Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
285. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reasons the sectoral emissions ceilings for the period 2026 to 2030 have not yet been finalised, notwithstanding the provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Amendment Act 2021; when these ceilings are expected to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9571/26]
View answer286. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department has assessed the impact of delays in finalising sectoral emissions ceilings on sectoral planning, infrastructure investment decisions and project delivery across the energy, transport and housing sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9572/26]
View answer287. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department has examined the implications of delayed sectoral emissions ceilings and delivery pathways for Ireland’s ability to meet its legally binding 2030 emissions reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9573/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 285, 286 and 287 together.
This Government is committed to delivering on Ireland’s responsibility to address the climate crisis and work remains ongoing across Government Departments to carry out climate mitigation efforts every day, and the rollout of retrofitting, renewable energy deployment, and more affordable electric vehicles continues at pace.
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.
We are making significant strides toward our target of 80% renewable energy by 2030 and we are now prioritising the development of offshore wind capacity. This Government has approved an unprecedented investment of €18.9 billion in Grid for the period 2026 – 2030 which is fundamental to the electrification of homes, businesses and transport. The 2025 ZEVI target for electrical vehicle sales of 195,000 was surpassed in October 2025 and I have just announced an unprecedented package of new and enhanced grants for homeowners across the country who are looking to benefit from home energy upgrades under the National Residential Retrofit Plan.
Following the process set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 (as amended), Sectoral Emissions Ceilings (SECs) for the periods 2021 to 2025 and 2026 to 2030 were agreed by Government on 28 July 2022 and have been published on the Government’s website. These SECs were developed on the basis of the first carbon budget programme.
Any revisions to the current SECs will need to be carried out in the context of the next carbon budget programme. The Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy has undertaken detailed scrutiny on the Climate Change Advisory Council’s proposals for this second carbon budget programme. Due to delays in the formation of new Oireachtas Committees in 2025, the work of the Joint Committee, and the delivery of its report, took place later than expected.
This Report, delivered in October of last year, outlines 38 comprehensive recommendations spanning multiple sectors including electricity, transport, just transition, buildings, and agriculture, extending beyond the proposals themselves.
The carbon budgets have very significant implications for our economy and society and, therefore, require careful consideration. They 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. I expect to bring forward proposals for same to Government shortly and will examine any necessary revisions to the SECs thereafter.
