Written Answers Nos. 231-257
231. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total number of buildings leased by his Department, or bodies or agencies under its aegis, during 2025; the total cumulative sum paid under these leases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14014/26]
View answerMy Department does not lease any property. All premises occupied by my officials are either State owned or leased by the OPW on behalf of the 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.
232. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on all Bills under his remit that were mentioned in the 2026 spring legislative programme. [14033/26]
View answerAn update on the Bills mentioned in the 2026 Spring Legislative Programme which are under the remit of my Department is set out in the attached table.
233. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an exhaustive list of flood related compensation, paid from his Department's vote allocations over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14094/26]
View answerMy Department has not provided flood related compensation from its Vote allocations in the past ten years.
234. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the body that sets the standards for public waste collection companies; if his Department has a role in regulating fees that companies charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14267/26]
View answerWaste collection permitting is a statutory function of local authorities under the Waste Management Act. The National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO) in Offaly County Council is the Nominated Authority responsible for the issuing of waste collection permits on behalf of all local authorities.
All waste collection companies are required to hold a waste collection permit in order to collect waste. A standard set of conditions are attached to the permits, which are available to view at nwcpo.ie, and include matters such as minimum frequency for collections, requirement to implement a charging system which incentivises source segregation of waste, a requirement to provide, at a minimum, a collection service for biowaste, recycling and residual waste, etc
Individual local authorities are responsible for the enforcement of waste legislation and the waste collection permit conditions. Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act, the Minister is precluded from exercising any power or control, in particular circumstance, over the statutory functions of a local authority.
The waste collection market is serviced by private companies, where the terms and conditions of contracts, including pricing plans, are a matter between those companies and their customer, subject to compliance with their waste collection permit and all applicable legislation, including contract and consumer legislation. The Department has no role in setting prices in a private market.
235. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the dates on which the National Energy Affordability Taskforce has met since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14289/26]
View answer236. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the dates on which the cross-Departmental group on energy poverty has met since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14290/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 236 together.
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce was established last June to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. Addressing energy poverty will be a key focus of the Taskforce.
Following the establishment of the Taskforce, I chaired three meetings of the group on 19 June 2025, 31 July 2025 and 3 October 2025. The next meeting of the Taskforce will take place next month. It is important to note that ongoing bilateral engagement and sectoral work to address energy affordability and energy poverty issues continues between formal meetings of the Taskforce. Minutes of the Taskforce meetings are available at www.gov.ie. The First Report of the Taskforce, published last November, set out measures for consideration in the Budget 2026 process.
The Taskforce builds on the work of the Energy Poverty Steering Group which was established in August 2022 and formally met 8 times. The dates of the meetings are set out in the table at the link below. Members of the group also engage on a bilateral basis. Two Stakeholder Forums were held. The Steering Group published a Report in May 2024 outlining progress under the various actions in the Energy Poverty Action Plan.
The work programme of the Taskforce will incorporate the work of the Energy Poverty Steering Group and examine how targeted schemes can best assist households in energy poverty, including consideration of supports for households struggling to meet their energy costs. 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 in Q3 2026.
237. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the transposition of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive into Irish law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14294/26]
View answerThe Recast Energy Efficiency Directive (EU 2023/1791) (EED) is a wide-ranging European directive which seeks to enhance energy efficiency across all EU Member States and forms a key part of the EU’s Fit for 55 Package. The Recast EED replaces the 2012 EED, as amended in 2018, which Ireland has previously fully transposed and fully implemented.
The new EED was finalised in October 2023, with a transposition deadline of 11 October 2025, and contains many new measures aimed at further enhancing energy efficiency across society. The Government has a very ambitious programme in place to enhance energy efficiency across all sectors of society, as a key part of the drive to decarbonise and achieve our climate targets. The Government is fully committed to implementing the EED and recognises the significant benefits arising from embracing energy efficiency for Irish society, including reduced costs to households, businesses and the Exchequer; increased competitiveness and job creation; reduced fossils fuel use and reduced carbon emissions; a reduction in energy poverty; improved health outcomes; and increased energy security.
The Government has invested heavily in promoting energy efficiency across all sectors, including through residential energy efficiency grants provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, investment in transport measures that promote energy efficiency through greater use of public transport, active travel and electric vehicles, and further measures in the industrial and commercial sectors. Significant progress has been made in enhancing energy efficiency to date.
The EED contains highly complex and technical requirements which have required careful consideration prior to their adoption into Irish law. In advance of the deadline for transposition of the EED, my Department notified the European Commission that the transposition and implementation of a small number of articles within the EED has already been completed. SI 683 of 2025, which I recently signed into law, transposes the elements of the Directive related to energy efficiency obligation scheme. In relation to the remaining articles that require transposition, a large volume of legislation is in the final stages of preparation and is expected to be ready in the near future. My Department is working to ensure the implementation of the remaining provisions as soon as possible.
238. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the amount of dedicated funding that will be provided to each local authority to monitor and enforce the smoky coal ban and any future solid fuel regulations as part of the Clean Air Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14312/26]
View answer239. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide an update on the forthcoming Clean Air Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14313/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 239 together.
The Programme for Government 2025 commits to continuing efforts to raise air quality standards, especially in urban areas, ensuring healthier environments for all.
Since the introduction of the new solid fuel regulations in 2022, over €1m has also been made available to Local Authorities to directly support action in improving air quality. In 2024 grant funding of €500,000 was made available to support local authorities through a pilot ‘solid fuels enforcement’ scheme. Furthermore, in 2025 another €500,000 was provided for a new pilot project to support local authorities with the highest levels of air pollution to begin to develop roadmaps to improve air quality in those areas.
Separately, proposed changes to the Air Pollution Act 1987 contained in the Air Pollution (Amendment) Bill 2025 will enhance enforcement provisions regarding the commercial sale of solid fuel. These changes will also better align enforcement powers with those already available to local authorities under other similar legislation. The legislation aims to underpin the delivery of Ireland’s Clean Air Strategy and to support continued improvement in air quality and public health.
240. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether defined monitoring methodologies and emergency activation protocols for acute wildfire smoke exposure have been established; the criteria under which such protocols are activated; and whether these arrangements have been reviewed or revised since the August 2025 wildfire in Ticknick Park in view of Directive 2008/50/EC. [14371/26]
View answerAmbient air quality in Ireland is recognised as among the best in Europe. While there is no safe level of air pollution, there are policies and legislation in place to ensure that we continue to strive to minimise the impact of air pollution on our citizens and on the environment.
Emergency management policy, including with regard to fires, does not fall under my direct remit as Minister, however details of the State framework for the approach to emergency management can be found[] here:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/emergency-management/#framework-for-major-emergency-management
Directive 2008/50/EC sets out the air quality standards that apply in Ireland and the other Member States for a wide variety of pollutants. The Directive includes provisions on how we should monitor, assess and manage ambient air quality. The competent authority for the monitoring and assessment of ambient air quality in accordance with Directive 2008/50/EC is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA works closely with local authorities to site, install, operate and maintain monitoring stations at locations around the country. Siting of the stations is managed by the EPA in alignment with the criteria set out under EU law. The public must be informed if the thresholds for sulphur dioxide or nitrogen dioxide are exceeded as set out in the Directive.
Health data is also provided to the public in the form of the Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH), which translates both monitored and modelled air quality to health advice and is available at airquality.ie. Under the Air Pollution Act, 1987, where it appears to a local authority that urgent measures are necessary to prevent or to limit air pollution affecting any part of their functional area or any adjoining area, the local authority may take such steps, carry out such operations or give such assistance as they consider necessary to prevent or to limit such pollution or to remedy the effects of any such pollution. Local authorities are independent in the exercise of their statutory functions under the Air Pollution Act, 1987.
241. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his private wires legislation will address the relevant legal issues associated with the use of private EV chargers for homes without driveways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14380/26]
View answer242. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department had any engagement with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the issue of EV charging for homes without driveways during the development of his private wires legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14382/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.
The Climate Action Plan target is for 30% of all private cars to be electric vehicles by 2030. However, a challenge has arisen around providing low-cost charging solutions for those without driveways, as this could potentially include the running of electricity lines in public or share spaces, such as a footpath, to enable charging. One of the four use cases under the Private Wires Policy Statement commits to resolving this legal query to allow for on street charging of electric vehicles.
Having received Cabinet approval for the private wires general scheme in December 2025, my Department has initiated the process of drafting the Private Wires Bill with a view to enactment later this year. Extensive engagement with key stakeholders such as ESBN, the CRU, ZEVI (Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland) and relevant Government Departments including the Department of Transport and the Department of Housing has taken place in the development of the Policy Statement and General Scheme. This will continue as part of developing the necessary legislation and supporting Expedited Delivery Plan.
Developing private wires legislation is a priority commitment for Government.
243. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide a list of all State agencies within his Department that allocate programme and project funding to section 39, section 56 and section 10 organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14385/26]
View answerThere are 11 State bodies under the aegis of my Department. The material sought in the Question would be a matter for the individual State bodies and the Deputy should therefore contact the bodies directly. A list of the bodies operating under the aegis of my Department and their dedicated contact email addresses is set out at the following link for the Deputy's information.
244. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the State agencies within his Department that have made provision for the pension auto enrolment payment as part of their allocation to funded organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14403/26]
View answerThe Agencies under the aegis of my Department are responsible for the pay, pensions and conditions of their staff.
Arrangements have been put in place by agencies to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost-effective system to address queries which are proper for the agency. The list of contact addresses for Agencies that receive pay allocation under the aegis of my Department is outlined below in tabular form.
Table 1: Agencies under the aegis of Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment which receive pay allocation.
|
Agency |
Email Address |
|
EPA |
oireachtasqueries@epa.ie |
|
IFI |
oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie |
|
Loughs Agency |
oireachtasqueries@loughs-agency.org |
|
MARA |
oireachtas@mara.gov.ie |
|
CRU |
oireachtas@cru.ie |
|
SEAI |
oireachtas@seai.ie |
245. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the timeline for implementing the disposable coffee cup levy; if an assessment of its effects on small businesses has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14543/26]
View answerLegislative powers are in place, through the Circular Economy Act 2022, to implement environmental levies on a range of singe-use products including single-use cups, single-use containers and other forms of single-use packaging.
In 2022, the Department commissioned a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) on the introduction of a levy on single-use cups and a public consultation on draft regulations was undertaken. It was envisaged at the time that a levy might be introduced in a similar way to the plastic bag levy (i.e. at the point of sale in a retail premises).
Following further engagement with the Revenue Commissioners, a different collection model, collecting the levy when cups are first placed on the market by producers or importers, was discussed. Such a revision would require an amendment of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022. The Department is working with the Revenue Commissioners on designing the provisions required to make this amendment.
Furthermore, in 2025, the Department commissioned an update to the RIA to explore the potential impacts of the revised collection model and any other policy measure to reduce single-use cup consumption effectively. That work is close to finalisation and will inform next policy steps.
Any future regulations will first be subject to a public consultation, and will include an SME test.
246. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the current waiting times for BER assessments associated with SEAI grants for County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14818/26]
View answerThe Warmer Homes Scheme 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.
The current wait time for BER assessments associated with SEAI grants is not routinely collated on a county-by-county basis. However, the breakdown of average waiting times nationally under the Warmer Homes Scheme in 2025 was as follows:
• Application to Pre-BER Published - 6.5 months
• Application to Survey Completed - 13.5 months
• Application to Contractor Allocation - 14.8 months
• Application to Works Completed - 22 months
• Application to post works BER/inspection is approximately 2 to 3 months after works completed
A range of measures have been introduced by my Department and the SEAI to improve waiting times and increase the number of homes upgraded. These include:-
• the allocation of additional staff to the Warmer Homes Scheme;
• a significantly increased budget allocation;
• active contract engagement and management by the SEAI to increase contractor output; as well as
• actions to address ongoing supply chain pressures.
Importantly, the SEAI are currently establishing a new €1.2 billion contractor panel to be in place in Q2 this year. This will support continued growth with a focus on scale, quality and output under the scheme.
To help maximise delivery and continue to improve waiting times, Budget 2026 provided record funding of €340 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme, with a target of 11,500 fully funded home upgrades for 2026.
My Department and the SEAI continue to keep waiting times under review, and to work to deliver energy upgrades to low-income households and reduce the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme as a priority.
247. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to confirm that there are sufficient staff in place to process applications for the new and expanded retrofitting measures; the expected timeframe from application to completion of a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14819/26]
View answerThe SEAI have enhanced their staffing levels to allow them to support the significant policy developments announced in recent years under the Climate Acton Plan and National Retrofit Plan. The increase in whole-time equivalents within the SEAI over the last 6 years is set out in the table below. SEAI have been allocated funding for 265 staff in 2026.
The administration and management of the schemes as well as the assignment of staff to particular work areas is an operational matter for the SEAI.
New measures are primarily related to Individual Grants (Better Energy Homes Scheme and Solar PV) which are demand-led schemes which require homeowners to procure their own contractor following grant approval from SEAI (this approval process is instantaneous once all requirements for the SEAI grant application portal are met by applicants). Works must be completed within an 8-month period, starting from the date of grant approval.
Detail on the actual average time taken from application to grant payment within this scheme are an operational matter for the SEAI.
The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members, including wait time for schemes and projects, so that such queries can be addressed promptly and in line with the SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
SEAI Staff Numbers - End of Year
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Whole Time Equivalents at year end. |
93 |
125 |
170 |
227 |
245 |
255 |
249. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is concerned that public capital investment in the electrical grid under NDP will be largely absorbed by data centre expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11096/26]
View answerInvesting in and ensuring a fit for purpose electricity grid is a priority for Government and that is why, as part of the update to the NDP, Government approved a €3.5 billion investment in Ireland’s electricity infrastructure across 2026-2030.
€1.5 billion was transferred to ESB Networks in December 2025 to support investment in the onshore electricity grid. A further €2 billion will be allocated to EirGrid to support the financing of its offshore electricity grid investment plan. The Government equity investment will support Price Review 6, the integration of renewables and help to reinforce vital energy infrastructure against the effects of extreme weather events, thus enhancing the country’s energy security.
Price Review 6 sets out the up to €18.9 billion investment to be undertaken by EirGrid and ESB Networks in our electricity system over the coming 5 years and was published by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, the independent regulator, in December 2025. Price Review 6 will deliver for our citizens and economy, not just one sector.
The five-year investment package under Price Review 6 will ensure the delivery of unprecedented investment in Ireland’s electricity grid by EirGrid and ESB Networks. This investment will enable the delivery of major upgrades and developments to the electricity network, facilitating housing growth, heat and transport electrification, while driving industrial and economic growth in Ireland.
Price Review 6 will pave the way for the integration into the electricity grid of critical largescale national projects across the NDP portfolio and provide the building blocks upon which further investment will take place in the electricity grid and our economy post 2030.
250. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has conducted any analysis on the impact of the proposed changes to sustainability through the amalgamation of EU Life funding into European Competitiveness funding; if he will commit to any funding shortfalls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6871/26]
View answerA review of the LIFE Programme in Ireland is expected to commence later this year and officials from my Department will review the findings of the report. Officials are also closely monitoring the ongoing negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034. Any recommendations that may arise from the report will have to take into consideration the outcome of the MFF negotiations and all, or any changes, made to the LIFE Programme.
I can confirm that all projects approved under the current LIFE Programme (2021–2027) are fully contracted and will continue to be centrally managed and financially supported by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) until their completion regardless of the final shape of the next MFF.
Therefore, I am advised that there is no risk to existing Irish projects, or any potential Irish applicants in the 2026 and 2027 call, of a funding shortfall.
251. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the engagement he has had with electricity companies on the cost of electricity for Irish consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3927/26]
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. 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, network costs, 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.
As Minister, I meet with a range of stakeholders on important topics including energy prices. In this regard, I can confirm that I have met with both the CRU, which is assigned consumer protection functions under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act, and energy supply companies since being appointed as Minister.
On 26 September 2025, I met with the four largest energy suppliers in Ireland: Electric Ireland, Bord Gáis, SSE Airtricity, and Energia. In addition to these meetings, my officials meet with suppliers on a regular basis and a key message to them is the critical importance of energy affordability.
Following engagement with suppliers, I received confirmation that hardship funds for those struggling to meet their energy costs will be made available to households this Winter. The hardship funds operate in different ways from supplier to supplier. I would, therefore, encourage customers that are experiencing difficulties paying their bills to engage with their suppliers. This is in addition to the existing sources of support, such as the Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits Package and Additional Needs Payment Scheme operated by the Department of Social Protection.
The CRU has also published enhanced customer protection measures for Winter 2025/2026. Some of the key customer protection measures that will remain in place include:
• a disconnection moratorium for reasons of non-payment of account for special services registered vulnerable customers will remain in place from 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026, while the moratorium for priority services registered customers will remain in place all year;
• suppliers are required to ensure that all customers with a financial hardship meter are placed on the most economic or cheapest tariff. This includes a tariff that might otherwise only be available to, for example, a new customer or a customer as a retention offer; and
• promotion by energy suppliers of the vulnerable customer register.
I would also highlight that customers engaging with their supplier will not be disconnected.
In June 2025, my Department established a National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, operating within the broader policy context set by the Programme for Government. The First Report of the Taskforce which set out measures for consideration in the Budget 2026 process is available on gov.ie.
The Taskforce will now proceed with further work to develop an Energy Affordability Action Plan, including a programme of public consultation and stakeholder engagement. The Action Plan will be published later this year.
252. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps he has taken by the ESB to ensure greater supply resilience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3926/26]
View answerThe Government is taking steps with immediate and medium term impacts to improve the resilience of critical energy networks.
Significant investment in the electricity grid which supports overall resilience is ongoing. In December the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published Price Review 6 (PR6) which sanctions investment in the grid to 2030. The CRU have proposed approval of an investment of up to €18.9 billion, with a €13.8 billion baseline investment guaranteed.
Under the 2024 National Adaptation Framework, a new suite of Sectoral Adaptation Plans (SAPs) across 13 key sectors, including electricity and gas networks, were approved and published by Government in November 2025.
The Electricity and Gas Networks Sectoral Adaptation Plan (EGN SAP) aims to enhance the future resilience of the energy sector to the long-term impacts of climate change. The plan will ensure the energy sector can effectively manage risks and maintain service continuity into the future.
253. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 4 of 11 February 2026, the estimated annual proceeds from the sale of recyclable plastics by Re-Turn for 2024 and 2025; and to outline where these proceeds go. [14843/26]
View answerRe-turn is responsible for all operational matters relating to the deposit return scheme, including sale of recyclate. 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: www.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. The report indicates that income from the sale of material in 2024 was €17.2 million. 2025 figures are not yet available but will be published in Re-turn's 2025 annual report which is due mid-year.
Regulation 4 of the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2024 (S.I No. 33 of 2024) provides for how the scheme's operating costs are to be recouped. This includes revenue derived from the sale of returned in-scope bottles and containers.
254. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has undertaken any research into the environmental impact of industrial scale seaweed harvesting on the environment, in particular on the pace of coastal erosion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14910/26]
View answerMy Department has not undertaken any research into the environmental impact of industrial scale seaweed harvesting.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has been assigned the lead co-ordination role and is responsible for chairing an Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management, tasked with implementing recommendations approved by Government. My Department is represented on that Group.
The OPW has been designated by Government as the national lead coordinating body for the assessment of coastal change hazards and risks and the assessment of technical options and constraints.
255. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the maximum fine administered for breaches under the Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 529 of 2022); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14918/26]
View answer256. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the level of enforcement notices and prosecutions as reported to the agency by local authorities in each of the years 2019 to 2025, and to date in 2026 under the updated solid fuel regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14919/26]
View answer257. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the level of enforcement notices and prosecutions as reported to the agency by local authorities in each of the years 2020 to 2025, and to date in 2026 under the updated solid fuel regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14921/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 255, 256 and 257 together.
My Department does not enforce air pollution legislation. It sets the policy and legislative framework within which environmental regulators, such as the EPA and local authorities, operate. My Department does not hold statistics on prosecutions taken by local authorities under the Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022.
Details of Local Authority environmental enforcement are available from the series of Local Authority Environmental Performance Assessment reports compiled by the EPA. These reports can be accessed at: Compliance & Enforcement: Public Authorities Publications | Environmental Protection Agency.
