wholesale prices, improve energy security and support higher renewable integration; the expected annual consumer savings by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71209/25]
View answerThe import/export flows across interconnectors are primarily driven by the price difference between the connecting markets. During periods of high prices in Ireland, interconnectors allow cheaper electricity to be imported, increasing supply and reducing wholesale prices. Interconnectors also enable the export of surplus renewables mitigating curtailment costs.
They enhance security of supply by providing new import routes and diversifying Ireland’s energy mix geographically, economically, and technologically, helping spread and reduce supply risks. Each new connection brings additional resilience to the grid and can provide energy when needed mitigating the need to rely on fossil fuel generation.
Connecting to the Internal Energy Market and Great Britain brings competitive pressure to Irish generators, ideally leading to price convergence between markets putting downward pressure on prices.
All interconnector projects are assessed by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to ensure they deliver net benefits for Ireland. The CRU oversees the allocation of efficiently incurred investment costs and their treatment in tariffs.
As part of the initial project assessment, the CRU looked at the impact of both interconnectors on the socioeconomic welfare (also called a public interest test). For Greenlink, this was carried out in June 2018. In October 2018, following consultation, the CRU determined (https://cruie-live-96ca64acab2247eca8a850a7e54b-5b34f62.divio-media.com/documents/CRU18216-Greenlink-determination-paper-1.pdf ) that the construction of the Greenlink interconnector was in the public interest as the Greenlink interconnector had the potential to provide a net benefit to Irish consumers and Ireland as a whole.
For Celtic, this assessment was carried out by the CRU in December 2018 ( CRU18265-Celtic-Interconnector-CRU-assessment-of-the-Celtic-investment-request-Consult.pdf ) and the analysis concluded that the Celtic interconnector would drive benefits for both Irish and French consumers.
The interconnectors will have an impact on wholesale price in the short term due to the price differentials between Ireland and GB/France. For example, we have mostly been importing on the Greenlink interconnector since it became operational which will assist in lowering the SEM wholesale prices.
Medium to longer term, multiple factors including interconnection, generation growth, and demand growth will influence wholesale prices. The precise benefits that will accrue to Ireland will depend significantly on the evolution of the Irish and connecting countries' markets.
289. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding the proposed interconnector with Spain to import large-scale solar energy; the preliminary cost-benefit analysis, expected delivery timeline and projected impact on Ireland’s decarbonisation and energy security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71210/25]
View answerPreparatory work for the National Policy Statement on Electricity Interconnection 2023 identified a potentially mutually beneficial synergy between Irish wind and Spanish solar generation that warranted further exploration.
Ireland is working towards a Memorandum of Understanding with Spain to advance cooperation on a potential interconnector. Initial conversations took place at Ministerial level during the Energy Council in Luxembourg in October, and officials from my Department are now following up with their counterparts in Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition. There has also been preliminary technical engagement between EirGrid and Spain’s TSO, Red Eléctrica. A significant level of additional work would be required to consider the anticipated mutual benefits and to consider the financing options in respect of this interconnector, including assessment in the European Ten Year Network Development Plan.
The policy document and supporting analysis, including details of potential benefits of an interconnection with Spain, are available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/national-policy-statement-on-electricity-interconnection-2023/
290. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 will be fully commenced; if he will publish a detailed district heating implementation roadmap including projected connection numbers to 2030; and the regulatory measures to ensure price transparency and consumer protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71211/25]
View answerThe draft Heads of the https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/heat-networks-and-miscellaneous-provisions-bill-2024/ were approved by Government on 30 October 2024. The Bill is currently being drafted with support from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel (OPC). Officials from my Department are actively engaging with the OPC drafter, the Department's own legal team, and external stakeholders to progress the Bill. The target to finalise the Bill is Mid-2026.
The legislation is intended to provide the statutory underpinning for the development of a vibrant district heating sector and to establish a regulatory regime for district heating that ensures consumer protection. In that light, the Bill will appoint the Commission for Regulation of Utilities as regulator for heat networks with responsibility for ensuring consumer protection for the sector. Details of measures to ensure price transparency and consumer protection are still in discussion with stakeholders.
Development of district heating in Ireland to date has been developer led. However, the https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/district-heating-steering-group/,[] which was approved by Government and published in 2023, set out a suite of recommendations to support its expansion, including the need for a Long-Term Strategy that will provide the guiding principles for the development of district heating in Ireland.
A District Heating Working Group has been convened to oversee implementation of the Steering Group recommendations. In addition, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is leading on work intended to feed into the overall Long-Term Strategy for the expansion of district heating. This includes development of a National Level Assessment detailing the locations around Ireland best suited to the use of district heating, and a comprehensive advisory project, being conducted in partnership with the European Investment Bank's InvestEU Advisory Hub, which will draw on best practice across Europe to help inform the development of an Irish district heating market.
291. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will publish a joined-up strategy linking SEAI retrofit supports, grid reinforcement and connection policies to prioritise households in energy poverty and homes with the lowest BER ratings for low-carbon heating upgrades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71212/25]
View answerThere are a range of energy policies and measures focused on supporting households in energy poverty and with low Building Energy Rating (BER) ratings.
• The Climate Action Plan includes targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a BER of B2/cost optimal and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030.
• The National Retrofit Plan sets out our approach to achieving these targets and includes measures such as:
• Enhanced Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grants with expanded eligibility, higher amounts and simplified application processes;
• New finance measures to support affordability, such as the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme;
• Reformed Warmer Homes Scheme with expanded eligibility, increased depth of retrofit, a prioritisation of the worst performing homes and a higher number of homes supported;
• Network of 26 SEAI registered One Stop Shops;
• Enhanced supports for retrofitting apartment buildings; and
• New supports for area-based retrofit projects for mixed-ownership estates to encourage homeowners, regardless of requirements or means, to get a retrofit.
Budget 2026 announced a record Exchequer funding of €558 million for SEAI residential and community energy upgrades. Additionally, the Government enhanced targeted energy affordability measures through our Social Protection System. This budget will see the weekly rate of Fuel Allowance increase and expanded to all households in receipt of the Working Family Payment such that 460,000 families will benefit.
Earlier this year, I established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce to examine cost drivers and to identify and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. The work of the taskforce involves the preparation and implementation of an Energy Affordability Action Plan, which will include recommendations for structural reforms to benefit consumers, a full review of cost drivers in the energy sector, and consideration of how the EU Action Plan for Affordable Energy and associated guidance can be implemented in an Irish context.
292. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his plans to support the deployment of long-duration energy storage solutions, including pumped hydro, large-scale batteries, green hydrogen and vehicle-to-grid services as part of Ireland’s renewable electricity strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71213/25]
View answerThe Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland published by my Department in July 2024 included 10 Government actions to support the role of grid-connected electricity storage systems in Ireland’s energy transition.
Action 1 of the policy framework recognised that electricity storage systems of different types, strengths, durations and technological makeup are required to be incorporated onto the grid system. The policy actions remain technology neutral and do not specify technology types, rather the services that these technologies can provide.
Action 6 of the policy framework directly addresses the transmission system operator EirGrid's procurement of 500 MW of ‘Long Duration Energy Storage’ (any technology with a run capacity of 4 hours or more that is capable of meeting the identified needs of the transmission system). The process has completed its first public consultation, with a second due in 2026. The first round of procurement is expected in 2027.
The National Hydrogen Strategy, published in July 2023, sets out the strategic vision for hydrogen in Ireland’s energy system and as a key component of our zero-carbon economy. There are 21 actions within the Strategy to enable the development of the hydrogen sector in Ireland.
The National Hydrogen Programme Taskforce was established in 2025 to oversee the delivery of the 21 actions via a multiyear work programme and working groups across three pillar areas: (WG1) safety and regulation, (WG2) infrastructure and systems, and (WG3) markets and commercialisation. The 21 actions have varying timelines for completion between now and 2030.
My officials are also working to transpose Directive 2024/1711, elements of which will provide for, when transposed, the necessary regulatory framework to facilitate the connection of publicly accessible and private vehicle recharging points, with both smart charging and bidirectional charging functionalities.
293. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will commission an independent and transparent assessment of the potential role, cost and risks of nuclear energy, including small modular reactors, in Ireland’s future energy mix; if such an assessment would include public engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71214/25]
View answerNuclear power generation is prohibited in statute under the Electricity and Planning codes, each of which specifically precludes the generation of electricity via nuclear fission within Ireland. I have no plans to commission any assessment of the potential role of nuclear power generation in Ireland.
However, the right of States to determine their own energy mix is acknowledged. We expect that, where a State chooses to develop a nuclear power industry, this will be done in line with the highest international standards with respect to safety and environmental protection.
294. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will commit to developing an open, real-time public dashboard that tracks key energy transition metrics including renewable capacity, emissions, grid constraints, energy poverty and the impact of large energy users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71215/25]
View answerThe SEAI, ESB Networks, EirGrid, and EPA are the State Bodies with responsibility for producing key data related to renewable electricity, including the level of renewable electricity generation capacity connected to the electricity grid, the share of electricity demand met through renewable electricity, and the level of emissions from electricity generation.
• EirGrid’s Real Time System Information page and the Smart Grid Dashboard provides open, real time data on energy production, demand and consumption allowing users to view and compare energy data for Ireland, Northern Ireland or all island. It is available here https://www.eirgrid.ie/grid/real-time-system-information
• The SEAI’s Renewable Electricity Country Dashboard available here: https://www.seai.ie/renewable-energy/renewable-electricity/about-dashboard/dashboard is a thematic map that provides a comparative visualisation of renewable production in every county in Ireland.
• The SEAI’s full year (SEAI-Retrofit-Full-Year-Report-2024.pdf) and quarterly reports (most recent: https://www.seai.ie/sites/default/files/publications/SEAI-Retrofit-Quarterly-Report-Q1-2025.pdf) provide details on the retrofits carried out under SEAI schemes, and it also provides an interactive dashboard on Statistics for National Home Retrofit Programmes here: https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/home-upgrades.
• The EPA provides updates and data on emissions and emissions related to energy industries as well as quarterly Greenhouse Gas emission indicators which can be viewed here https://www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/climate-change/ghg/ https://www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/climate-change/ghg/
• The Climate Action Plan 2025 (CAP 25), and previous CAPs, sets out a programme of policies and measures that aim to achieve significant progress towards emission reductions. Progress reports detailing achievements to date can be viewed in the Climate Action Plan Progress Reports section on the Department of the Taoiseach website / https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/publications/climate-action-plan-progress-reports/#climate-action-plan-2025
As these State Bodies and the other instruments mentioned above publish relevant up-to-date data and statistics on their websites, there are no plans at this time to create an additional dashboard as suggested by the Deputy.
295. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to explain the steps involved in the review and approval process for the forthcoming carbon budgets, and the expected timeline for this process, in light of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action’s recommendation that the budgets be aligned with the Paris test rather than temperature neutrality; how the Climate Change Advisory Council will ensure that the final proposed budgets are aligned with this standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71264/25]
View answerThis Government, and I as Minister, are committed to delivering the measures and actions so that Ireland plays its part to address the climate crisis while ensuring long term national competitiveness, affordability and energy security. We are taking action to achieve national and EU objectives and targets with the ultimate aim of achieving climate neutrality no later than 2050, ensuring a just and fair transition and safeguarding Ireland's economic future.
It is important to note the significant progress that is being made, for example:-
• Ireland now has the lowest level of GHG emissions in 35 years, notwithstanding the increase of approximately 1.5 million people, more than one million new homes and over one million extra vehicles on our roads;
• Renewable electricity generation has increased fivefold since 2005, such that more than 40% of Ireland’s electricity in 2024 was generated from renewable sources, with 5.1GW of onshore wind an increase in onshore solar capacity to 2000 MW in 2025;
• Government has approved an unprecedented investment of €18 billion in Grid for the period 2026 – 2030 to be overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. This investment is fundamental to the electrification of homes, businesses and transport;
• In terms of offshore wind the recent announcement of the results of the second ORESS auction and the commencement of work on the National DMAP are very positive signals;
• The allocation, by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, of €300 million to drive the decarbonisation of Ireland’s manufacturing sectors, represents one of the most efficient available decarbonisation investments on behalf of the Exchequer in CO2 per euro spend terms;
• The surpassing of our ZEVI EV sales target for 2025 in October, shows a significant shift in consumer behaviour towards sustainable forms of transport;
• Passenger numbers across Public Service Obligation (PSO) services reached an all-time high of more than 343 million journeys—an increase of 32 million compared to 2023. This significant growth marks the second consecutive year of record-breaking figures and confirms that public transport usage has not only recovered from the pandemic but now exceeds pre-2019 levels;
• The delivery of 1,000 home retrofits per week in 2024, made energy upgrades accessible to more households, particularly those at risk of fuel poverty and shows the capacity now in the sector; and
• The installation of solar panels in over 2,000 schools, funded by the Climate Action Fund is turning a levy on fossil fuels into sustainable energy with schools showing leadership in their communities.
The Carbon Budgets are the cornerstone of how we transition to a climate neutral economy and the process for the adoption of a Carbon Budget Programme is set out in the Climate and Low Carbon Development Act, 2015 (as amended) and can be broadly said to comprise the following steps:
• The CCAC shall prepare the budget programme and present it to the Minister. This was done in December 2024 following an extensive and extremely detailed programme of work;
• The Minister shall consult with members of the public and any persons he considers appropriate. In this regard, a public consultation was held between 23 April and 4 June 2025;
• The Minister presents the proposal to both Houses of the Oireachtas. This was done on 19 May 2025;
• The Oireachtas may refer the proposals to the Joint Oireachtas Committee. The Dáil referred the proposals to the Committee on 20 May 2025;
• The Joint Oireachtas Committee held its hearings in June, July and September 2025, at which the Minister, the CCAC and a range of people appeared. The Committee provided published its written report in October 2025; and
• The Minister must then consider the consultations before bringing the proposal to Government for approval or amendment before it is brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas. This process is underway.
Due to the formation of the Government and the establishment of the new Oireachtas Committees, the process of parliamentary scrutiny of the proposal took place much later than would normally be the case and, as such, the subsequent steps have unavoidably been delayed.
The aforementioned report of Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Energy and the Environment is extensive, presenting 38 comprehensive recommendations spanning multiple sectors including electricity, transport, just transition, buildings, and agriculture, and extends to policy areas beyond the proposals themselves.
The matters raised in the Committee report and the public consultation require very careful consideration and further work is now being undertaken to ensure that the next carbon budget programme is ambitious, feasible, and aligns with our international commitments to continue Ireland’s transition to a climate neutral economy. I am liaising with the relevant stakeholders and intend to make an announcement in the coming weeks in respect of the Carbon Budget Programme.
