Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
298. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the seven legacy actions due, as outlined in the Q1 2025 progress report (details supplied); to outline which actions they are; the reason for the delay; the state of the progress to date; and a timeline for completion, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72937/25]
View answerMy Department is working hard to achieve our shared Climate Action goals.
My Department has continued to work on delivering legacy actions carrying over from Climate Action Plan 2024. Since the beginning of the year four legacy actions have been completed:
- The publication of a report on exploring investment requirements for energy efficiency upgrades in the private rental sector. (Action BE/23/3)
- Good Agricultural Practice (Amendment) Regulations S.I 42 of 2025, were put into effect based on the review of maximum nitrogen limits as part of the Nitrates Action Programme Interim Review. (Action AG/24/7)
- The publication of the revised National Planning Framework. (Action EL/24/3)
- A public consultation on Technical Guidance Documents to Building Regulations. (Action BE/24/1)
Action MA/23/5, to develop comprehensive legislation for the identification, designation, and management of Marine Protected Areas in Irish marine waters has transferred and is now reported on by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.
An update on the two outstanding legacy actions for my Department is provided in the table below:
|
Action |
Output |
Reason for delay |
Progress status |
Timeline |
|
AD/24/5 Improve the resilience of Ireland’s water infrastructure through implementation of a Nature Based Solutions (NBS) Programme. |
Publish drainage Area Plans covering 5 large urban centres, develop 2 exemplars of sludge Drying, implement Reed Bed systems. Plant 50,000 native trees. |
In Q1 2025, 20,000 trees have been planted, following 22,225 planted in 2024. A total of 112,500 trees planted since 2022. Tree planting season has ended, (November – March), with tree planting due to recommence in Q4 2025. Balance of 7,775 trees will be planted in Nov/Dec 2025. Uisce Éireann has completed 6 Drainage Area Plans and installed 3 Sludge Drying Reed Beds (SDRB’s)
|
In progress |
TBD |
|
EL/24/5 Develop Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines for onshore wind |
Guidelines published |
The CAP24 Annex of Actions set out a timeframe of Q1 2025 for the finalisation of the Guidelines. The finalisation of the Guidelines is linked to, the finalisation of the National Planning Framework (NPF), which was approved by Cabinet in April 2025, and the commencement of the Planning and Development Act 2024. Further to the Programme for Government commitment in respect of the guidelines, the Department is now working to conclude the review of the Guidelines as a matter of priority, having regard to the intended public consultation and the finalisation of associated reforms and reviews included in the revision of the NPF. |
In progress |
TBD |
