Written Answers Nos. 350-376
351. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if there are any further initiatives proposed by his Department to increase support for offshore wind infrastructure in coastal communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74749/25]
View answerPlan-led development through the use of Designated Maritime Area Plans (DMAPs) is a critical part of the Government’s strategic plan for our maritime area. This plan-led system has already delivered the South Coast DMAP for Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) in 2024, identifying 4 areas suitable for offshore wind off counties Waterford and Wexford. In order to further accelerate the process of site designation for ORE, a single National DMAP covering all of Ireland’s maritime area is now under development.
Public participation and meaningful stakeholder engagement underpins this plan led process. The process of making a DMAP includes the preparation of a statutory Public Participation Statement (PPS). This PPS (available at this link:www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/national-designated-maritime-area-plan-dmap-for-offshore-renewable-energy/#the-public-participation-statement) sets out, over the course of the development of the DMAP, how people can engage with the process, access relevant information and get detail on engagement events such as consultations and public meetings in coastal locations. Extensive public and stakeholder consultation will take place on the National DMAP over the course of 2026 and 2027.
Recognising the importance of coastal communities in the National DMAP process a dedicated Community Liaison Service has been contracted with the sole focus of working with and providing information directly to coastal communities.
At the project level, in accordance with the Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS), all offshore wind generators are required to make contributions to their respective project Community Benefit Fund. Such funding is anticipated to facilitate the local community in undertaking long term planned community support initiatives.
Funding from the Community Benefit Fund has to be used for the sustainable environmental, economic, social, and cultural well-being of the local community. Critically, the Community Benefit Fund will be professionally managed on behalf of the local community, and the local Community Benefit Fund Committee will have full responsibility for its funding decisions.
352. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when the public consultation on Ireland’s national building renovation plan will be launched, having regard to the requirement under Article 3 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive for the plan to be finalised by 26 December 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74808/25]
View answerUnder Article 3 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), Ireland must publish a National Building Renovation Plan (NBRP) which will outline how Ireland will ensure the renovation of the national stock of residential and non-residential buildings, both public and private, into a highly energy-efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050, with the objective of transforming existing buildings into zero-emission buildings.
My Department is progressing the development of a draft NBRP with input from multiple Departments and Agencies. In line with Article 3 of the EPBD, Ireland must submit a draft NBRP to the European Commission. Prior to this submission, a public consultation on the draft plan is required, involving local and regional authorities and other socioeconomic actors including civil society and bodies working with vulnerable households.
As work is ongoing between my Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, it has not yet been possible to carry out a public consultation on a draft version of the NBRP. My Department is continuing to work cross-Departmentally to progress these matters and a public consultation process on the NBRP will be undertaken before it is submitted by the end of 2026 in line with the EPBD.
353. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the way one-stop-shops for the energy performance of buildings, required under Article 18 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2024 and due to be launched by the end of May 2026, will be implemented in Ireland; whether these one-stop-shops will provide supports beyond energy renovation, including guidance on adaptive reuse of existing buildings and wider building-related challenges faced by citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74809/25]
View answerMy Department will be introducing retrofitting assistance facilities for the energy performance of buildings, in line with Article 18 of the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, to assist all building owners and actors involved in energy renovations who wish to retrofit or renovate their building to achieve better energy performance with a focus on vulnerable households, people affected by energy poverty and low-income households.
My Department is currently assessing how best to align one-stop-shops with existing structures in providing independent advice and delivering streamlined information in person on technical and financial measures to support improved energy performance to building owners, as well as dedicated services to vulnerable households and individuals.
354. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his attention has been drawn to research by a group, showing that 7,551 salmon migrated to the Corrib system in 2025; if he will provide details on the way in which this figure was calculated given consideration to factors (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74836/25]
View answer355. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason the normal groups (details supplied), five-year average stock assessment reports, were not adhered to in 2025 to determine whether catch and release, or C&R, on the Corrib system should be recommended or not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74837/25]
View answer356. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) for 2025 having not yet been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74838/25]
View answer357. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will change the proposed determination of catch and release or C&R for the Corrib system back to open for harvesting in view of a reply (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74839/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 354 to 357, inclusive, together.
The scientific report provided by the Technical Group on Salmon (TEGOS), in its Status of Irish Salmon Stocks in 2026 with Catch Advice for 2026, has been published at:
www.fisheriesireland.ie/publications
River-by-river assessments are set out in Appendix IV of that report.
No decision has been made yet on measures for the 2026 season. Submissions received following public consultation on the proposals are currently being considered.
Overall, the classification of rivers as open, catch-and-release only, or closed is based on a probability-based scientific assessment of salmon stocks against conservation limits carried out by TEGOS. Stocks are assessed by TEGOS over the most recent five-year period, using an established, science-based methodology that is applied consistently across all salmon rivers. This methodology draws on best available information from a range of sources, including fish counter and rod catch data.
It is acknowledged that, in any given year, operational or environmental factors, such as counter downtime or angling suspensions, can influence data input and the TEGOS framework is designed to take such variability into account by using multiple indicators and by applying standardised assumptions that ensure consistency and comparability across river systems and years. The indicators and assumptions used in the assessment are set out in the general methodology sections, which describe the data sources, modelling approach and assumptions applied nationally. These provisions apply to all rivers.
358. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will review correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74871/25]
View answer378. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of increased charges for household waste services issued by a provider (details supplied); if he is aware the increase has been attributed in part to new pension costs; if cost increases can be issued to customers for this reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1561/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 358 and 378 together.
Charges applied by waste collection companies are matters for those companies and their customers, subject to compliance with all applicable environmental and other relevant legislation, including contract, competition and consumer legislation. The Minister has no role in relation to pricing in a competitive market.
Waste Management is a statutory executive function of individual local authorities. Private waste collectors operate under a waste collection permit issued by the National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO). These permits include a requirement that waste collection charging systems should incentivise customers to source segregate their waste, therefore the fees charged for the collection of the brown bin or mixed dry recyclables bin should be lower than the fees for the collection of the residual general waste bin.
The terms and conditions of individual waste collection contracts, including pricing plans for the provision of bins, are matters between the waste collection companies and their customers, subject to compliance with the terms of their NWCPO permit. All such permits can be viewed in full on nwcpo.ie.
359. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of data breaches recorded by his Department in 2025; and the number that were reported to the Data Protection Commissioner. [74890/25]
View answerThe number of data breaches recorded by my Department’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) in 2025 was 26 and no data breaches were further reported to the Data Protection Commissioner.
The DPO assesses the level of risk of reported breaches and assigns a risk level to each breach. It is my Department’s policy that all high-risk breaches and certain medium-risk breaches, that may pose a risk to the data subject, are reported to the Data Protection Commissioner. None of the 26 breaches recorded in 2025 were deemed to be high risk or to fall within the parameters of the certain medium-risk breaches.
My Department has a full suite of policies and procedures in place relating to data protection, as required by legislation, including a data breach policy. My Department's DPO oversees robust training for all staff, which is mandatory, and engages in regular data protection awareness-raising campaigns.
360. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to explain the factors contributing to the significant increases in the price of heating oil in 2025 compared with 2024, which is placing a considerable financial burden on many households across the country; the measures being considered to alleviate the pressure on such households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75028/25]
View answerFinal retail prices for kerosene are impacted by various energy market dynamics such as geopolitical tensions, supply constraints and exchange rates, among other issues. Additionally, taxation impacts final prices paid by consumers for home heating oil and other carbon-emitting fuels. Carbon tax is an important policy tool in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, incentivising a switch to alternative fuels and thereby tackling the significant threat to society which climate change poses.
Legislation was introduced in Finance Act 2020 to provide for annual increases in carbon tax rates up to May 2030, at which point all carbon tax rates will be based on charging €100 per tonne of carbon dioxide emissions. The carbon tax regime is a carbon pricing mechanism which directly links the taxation of fossil fuels to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This means a single price is set for a tonne of CO2 and this price is then applied to each fuel type according to the level of CO2 emitted by that fuel when it is combusted. In this way, the carbon tax applying to each fuel type reflects the level of CO2 emissions that it releases.
I am advised that analysis undertaken by the ESRI and the Department of Finance shows that the carbon tax is a progressive measure in light of the redistribution of revenue raised for just transition actions such as targeted social welfare interventions and the provision of partial funding of the national retrofit programme. A document entitled 'The use of carbon tax funds' is published annually alongside the Budget. The latest document was published as part of Budget 2026 and is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/publications/budget-2026-the-use-of-carbon-tax-funds/
361. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of the concerns of smaller and local waste collectors at the consultation on the feasibility of transitioning Ireland’s waste collection market from its current side-by-side licensing system to a franchise tendering system; and if he will reassure them this will not lead to large multinational operators squeezing them out of the market. [75031/25]
View answerThe comprehensive and independent study to explore the potential feasibility of transitioning our waste collection system from its current competitive licensing system to a franchise tendering system was commissioned in early 2025. The primary aim of the study is to identify how we can best support the achievement of EU recycling targets.
As part of the study, a month-long public consultation was held to gather the views of stakeholders. This consultation process garnered significant engagement, including from waste collectors of varying sizes, covering a range of issues from assessing the current waste collection model service efficiency, the cost to consumers and exploring measures to assist in achieving our EU recycling targets (current and future) while developing a more resource efficient economy.
The study is being undertaken with full regard to competition law requirements and is currently scheduled to be completed by 30 April. Any future decisions will be taken in line with the relevant framework and following appropriate consideration of the study’s findings. It should be noted that under the Waste Management Act the statutory responsibility for decisions on waste collection arrangements, including any move towards franchise tendering, would rest with the Chief Executive of each local authority.
362. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to introduce targeted energy credits for people with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75044/25]
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 fundamental drivers of high energy costs.
The 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, which was recently published, 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;
• a €10 increase in the weekly rates of payment, bringing the personal rates of payment to €254 per week;
• 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; and
• record funding of €558 million is allocated for Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland residential and community energy upgrade schemes (including the Solar PV Scheme). 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.
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 Taskforce is now preparing an engagement and consultation process to inform the development of an Energy Affordability Action Plan which is due to be published mid-2026.
363. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of projects in his Department that were delayed in 2023 and 2024 due to the change of document from the Public Spending Code to the Infrastructure Guidelines, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75104/25]
View answerMy Department, through its agencies and bodies under its aegis, works to deliver climate action, the transformation of our energy systems, the protection and resilience of our environment, and a resource–efficient economy. As set out in my Department's NDP Sectoral Capital Plan, published on www.gov.ie on 12 November, my Department will provide up to €5.64 billion in capital funding between 2026 and 2030 for investments in essential infrastructure to support the wider economy, including the delivery of secure and sustainable supplies of energy, a robust system for the regulation of Ireland’s energy markets and infrastructure, and the protection of Ireland’s environment and reducing Ireland’s carbon emissions.
The Infrastructure Guidelines, published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, set out value for money guidelines for Government Departments for the evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects in Ireland. The guidelines came into effect on 1 January 2024 and mandate various checkpoints and approvals to ensure that projects and programmes align with strategic priorities, are financially viable, and deliver value for money. The guidelines updated and replaced the previous Public Spending Code guidance for capital expenditure, with strengthened approaches to financial appraisal, cost estimation, and risk management. My Department manages its capital expenditure allocations in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines. The issues raised by the Deputy have not arisen in my Department.
364. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the salary scale that applies to the Secretary General in his Department and to the head of each agency for which he or she is responsible; whether this scale has changed in the past two years or whether there are proposals to change this scale in the coming period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75190/25]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy the salary scale that applies to the Secretary General in my Department is Secretary General Level II.
The salary scale applicable to Secretaries General are one point scales.
This scale has changed in the past two years in line with Public Sector Pay Agreement 2024-2026 and increases of 1% are due in February and June 2026 in line with the Agreement.
The annual Financial Statements of any given State agency include details of the CEO remuneration for the period covered and are publicly available.
In relation to the head of each commercial agency under the aegis of my Department, the Government commissioned an independent review of CEO salaries. The Senior Post Remuneration Committee review was published in June 2025 and following that, recommended salary bands for each of the 3 commercial agencies under the aegis of my Department were communicated on a confidential basis to my Department. The salary bands are set for three years.
The non-commercial State agencies under my remit have CEO salaries between Assistant Secretary and Deputy Secretary levels which are reviewed with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation prior to change.
365. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the amount expended on advertising and promotion by his Department, and within each agency for which he is responsible, for 2022 to 2024, by year and budgeted for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75208/25]
View answerMy Department uses advertising and promotion to communicate important public information, promote services and supports, and encourage behaviour change in areas such as energy efficiency, climate action and public safety.
As the media landscape has evolved, advertising expenditure has increased to ensure effective national reach across diverse audiences and platforms, and to meet statutory requirements, including Irish language advertising obligations under the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021. Advertising is procured in line with public procurement rules, primarily through a central media buying agency, with channel mix determined by target audience, best practice and value for money considerations.
The table below sets out my Department’s expenditure on advertising and promotion for the years 2022 to 2024.
|
Year |
Spend* |
|
2022 |
€3,828,081.00 |
|
2023 |
€3,764,527.50 |
|
2024 |
€2,519,386.01 |
* Following the transfer of the Communications function to another Department, totals may be subject to minor adjustments while accounts are being finalised.
Advertising and promotional activity is informed by annual Government priorities and programme delivery requirements. Decisions in relation to future years, including 2026, will be considered as part of the Department’s annual planning process. Final figures are not yet available.
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 set out at the link below.
366. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of press, media or communications staff currently employed in his Department and within each agency for which he is responsible; the cost of these staff for 2025 and the expected cost for 2026; whether there are proposals to increase the number of such staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75226/25]
View answerMy Department has a dedicated communications and media relations function that oversees a diverse range of communications activity. This includes press and media relations, digital marketing, campaign development and management, event management, social media and website management, graphic design, videography, and internal communications.
There are currently 17 staff working across these functions. The 2025 costs associated with these posts was €1,272,353.48. Projected costs for 2026 are €1,193,724.30.
There are no current proposals to increase the number of communications staff in my Department.
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 set out at the link below.
367. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the estimated cost to his Department and each agency for which they are responsible arising from Ireland’s presidency of the European Council; the line items or events for which a cost is expected to arise and the estimated cost for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75244/25]
View answerIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2026. During this six-month period, my Department will host an extensive and wide-ranging programme of meetings, events and conferences.
The Government committed in the Programme for Government to resourcing and delivering a successful EU Presidency. Major planning has taken place to date to ensure that costs are managed across all expenditure headings and prudent financial planning will continue throughout to ensure value for money.
Costs arising from the Presidency to my Department will be met from within existing Budget allocations as set out in Appendix 9 of the REV -
assets.gov.ie/static/documents/653f8c26/Revised_Estimates_for_Public_Services_2026.pdf
Costs arising to Agencies are a matter for each agency concerned. Contact details for the Agencies under the aegis of my Department are set out at the link should the Deputy wish to contact them directly.
368. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the priorities of his Department and each agency for which they are responsible for, in respect of Ireland’s presidency of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75262/25]
View answerIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026. As chair of the Council of the EU, Ireland will set the agenda and drive policy and legislative work across all ministerial formations.
I am determined to lead our fellow Member States on issues of importance across the Energy and Environment Councils, as well as the many other areas for which my Department has responsibility. We will also strive to influence and shape future international policies on critical climate, energy, and environmental issues. In an ever-changing global landscape, our leadership will be crucial in driving progressive and effective solutions.
At this stage of our preparations, we are developing high-level thematic priorities which will guide policy development and our hierarchy of priorities. Consultations are taking place with stakeholders to gather observations, suggestions, and reflections on how Ireland can best fulfil its Presidency role; ensure the Presidency policy programme is informed by diverse perspectives from across Irish society; and identify EU-wide issues, themes, and policy areas that should be given particular attention during Ireland’s Presidency.
The Commission work programme 2026 was published in October 2025 and my Department has identified a number of files that it will likely lead on during the Irish presidency. We will be working closely with Cyprus during their Presidency to develop continuity from one Presidency to the next.
369. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if under the SEAI warmer homes scheme, properties built with cavity block cannot be considered for external house wrap to improve insulation; if any properties that have cavity block have been wrapped to date under the scheme; and, if so, the reason for their inclusion in the scheme. [1171/26]
View answerThe Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the WHS. The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property.
These can include:
• attic insulation and appropriate ventilation;
• wall insulation and appropriate ventilation – cavity wall, external wall or dry lining depending on the property;
• secondary measures – lagging jackets, draughtproofing, energy efficient lighting; ang
• in certain circumstances heating system and window replacements.
For each eligible home, the SEAI’s technical surveyor determines which upgrades can be installed and funded. Where there are multiple wall construction types present in a property, the surveyor will assess each wall type and recommend a suitable wall measure if applicable.
My Department and the SEAI wil continue to ensure that grant schemes terms and conditions, eligibility criteria and rates are kept under review taking account of demand, research, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors.
370. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will report on SEAI’s business energy upgrade scheme; and the breakdown of grants awarded broken down by size of grant awarded, the size of the business that received the award, and by the county in which the business is located, in each of the years since the schemes inception, in tabular form. [1223/26]
View answerThe Business Energy Upgrades Scheme (BEUS) is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) as part of a suite of business supports. In 2025 alone, business energy efficiency schemes provided grant support of over €47 million to over 4,000 businesses significantly supporting energy cost reduction, competitiveness, and emissions reductions.
The BEUS was opened for applications in November 2024 and offers businesses access to rapid approval grant funding for a range of retrofit measures for buildings such as hotels, offices, retail premises and restaurants. There has been strong activity on the application portal with a large volume of draft applications (over 700) as businesses review the potential options. Typically, some time is required by the commercial sector to prepare the necessary details before submitting an application. 194 applications have already been approved amounting to €3.48 million supporting a total of 325 measures. All nine measures available are represented within this package of applications which is a good indicator of interest in the overall suite of technologies provided.
The BEUS is critical to supporting a higher rate of commercial building retrofit and has significantly contributed to a doubling of the number of commercial building retrofits and heat pumps supported between 2024 and 2025.
A county breakdown, with number of businesses per county, is in the table at the link below. Specific detail around the business size is not available. However, the building type and floor area associated with measures have been provided, which will give some indication in this regard. The first requests for payment under scheme were processed at the end of 2025, and the associated projects have been detailed separately for information.
371. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the amount of funding the State received from the European just transition fund in 2025; and the sectors that have received funding from this fund during 2025, in tabular form. [1266/26]
View answerIreland’s EU JTF Programme represents a total commitment of €169m to the Just Transition process in the Midlands designated territory (as approved by the European Commission). The amount of funding provided to the Programme from the EU Just Transition Fund 2021-2027 has been set at €84.5m. This funding will be available until 2027, in line with the EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework for 2021 to 2027. As a co-financed programme, the EU funding is matched by national funding provided by the Exchequer.
All expenditure under the Programme is initially funded by the Exchequer, with the EU contribution reimbursed in line with incurred expenditure, in accordance with EU rules.
The total funding received by the State from the European Commission under the EU Just Transition Fund 2021-2027 in 2025 was just over €422,000. This funding, in the form of 0.5% prefinancing, was provided under Article 90 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060.
Over €48 million was provided to sectors, for projects under grant agreement, from January to November 2025. The breakdown of this funding is set out at the link below. The data in relation to December is being compiled by the Managing Authority for the Programme (Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly) and will be available shortly.
372. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to report on the new grants to homeowners to break up retrofitting costs; when these grants will be made available; if they will be tiered based on income; the way in which he will ensure that those on medium to lower incomes can access these grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1284/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to ramping up the achievement of retrofit targets through continued delivery of the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes, including revising and improving the provision of grants and financing models for homeowners who wish to retrofit; enhancing energy efficiency and reducing costs; as well as the supporting group retrofitting projects and area-based approaches to retrofitting.
The commitments in the Programme for Government are framing the work underway by my Department in continued delivery and development of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) residential and community energy upgrade schemes. Increasing the uptake of energy efficiency upgrades and measures among homeowners is a key priority for my Department.
Budget 2026 has provided record funding of €558 million for the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes this year. This is an increase of €89 million on the Budget 2025 allocation. This funding is being further supplemented with additional monies, such as an allocation from the European Regional Development Fund, which will provide for an increase in the allocation for the Warmer Home Scheme. These allocations are published as part of the Revised Estimates Volume.
I am giving consideration to existing grant schemes to ensure that these schemes operate as effectively as possible.
374. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps he is taking to react to the Climate Change Advisory Council's criticisms of the sectoral adaptation plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1316/26]
View answerI welcome the views of the Climate Change Advisory Council on the recently published Sectoral Adaptation Plans (SAPs). As a statutory consultee on climate change adaptation policy, the CCAC assisted and supported my Department in the preparation of the SAPs. My Department, Local Authorities and the EPA were also represented on all SAP development teams. Sectoral Ministers and their Departments are responsible for preparing the SAP(s) under their remit.
The 10 SAPs, covering 13 key sectors, developed under the 2024 National Adaptation Framework, contain measurable actions to improve the resilience of those sectors over the next five years. The SAPs were developed under Guidelines published by my Department and were informed by the National Climate Change Risk Assessment and Met Éireann standardised climate data.
Sectoral Ministers and their Departments are also responsible for implementing the SAP(s) under their remit, with funding from their Departmental Vote. To address weaknesses exposed by Storms Darragh and Éowyn, SAPs including Electricity and Gas Networks, Communications, and Flood Management contain actions to improve resilience to such extreme weather events to safeguard our infrastructure, communities, and businesses. While the identification of appropriate outcome indicators for adaptation actions remains challenging at international, EU and national levels, the SAPs do include progress indicators.
The SAPs will be implemented in conjunction with the revised National Planning Framework, Local Authority Climate Action Plans and other policy measures aiming to mainstream climate action (mitigation and adaptation) across national, regional, and local levels.
A new high-level Adaptation Taskforce will monitor the delivery of actions and address cross-cutting issues and risk ownership in a holistic way. The Taskforce will report into the Climate Action Programme and Delivery Board which I now chair. This will help address the CCAC’s concerns around high-level support for the governance mechanism. A key input for the work of the Taskforce will be recommendations provided by the CCAC.
More specific concerns related to individual SAPs and specific actions can be submitted to relevant Sectoral Ministers.
375. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the carbon budget process; if an independent peer review will take place as recommended by the Oireachtas committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1364/26]
View answerAs the first carbon budget period comes to an end, it is important to recognise the progress made by the Irish people, communities and businesses in lowering emissions and the plans and funding in place to support Ireland's continuing transition to an energy self-sufficient carbon neutral thriving economy and society over the next decades.
Ireland now has the lowest level of GHG emissions in 35 years, despite the concurrent unprecedented 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. Ireland has made significant progress and we will achieve even more through an increased focus on the accelerated delivery of energy, heat, transport and other key infrastructure over the next decade (backed by an unprecedented €275bn total public investment as set out in the National Development Plan).
The proposal for the second carbon budget programme was submitted by the Climate Change Advisory Council at the end of 2024. Due to the concurrent timing of the general election and subsequent timelines for the formation of Oireachtas committees the consideration of the proposal was significantly delayed, with the Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee received in October last.
The carbon budget proposals have very significant implications for our economy and society and therefore require careful consideration by myself as Minister, taking the JOC Report and public consultation into account as is required by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act. The proposals also need to be considered in the context of ensuring that affordability, competitiveness and energy security are paramount, particularly, given the fast paced evolving international geo-political landscape.
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Energy and the Environment conducted an in-depth review of the proposal. The Committee’s engagement, and the contributions of the many experts who appeared before it, has been an important part of the technical and democratic oversight envisaged under the Act.
The Report published by the Committee in October 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 and are not merely limited to the recommendation relating to a peer review of the proposal itself.
Further work is underway to ensure that the next carbon budget programme is ambitious, feasible, and aligns with national priorities and our international commitments to continue Ireland’s transition to a climate neutral economy and protects our international competitiveness.
As a part of this work, I am engaging with the Climate Change Advisory Council on the next steps to take with respect to the carbon budget programme as proposed, including the recommendation of the JOC, and will bring forward proposals to Government once I have concluded my review.
I expect that this work will be completed in the first quarter of 2026. My priority remains the implementation of the extensive measures under the existing Climate Action Plans to bridge the gap to target by 2030 and ensure the optimum trajectory to 2040 and 2050.
376. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the engagements he has had with Eirgrid and ESB regarding housing connections; the number of new homes that will be connected to the grid in 2026; if he anticipates any capacity constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1378/26]
View answerThe 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, 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.
To support the system operators in their management of potential risks to the provision of grid connections to housing, I convened a group convening technical, policy and regulatory functions of ESB Networks, EirGrid, the CRU and my Department. This group met on several occasions in 2025 and I also met and engaged directly with the leadership of these organisations on several occasions. Assurance that connections will continue to be provided for housing in areas experiencing grid constraints has been provided by the Chairs of ESB and EirGrid following this process.
My Department does not hold the information sought on the other matters in the Question and in this instance the Deputy may wish to engage directly with ESB Networks and the CRU. ESB Networks and the CRU have respective contact email addresses for Deputies should they wish to raise matters of concern (oireachtas@esb.ie, oireachtas@cru.ie).
