Written Answers Nos. 54-73
54. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has engaged with EU counterparts regarding best practices for waste sorting technology and circular economy strategies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72756/25]
View answerDepartment officials engage regularly with colleagues from other Member States and the Commission through active participation in various EU working groups where issues such as shared experiences of the ongoing development and implementation of the Waste Framework Directive, particularly in relation to separate collection obligations, and forthcoming EU Circular Economy Act are discussed.
Ireland, as one of the first Member States to establish a national circular economy strategy, is actively supporting the Commission’s ambition to consolidate and strengthen EU legislation on the circular economy, and the efforts to enhance the EU’s economic security, boost competitiveness and economy wide decarbonisation through circular solutions.
Under Ireland's forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union we look forward to active engagement with the Commission and other Member States in shaping a robust and effective Circular Economy Act that delivers long-term economic, environmental, and social benefits across the EU.
55. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has considered introducing quality standards or performance targets for materials processed by material recovery facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72757/25]
View answerThe imposition of quality standards for the output of material recovery facilities is a matter best managed through European legislation, ensuring uniformity of standards and the most stable environment for investment.
The provisions of the EU's Waste Shipment Regulation are already driving quality output. For example, that regulation requires that plastic waste, being exported for further treatment, must not exceed a 6% (by weight) contamination level within the EU, or 2% where the destination is a third country.
Optimising the performance of waste operators can be and is incentivised by other means, including the market for secondary materials, to produce high quality output. Higher quality output materials will attract a higher price, and recovery operators producing lower quality material will have more difficulty reaching off-take agreements with end-destinations and other waste processors, especially in current recycling market conditions across the EU.
In addition, Repak pays a subsidy to waste operators for treating post-consumer packaging waste that is linked to quality, with higher quality recyclate attracting a higher subsidy. Repak is the producer responsibility organisation for packaging waste in Ireland. Repak conducts annual waste characterisation studies at all material recovery facilities to determine the packaging, non-packaging, and contamination elements of all material produced for sale by that facility to verify the quality achieved.
56. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of the likelihood that a centre (details supplied) will impact the house build targets in the county due to the limitations on electricity infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72760/25]
View answerQuestions regarding the planning process are matters more appropriately directed in the first instance to the relevant Local Authority. Operational matters regarding the grid should be directed to both Eirgrid and ESB Networks. These matters are not ones in which I, as Minister, have a function. As such the Deputy may wish to engage with these organisations directly. ESB and EirGrid may be contacted via email at oireachtas@esb.ie and oireachtas@eirgrid.ie
57. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his attention has been drawn to concerns related to the lack of capacity in the electricity grid at Dublin Airport to allow for a significant expansion of electric cars to be leased by car rental companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72786/25]
View answer58. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his attention has been drawn to concerns related to the lack of capacity in the electricity grid at Shannon Airport to allow for a significant expansion of electric cars to be leased by car rental companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72787/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 58 together.
The provision of connection agreements for customers of ESB Networks is an operational matter for that organisation and is not one in which I, as Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, have any function. The development of electricity grid capacity and the provision of connections for customers are the responsibility of the national Transmission System Operator, EirGrid, and Distribution System Operator, ESB Networks.
These system operators are independent of me as Minister in the exercise of their respective functions, and both are overseen by the independent regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas.
In this instance the Deputy may wish to engage directly with the system operators ESB Networks or EirGrid. ESB Networks and EirGrid have respective contact email addresses for Deputies should they wish to raise matters of concern (oireachtas@esb.ie, oireachtas@eirgrid.ie).
59. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on Ireland's progress towards meeting its legally binding carbon budgets, in view of the Environmental Protection Agency's confirmation of a 2% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 following a 6.8% reduction in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72845/25]
View answerThe Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) most recent emissions inventory report Ireland's Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1990-2024, published in July of this year, confirms that Ireland has recorded overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions for a third consecutive year, with a decrease of 6.8% in 2023 followed by a further 2% reduction in 2024.
Ireland now has the lowest level of GHG emissions in 35 years which is notable given concurrent demographic and economic growth, including an increase of approximately 1.5 million people, more than one million new homes and over one million extra vehicles on our roads.
Our momentum in emissions reductions reflects the progress we are making to deliver key measures across sectors, for example:
• the 2025 target for electric vehicles sales of 195,000 was surpassed in October;
• the milestone of over 2 gigawatts of installed solar capacity was achieved in November;
• the very positive results of the offshore wind auction for the Tonn Nua site in November, which will produce enough energy to power almost one million homes; and
• Government has approved an unprecedented investment of €18 billion in Grid for the period 2026 – 2030 which is fundamental to the electrification of homes, businesses and transport.
However, the EPA's latest projections report Ireland's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections 2024-2055, published in May of this year, shows that even more accelerated reductions are required. To address the gap, we will need to significantly ramp up the delivery of climate action across sectors. In line with the Programme for Government commitment enhanced governance arrangements to accelerate delivery have been put in place this year to streamline structures, ensure key strategic high impact measures are enabled and that corrective action is taken on critical actions which are at risk.
I now chair the Climate Action Delivery Board (CADB), bringing all the relevant Secretaries General together, with a focus on accelerated implementation,. The Board met earlier this month. The Climate Action Programme Board (CAPPB) has also been established to provide co-ordinated oversight and strategic direction on the delivery of the Climate Action Plan, at Assistant Secretary/Taskforce chair level, and has met 3 times to date.
The CAPPB brings together the chairs of the various climate delivery taskforces from across sectors to bring an overall cohesion and alignment to climate action, and to provide oversight and support to taskforces in delivering their work programmes. It assesses progress on delivery, monitors risks, and proposes corrective actions for underperforming or at-risk actions and deliverables, including delivery of With Existing Measures (WEM) and With Accelerated Measures (WAM) measures. Implementation is my focus, and I will continue to push for a greater achievement of our highest impact measures.
60. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has engaged with the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage on the delay to the publication of an update to the wind energy guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72894/25]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the answer provided in relation to Question 93 of 06 November 2025. The position is unchanged.
61. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding the new policy on private wires; the way in which this will be regulated; the safety measures which are in place; the measures he is taking to ensure that these types of connections are accessible and affordable rather than just with those with the greatest means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72895/25]
View answer62. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding the new policy on private wires; the framework for gaining the consent of local communities and landowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72896/25]
View answer63. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding the new policy on private wires; the framework to ensure that private wires will not undermine the development of the national grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72897/25]
View answer64. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding the new policy on private wires; the framework to ensure that the same technical and safety standards as the National electricity grid and will be capable of being taken in charge by the system operators. [72898/25]
View answer65. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the new policy on private wires; the framework to ensure that it does not undermine the financing of the national grid; the framework to ensure that it does not impact on TSO and the DSO to maintain and expand the national grid. [72899/25]
View answer66. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the additional resources which will be provided to the CRU for its regulatory role with regard to private wires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72900/25]
View answer67. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding the new private wires policy; the threshold for a new grid based solution not being available thus allowing access to a private connection. [72901/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 61 to 67, inclusive, together.
Having received Government approval for the Private Wires Policy Statement in July this year, my Department has initiated the process of drafting the subsequent necessary Private Wires legislation.
Officials have begun engagement on the drafting of this legislation with electricity regulators, system operators, other relevant Government Departments, and industry representatives from sectors including renewable electricity generation, energy storage, and demand-side customers.
The Private Wires Policy Statement states that Private Wires will be built to the same technical and safety standards as the National Electricity Gird and will be capable of being taken in charge by the System Operators. The policy further states that private wires will not undermine the financing of the national grid. The National Electricity Grid will remain the preferred way to connect generators and customers of electricity. Where Grid-based solutions are available these will be preferred to Private Wires.
The CRU will be assigned the role of permitting private wires and ensuring that they are built and operated to the same technical and safety standards as the national electricity grid. The resources of the CRU will be increased appropriately.
The General Scheme was approved by Cabinet on the 16 December. My Department will now begin the process of formally drafting the Bill to allow for private wires.
68. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to report on his engagements with the CRU since he took office; if he has discussed the powers they have to monitor and regulate hedging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72908/25]
View answerThe electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within an EU regulatory regime wherein these markets are commercial and liberalised. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011, and in the gas market in 2014. Price setting by electricity suppliers is, therefore, a commercial matter for the companies concerned.
Retail prices are influenced by several factors, including wholesale energy prices, system operating costs and supplier hedging. The latest data from Eurostat shows that, in nominal terms, Ireland ranked fifth for electricity prices and eighth for household gas prices among European countries in the first half of 2025. When adjusting for purchasing power parity, Ireland is mid-table in terms of energy affordability with the twelfth highest electricity and gas prices among European countries.
Regarding hedging, suppliers in Ireland were shown to have taken a prudent approach to hedging which had the benefit of protecting final customers from the worst effects of the wholesale price crisis. Conversely, hedging limits the ability of suppliers to reduce prices immediately in line with wholesale price shifts.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has observed that Irish retail prices have not adjusted at a comparable pace to the decline in wholesale prices, with the energy component of retail prices remaining up to three times that of wholesale prices.
While the CRU has found no evidence of market failure or windfall profits in the retail sector in its market monitoring role, the IEA findings underline the importance of progressing the Programme for Government commitment to “commission an independent review into the speed and level of passthrough from wholesale prices to retail prices”.
I have written to the CRU to request that they commence this independent review, building on the work of previous CRU investigations by reviewing the competitiveness of Irish retail energy markets, examining supplier costs, including hedging and pricing practices, and providing comparative price analysis with other EU Member States.
It will also assess whether measures are warranted to enhance market responsiveness to wholesale price changes, and make recommendations to ensure that the benefits of lower wholesale prices are felt by consumers. This report will inform the work of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce.
In addition, the Department is transposing the new Electricity Market Design Directive 2024. This Directive requires regulators to ensure that suppliers implement appropriate hedging strategies to reduce the risk of supply failure.
70. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the analysis which has been carried out on the cost of energy for households between 2022 and to date in 2025; the measures he is taking to reduce them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72910/25]
View answerThe National Energy Affordability Taskforce was established in June 2025 to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. The first Report of the taskforce was published last month. This report analysed recent trends in energy costs and related matters, including arrears, and set out a range of options for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process.
The Government has made a number of important commitments in respect of addressing the continued high cost of energy. The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and businesses, and Budget 2026 included the introduction of a number of measures to address energy affordability including:
• a €5 per week increase in the Fuel Allowance bringing the payment to €38 per week. This equates to an increase of more than 15% and will provide an additional €140 to over 450,000 recipients during the annual fuel allowance season;
• this payment has also been expanded to include those in receipt of the Working Family Payment;
• Budget 2026 provided record funding of €558 million for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland residential and community energy upgrade schemes, an increase of €89 million on the Budget 2025 allocation to support delivery of the National Retrofit Plan. Research suggests retrofit measures can save a household up to €1,100 per year in terms of energy; and
• the reduced 9% VAT rate on electricity and gas has been extended until 31 December 2030, to help contain household energy costs.
It is important 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. There are also a range of Commission for Regulation of Utilities customer protections in place, including disconnection moratoria.
The Affordability Taskforce is now preparing for an engagement and consultation process to inform the development of an action plan to be published mid-next year. The taskforce will also continue to bring an all-of-Government approach to researching and assessing options to enhance energy affordability for households and business.
71. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the energy market reforms he will consider reducing the cost of energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72911/25]
View answerIn June 2025, my Department established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewables commitments, and protecting security of supply and economic stability. The taskforce has published an interim report which included measures for consideration in Budget 2026. The report is available on gov.ie.
Further analysis will now be carried out in order to inform the Energy Affordability Action Plan. This plan will include a broad review of cost drivers in the energy sector and will incorporate work that has been completed to date on energy poverty. Specific engagement and measures to address those most at risk of energy poverty will also be a key feature of the Energy Affordability Action Plan. The plan will be published next year.
The potential for structural reforms to enhance affordability will be an important aspect of the taskforce’s work going forward. Officials from my Department are currently working to implement EU-wide reforms in the form of the Electricity Market Design (EMD) Directive and the Regulation on Wholesale Energy Market Integrity and Transparency (REMIT). Both EMD and REMIT have been formally adopted and implementation is underway. These agreements will help stabilise long term markets, speed up the deployment of renewable and fossil-free energy sources, offer more affordable electricity to the EU’s citizens, and enhance industrial competitiveness.
72. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason Irish energy prices are so high compared to other EU states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72912/25]
View answerThe most recent Eurostat report on European energy prices, published in April 2025 for the second half of 2024, lists Ireland as having the fifth highest electricity prices in the EU. However, when adjusted for purchasing power parity, a more accurate reflection of costs as experienced by consumers across Europe, Ireland is far closer to the European average. In this accounting, Ireland ranks twelfth for household electricity prices.
There are several historic reasons for the level of electricity costs seen in Ireland. These reasons include a very dispersed population, an island location on the periphery of Europe, a low level of interconnection with European markets and a heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, particularly gas.
My Department has 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 taskforce has completed its first report, which 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.
73. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to report on the salaries of the CEO and the Directors of the deposit return scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72915/25]
View answerRe-turn is a producer-led and owned, not-for-profit company established by beverage producers to meet their obligations under the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations.
On 25 July 2025, Re-turn published its annual report and financial statements for 2024 and a link to the document can be found here: re-turn.ie/re-turn-2024-annual-report/
In the annual report and financial statement, Re-turn provides comprehensive information relating to the scheme's performance in its first year of operation.
Re-turn is responsible for all operational and funding matters relating to the deposit return scheme, including staffing of the company. The Board of Re-turn has ultimate responsibility to ensure its recruitment process delivers suitable talent at appropriate market rates. Re-turn is not required to publish individual CEO or directors' remuneration, however, Re-turn's annual report does include information relating to director and employee costs.
