Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
138. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his Department’s investment in climate adaptation projects, and estimates of adaptation investment needs between now and 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73226/25]
View answerI am strongly aware of the need to support communities, businesses, and ecosystems with a whole of government approach to developing increased resilience to the impacts of climate change and I work with other Ministers, Local Authorities and Agencies to support that whole of Government response to the impacts of climate change.
Last year, Government approved Ireland’s second National Adaptation Framework (NAF). Developed under the NAF, Sectoral Adaptation Plans (SAPs) for 13 key sectors, across 8 Departments were recently approved and published by Government. Delivery of SAP actions falls under the remit of each Sectoral Minister.
Under each SAP, key adaptation priorities will be progressed for funding within budgetary parameters and the limits outlined as part of National Development Plan allocations and as part of the annual estimates process by each sectoral Minister.
One such key sector, Electricity and Gas Networks, falls under the remit of my Department. Investment in the onshore electricity grid is a key priority in the Programme for Government. Work commenced on Price Review 6 will see the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) approve investment in the grid for 2026-2030. CRU recently outlined a proposed investment of up to €19 billion in our electricity system between 2026-2030, with a €14 billion baseline investment guaranteed. This large-scale investment will assist Ireland in maintaining a reliable and resilient electricity network. To support delivery of Price Review 6, the Government is investing €3.5 billion in equity between EirGrid and ESB Networks.
Under the leadership of my Department, a new senior level Adaptation Task Force will commence work in 2026 to support enhanced accountability for, and ownership of, sectoral risks and support implementation of adaptation action on cross-cutting issues.
