Written Answers Nos. 168-187
168. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the actions his Department is promoting or funding to support sustainable and ethical fashion, including incentives for repair, reuse and recycling of clothing, regulatory proposals for extended producer responsibility for textiles, and public awareness measures to reduce overconsumption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14237/26]
View answerNext month, I intend to publish Ireland's first National Policy Statement and Roadmap on Circular Textiles (the Policy Statement). The Policy Statement contains wide-ranging actions, and includes supporting the implementation of the Eco-Design for Sustainable Products Regulation led by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Textiles is a priority product under this Regulation and the European Commission has already started work on secondary legislation to promote a sustainable fashion industry. The proposed Policy Statement contains actions to assist in the prevention and management of textile waste alongside measures to explore incentives for repair, reuse and recycling.
The revised Waste Framework Directive with respect to textiles entered into force in October last year. This Directive provides for an Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme (EPR) for textiles. Plans to create an EPR for textiles will support textile collection, sorting, repair, reuse and recycling while incentivising the use of sustainable fibres and sustainable business models.
Under this new law, Ireland will be required to transpose the Directive by June next year and have an EPR scheme for textiles in place by April 2028. My Department has begun work on drafting the necessary regulations and is working on an EPR Delivery Plan for stakeholder consultation this year.
The Department is also developing public awareness measures to reduce overconsumption. In 2024 and 2025 we ran a national digital and social media campaign 'Reverse the Trend' targeting young buyers of fast fashion. Its objective is to raise awareness of the impact of fast fashion to encourage the purchase of fewer new clothes, and wearing well through re-use, repair, swapping and sharing to minimise textile waste. The campaign will run again this year. The Department also funds the Re-love Fashion competition which runs in secondary schools and youth groups across Ireland with similar messages.
169. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the CRU analysis of the characteristics of domestic electricity and gas arrears and when said analysis will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14066/26]
View answerRegulation of retail energy markets is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) since the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and subsequent legislation. However, officials from my Department correspond with CRU on an ongoing basis to track developments in retail and wholesale energy markets.
The CRU regularly provides market monitoring data to my Department, including data on estimated annual bills for households; the number of households in payment arrears on their electricity and gas bills; the number of disconnections; and the number of customers switching energy supplier.
The CRU is currently reviewing its market monitoring framework through which suppliers provide monthly data which feeds into CRU's published reports and policy. The review of the framework aims to provide more granular information to gain a better understanding of the numbers of customers who may be in more distress and in need of support with their debt. This work is expected to be completed in the coming months.
The Deputy may wish to engage directly with the CRU in relation to the matters raised. The CRU provides a dedicated email address, oireachtas@cru.ie, for Oireachtas members which enables them to raise questions on general energy regulatory matters.
170. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the expansion of the vulnerable customer definition and whether said expansion will include financial vulnerability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14068/26]
View answer185. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the ESB has looked at its vulnerable customers register since Storm Éowyn in January 2025, and the lessons learned to improve same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14239/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 185 together.
Storm Éowyn was among the most severe weather events to impact Ireland in recent decades, causing extensive damage to electricity infrastructure nationally. Throughout and following the storm, I engaged with ESB Networks regarding the response to the damage caused and building further resilience into the electricity network.
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) sets out the minimum service requirements, including customer protection measures, that energy suppliers must adhere to in the CRU Supplier Handbook. These rules are in place to ensure that customers experience a high standard of protection when interacting with energy suppliers. A Code of Practice on Vulnerable Customers is also in place.
The definition of Vulnerable Customers is set out in Regulation 2 of Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 463/2011. Under this Regulation, energy suppliers must establish and maintain:
• a Priority Services Register of customers critically dependent on electrically powered equipment, which shall include but is not limited to life protecting devices, assistive technologies to support independent living and medical equipment; and
• a Special Services Register of customers particularly vulnerable to disconnection during Winter months for reasons of advanced age or physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health.
Current best practice as conducted by suppliers allows customers to self-register as ‘priority vulnerable’ (those customers dependent on life protective equipment), or ‘special-services vulnerable’ (those customers who require additional protection from being unduly affected during the Winter months). A supplier may require a customer to demonstrate eligibility for inclusion on their register which may necessitate the provision of medical confirmation of vulnerability.
Each year, the CRU carries out a review on the effectiveness of customer protection measures over the past winter, as well as deciding the measures to be retained for the forthcoming winter. The Review for 2025/2026 was published in September of last year. This document set out the range of customer protections in place for this winter. As part of these protections, energy suppliers must send a reminder to all domestic customers, including pay as you go customers, about the eligibility criteria, how to apply and the benefits of registering as a vulnerable customer.
The number of registered vulnerable customers has increased significantly in recent years. As of December 2025, a total of 115,130 vulnerable customers were registered, with 35,232 registered on the Priority Services Register and 79,898 customers registered on the Special Services Register.
171. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the recent changes to the warmer homes scheme in terms of attic and cavity insulation. [14523/26]
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.
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.
In January, Government published a National Residential Retrofit Plan, including an enhanced set of measures to increase the delivery of home energy upgrades. The Plan, with its new and enhanced set of measures, will continue to make home energy upgrades more accessible and affordable making it easier for homeowners to undertake deep retrofits on a phased basis as suits their budgets.
While there have been no direct changes to the Warmer Homes Scheme in terms of attic and cavity insulation, a new, higher fixed-amount grant for attic insulation and cavity wall insulation will be introduced under the Better Energy Homes Scheme for homeowners who are on qualifying Department of Social Protection payments. The fixed grant amount is based on 100% of the median 2024 cost of attic and cavity wall insulation works. This will allow qualifying homeowners at risk of energy poverty to get these works done using their own SEAI-registered contractor in a shorter timeframe. Eligible applicants can keep their place on the Warmer Homes Scheme waiting list while carrying out these works.
This grant is separate to the Warmer Homes Scheme and while applicants who are eligible for the Warmer Homes Scheme are eligible for this grant, it will not in any way affect their place on the Warmer Homes Scheme waiting list.
Further details on how to apply for this grant will be available at the beginning of March.
172. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his assessment of whether the development of an LNG reserve in Clare contravenes the State's climate obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14771/26]
View answerIn March of last year, I received Government approval to develop a State-led strategic gas emergency reserve. The delivery of a temporary gas reserve is critical to Ireland's energy security as we transition to indigenous, clean renewable energy. Crucially, the strategic gas emergency reserve will also ensure compliance with EU standards and regulations.
The State-led, temporary nature of the reserve ensures that the risk of stranded fossil fuel assets is reduced, that the reserve will be used for emergency use only, and that it does not support increased gas demand with a view to minimising impacts on greenhouse gas emissions. Government remains committed to taking decisive action to radically reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and has greatly boosted the share of renewables in our increasingly electrified energy system. This, however, means greater reliance on gas to provide sufficient flexibility and backup for secure electricity supplies at times of low renewable output.
My Department is developing the appropriate policy and legislative measures to ensure that the strategic reserve provides resilience to our energy system in a manner that is compatible with Ireland's legally binding 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, as outlined in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021.
173. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the current policy position of his Department on the use of plug-in solar PV systems in apartments and rented homes; whether his Department has engaged with the CRU and ESB Networks regarding the regulatory and safety requirements that apply where such systems export electricity to the grid, including the role of the Low Carbon Technology Register; whether guidance or policy changes are under consideration to facilitate compliant use by apartment residents, including tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14829/26]
View answer248. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department has examined the public expenditure, regulatory and insurance implications of enabling the wider use of plug-in solar balcony solar by apartment residents; if cross-departmental work is underway to support policy changes in this area; whether potential grant or incentive schemes have been considered in line with models operating in other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11580/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 248 together.
On 9 January 2026, the European Commission published a guidance note on the promotion of innovative technologies and forms of renewable energy deployment, including a section on plug-in mini solar systems.
Officials from my Department have engaged with stakeholders on the optional provisions in the New Electricity Market Design Directive (2024/1711), including the provision relating to plug-in mini solar systems, through an online consultation that ran from September to October 2024. Broadly speaking, responses to the optional provision to promote plug-in mini solar systems were negative. Concerns arose where such mini systems could be purchased and installed but do not meet the required manufacturing, installation, or operational standards. This was also noted in the European Commission Guidance Note (C/2026/17) on innovative technologies and forms of renewable energy deployment. It was noted that substandard systems might result in an elevated risk to health, safety, and the operation of the distribution network.
Current microgen supports are predicated on minimum safety and quality standards being adhered to, via a code of practice for such installations, including very clear electrical wiring standards. Plug-in mini solar systems by their very nature are portable, so it is difficult to predict how, and in what circumstances, they would be used. Some form of regulation may be needed were plug-in mini solar to be promoted.
In light of the potential safety and other issues arising, further consideration of this matter with relevant Agencies and Regulators, including with ESB Networks in its role as the system operator, is required.
174. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures being taken to increase applications for the SEAI solar PV grant in counties where there has been a notably lower uptake, such as Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14630/26]
View answerThe Domestic Solar PV Grant Scheme has gone from strength to strength since its launch and has successfully supported over 100,000 homes since 2018.
Since 2021, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has led annual marketing and communications campaigns for home energy upgrade grants comprising a combination of broad-based national awareness promoting the benefits of home energy upgrades and more focussed tactical campaigns targeting either specific audiences or technologies/grants, in particular heat pumps but including solar PV. A new, more substantial campaign began in September 2025 and this campaign is ongoing and will continue through 2026. The purpose is to:
• increase homeowners' awareness of home energy upgrade benefits, including solar, and their willingness to upgrade;
• increase demand to all home retrofitting programmes – One Stop Shops and individual measures through the Better Energy Homes; and
• explain retrofitting process for homeowners.
The campaign included:
• national and regional advertising across TV, radio, print, cinema, out-door, social and digital;
• new and revised home energy upgrade content on the SEAI website;
• a mix of static, animated and video always-on content across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok;
• brochures, video case studies, and infographics to explain technologies, highlight benefits, and tackle misconceptions;
• national and regional events, including at the Ideal Homes and National Ploughing Championships;
• launch of a new 10-part podcast called House Warming featuring numerous influencers;
• sponsorship of Heat My Home, a new 6-part RTE home energy upgrade series which aired last Autumn; and
• co-ordination of supply chain marketing and mobilisation of contractors to get qualified and register.
The early headline indicators relative to key metrics for campaign include:
• awareness of home energy grants from the SEAI rose from 68% to 75% among homeowners according to the SEAI’s annual benchmark omnibus survey (respondents surveyed in December); and
• several One Stop Shops have reported a marked increase in interest in home energy upgrades since the commencement of the campaign.
In 2025, over 33,000 homes benefitted from solar PV representing a 16% increase on 2024 figures with a capital spend of €65m in 2025.
The percentage of total applications received since 2024 to the end of 2025, which relate to County Carlow, is in line with the expected proportion, based on the percentage of national population for County Carlow [Census 2022].
The SEAI have undertaken to examine if there is additional data on uptake in solar PV in areas with a lower historic uptake rate.
175. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total number of applicants for the warner homes scheme; the current average wait time from application date to completion of works; and to also outline these figures specifically for the Cork region. [14628/26]
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 average waiting time under the Warmer Homes Scheme, from application to completion of upgrade works, in 2025 was 22 months.
The breakdown of average waiting times under the 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
This represents a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022. In parallel with this decrease in the average waiting time, the number of homes upgraded in a year has almost doubled over the same period, increasing from over 4,200 in 2022 to over 8,100 in 2025.
The reduction in waiting times and increase in number of homes upgraded follows a range of measures introduced by my Department and the SEAI. 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.
The current average wait time from application date to completion of works is not routinely collated on a county-by-county basis. The number of homes on the waiting list in County Cork for the Warmer Homes Scheme as at the end of 2025 was 2,238. This includes homes that: are currently undergoing works; have been allocated to contractors for works; have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor; or are awaiting the initial survey of their home.
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.
176. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the Government plans to develop a single, integrated national energy strategy; if he will address existing frameworks such as the National Energy and Climate Plan, the Climate Action Plan, and the National Energy Demand Strategy addressing a cohesive long-term roadmap for energy security, renewable generation, grid development and storage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12387/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government and current energy policy are focused on implementation and delivery, all in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase renewable energy generation, improve energy efficiency and ensure our energy security in the short and long term.
As part of ensuring our energy policy is robust, my Department engaged the International Energy Agency (IEA) in 2024 to undertake a holistic energy security study for Ireland in the context of recommendations in the:
- McCarthy Review of Electricity Security of Supply,
- the 2024 IEA policy Review of Ireland ; and
- my Department’s Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 report.
In December 2025, I welcomed the publication of the IEA report 'Powering Ireland's Energy Future'. The report takes into account those aspects of our energy system mentioned in the Question: energy security, renewable generation, grid development and storage, as well as many others and provides an assessment of Ireland's Energy Security to 2035. The report and the associated independent technical assessment of the role of the power sector in achieving Ireland's policy objectives of decarbonisation and energy security will serve as a starting point for a cross-government programme of work during 2026 to consult on the role of the energy sector in delivering security, competitiveness, and sustainability across Irish society into the 2030s.
Furthermore, one of the core recommendations of the report is to develop a cross sectoral and unified energy security strategy. An Energy Strategy Section has been created in my Department to lead on the development of such a strategy and as part of developing the strategy, engagement with stakeholders and with existing frameworks, such as those mentioned by the Deputy will take place.
177. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the commitment to have at least 2 GW of new, flexible, gas-fired generation; the progress in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14757/26]
View answerThe Government has set a target of having at least 2GW of new flexible gas-fired generation by 2030 in our Climate Action Plans to ensure secure generation of electricity at times of low renewable output and/or high demand. The CRU, EirGrid and my Department are supporting the ongoing delivery of this 2GW of new flexible generation capacity through capacity market auctions.
The operation of the capacity market auctions is undertaken by the Single Electricity Market Operator under the oversight of the Single Electricity Market Committee (SEM-C). The CRU is part of the Single Electricity Market Committee, which decides on the volumes to be procured in the capacity market, in what regions of the all-island grid, and the resulting costs.
As such the majority of the Deputy's query should be directed to the CRU as Ireland's representatives on the SEM-C in the first instance. The CRU is an independent statutory regulator and is accountable for the performance of its functions to a Committee of the Oireachtas . The CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters, such as the matter raised in this Question, to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
EirGrid’s All Ireland Resource Adequacy Assessment 2025-2034 report sets out a risk adjusted view in Table 5.1 around new conventional generation capacity. In this table, it sets out that 2.43GW of new capacity has been procured and it forecasts that 1.64GW of this capacity will deliver by 2028. Due to the freeze date for the AIRAA 2025-2034 report, results from the 2028/2029 T-4 capacity auction, in which 560 MW of new de-rated capacity was successfully awarded in Ireland, which includes 262MW of gas fired capacity, is not included in this adequacy assessment.
The SEM-C will continue to procure additional dispatchable capacity through capacity market auctions to meet forecasted demand from the all-island system as required, to ensure system security.
178. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures he is taking to support families to move away from solid fuels for home heating but who cannot afford or whose home is not suitable for heat pump installation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14758/26]
View answer179. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to outline the improvements in household energy saving grants in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14827/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 179 together.
My Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to support homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their dwellings. These include SEAI part-funded schemes which offer grants for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades, as well as fully-funded energy upgrades for people at risk of energy poverty through the fully-funded Warmer Homes Scheme.
The SEAI domestic retrofit programmes are available to all households, including those reliant on solid fuel for heating, to support the fabric upgrade of buildings (e.g. insulation), as well as solar PV and heat pump installation.
Under the Warmer Homes Scheme, the upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, the SEAI’s technical surveyor determines which upgrades can be installed and funded.
Following Government approval last month, I have published a National Residential Retrofit Plan including an enhanced set of measures to increase the delivery of home energy upgrades.
The National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026 will continue to make home energy upgrades more accessible and affordable making it easier for homeowners to undertake deep retrofits on a phased basis as suits their budgets. The new measures announced include new and enhanced attic and cavity wall insulation grants, an enhanced heat pump system grant, as well as grants for windows and doors. The new recently announced Heat Pump System Grant will reduce the costs associated with a whole house heating system upgrade. The new maximum grant of €12,500 encompasses the existing maximum of €6,500 for the heat pump, €2,000 for upgrading radiators and pipework and a new renewable heating bonus of €4,000.
My Department and the SEAI will 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.
180. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment in view of the EPA's 2025 projection that Ireland is likely to miss its 2030 emission reduction targets, the specific, accelerated measures his Department is implementing in 2026 to bridge the gap between projected emissions and the legally binding 51% reduction target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14425/26]
View answerAs set out in the Programme for Government, this Government is committed to delivering on Ireland’s responsibility to address the climate crisis. 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. Specifically:-
• My Department is continuing to accelerate the delivery of key policy measures. We are making significant strides toward our target of 80% renewable energy by 2030, hitting important milestones of 5GW of installed onshore wind capacity and over 2GW of installed solar capacity.
• We are also prioritising the development of offshore wind capacity, with myself and the Taoiseach recently announcing the creation of the establishment of an Offshore Wind Energy Clearing House to address identified impediments to the timely delivery of a vibrant offshore renewable energy sector.
• The development of the National DMAP is currently on track with extensive stakeholder consultation planned through 2026-2027. The ORESS Tonn Nua offshore wind auction was successfully concluded last November, and this project will deliver enough clean electricity to power one million homes. The maritime area consent process will complete for this site this year.
• 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.
• In January this year I 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.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) most recent emissions reporting (May 2025) 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.
The latest EPA projections report also highlights that meeting Ireland's overall 2030 target will be challenging but it is worth noting, however, that the EPA's projections are updated annually in light of delivery progress and emerging data. As an example of the dynamic nature of these projections, the EPA's projected exceedance of the first carbon budget (2020-2025) has reduced significantly over the last two years. The report released in 2023 projected a significant exceedance of between 12% and 15% under the WAM and WEM scenarios respectively. In contrast, their latest report released in 2025 projected a marginal exceedance of the first carbon budget of between 2.7% and 4%, showing the effect of our efforts in the interim period.
The definitive assessment of Ireland's performance against the 2030 target will be made when the EPA produces its emissions inventory following the conclusion of the second carbon budget period in 2031.
In line with our Programme for Government commitment, enhanced implementation governance arrangements to drive and support accelerated climate action delivery have been put in place over 2025 to streamline structures, ensure key strategic projects are supported and that corrective action is taken quickly where delivery is at risk.
The Climate Action Delivery Board (CADB), which I now chair, and the Climate Action Programme Board (CAPPB) now provide co-ordinated oversight and strategic direction on the delivery of the Climate Action Plan measures and actions and provide oversight and support to delivery taskforces in delivering their work programmes throughout 2026. It is through these structures we will continue to focus on closing the gap to reach our 2030 targets and identify further measures, actions and interventions.
181. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the proportion of the 2030 target for the delivery of offshore wind that will be delivered by end of this decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14621/26]
View answerGovernment is committed to having 5 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity in development by 2030, with a longer-range target of 20 gigawatts by 2040.
Five offshore wind projects off our East coast, with planned capacity of 3.8 gigawatts, are at present in development, with the first planning determinations anticipated by the end of 2026. I anticipate that these projects will be in construction by 2030 and operational by 2031/32.
Separately, in December 2025, I announced that a consortium of ESB and Orsted had won my Department’s second offshore wind auction and will be developing a 900 megawatt project off the coast of Waterford. I expect this project to be energised by 2033. This project was the first of four to be brought to auction from the South Coast DMAP. The South Coast DMAP was designated by the Oireachtas in October 2024 for offshore wind development off the coasts of Cork, Waterford and Wexford.
I am currently developing proposals for an auction of the second site within the South Coast DMAP, known as Lí Ban, with potential capacity of between 900 and 1,500 MW. My Department is working closely with Eirgrid to develop grid connection options and is separately commissioning surveys of the Lí Ban site to inform the auction. I will make a formal announcement in the coming months but I expect the auction for this site to take place in 2027.
My Department is also preparing plans for sites C and D within the South Coast DMAP and advancing the National DMAP in order to meet our 2040 targets.
182. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of offshore wind turbines that are functional at present; if he will provide the most up to date figure for operational offshore wind capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14301/26]
View answerFive offshore wind projects off our East coast, with planned capacity of 3.8 gigawatts, are at present in development, with the first planning determinations anticipated by the end of 2026. Subject to approval, I anticipate that these projects will be in construction by 2030 and operational by 2031/32.
In December 2025, I announced that a consortium of ESB and Orsted had won my Department’s second offshore wind auction and will be developing a 900 megawatt project off the coast of Waterford. I expect this project to be energised by 2033. This project was the first of four to be brought to auction from the South Coast DMAP.
I am currently developing proposals for an auction for the second South Coast DMAP site, known as Lí Ban, with potential capacity between 900 and 1,500 MW. My Department is working closely with Eirgrid to develop grid connection options and is separately commissioning surveys of the Lí Ban site to inform the auction. I will make a formal announcement in the coming months but I expect the auction to take place in 2027.
My Department is also preparing plans for sites C and D within the South Coast DMAP and advancing the National DMAP in order to meet our 2040 targets.
183. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding any assessment of the pilot project in Killarney related to the use of single use coffee cups; the lessons that can be learned from it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13791/26]
View answerFollowing the initiation of the Killarney Cup Project, the Department engaged the Munster Technological University (MTU) to conduct a study on the project which would examine how community-led reusable cup systems can operate most effectively. The study resulted in a Project Information Kit designed to support other towns and communities across Ireland seeking to replicate this initiative. This toolkit can be found at on the Local Authority Prevention Network website and has been shared with all Local Authorities as starting point for future similar initiatives: localprevention.ie/topics/rethinking-single-use/
In July, 2025, I met with representatives of the Killarney Coffee Cup Project to hear about their project and the opportunities and challenges they encountered in operating the scheme.
The Department continues to monitor the progress and outcomes of community-led initiatives, which support our wider efforts to promote sustainable consumption and reduce reliance on single-use products.
184. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the lessons which have been learned relating to grid resilience from recent storm events, such as storm Chandra; the initiatives being introduced to try to mitigate the impact of future events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14773/26]
View answerThe Government is taking steps to improve the resilience of the grid in response to severe weather events.
As demonstrated through recent weather events, robust coordination and engagement between ESB Networks (ESB-N) and local coordinators has led to an improved and more efficient response.
In February 2025, I asked ESB Networks to prepare a Winter Resilience Plan to enhance the grid in the most vulnerable locations following Storm Éowyn. Core work undertaken includes:
• remedial works to the network;
• working with Coillte and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to identify segments of the network at highest future risk;
• replenishing emergency stocks, spare parts and materials;
• increasing staffing levels and available contractor resources; and
• establishing formal mutual aid arrangements for extreme weather events.
ESB-N is also increasing the number of access officers who engage with landowners on forestry work.
My Department is currently preparing legislation to enhance ESB-N’s powers to manage vegetation. The Government approved the Heads of this Bill in July and work on advancing the legislation continues as a matter of priority.
On 16 December last, 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.
186. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the re-wetting of bogs; the progress which has been made in terms of the number of hectares that are now rewetted; how successful the programme is; the plans to expand areas to be rewetted over the next one, two and three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14595/26]
View answerGreenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from peatlands, including wetlands and grasslands on peat soils, represent the largest sources of emissions in Ireland’s Land Use, Land Use Change & Forestry (LULUCF) sector. The restoration and rehabilitation of peatlands is a key element of Ireland's Climate Action Plan in relation to the LULUCF sector. Specifically, Climate Action Plan 2025 sets out a combined target of 65,900 hectares of peatland rehabilitation by 2030. Ministerial responsibility for the sectoral emissions for the LULUCF sector was assigned by Government in July 2022 to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, coordinating with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The most significant programme of this type currently being carried out in the State is the Enhanced Decommissioning, Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme (EDRRS). This scheme is operated by Bord na Móna (BnM), with my Department administering the project and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage involved as the scheme regulator.
BnM has rehabilitated approximately 22,500 hectares of peatlands under EDRRS to date, with work continuing to reach the scheme target of 32,779 hectares. This rehabilitation work is already delivering significant benefits for the environment, particularly carbon storage and reducing carbon emissions. It is also enhancing ecosystem biodiversity by restoring natural peatland habitats.
Separate to rehabilitation by BnM, significant progress has been made by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and others towards the target to rehabilitate an additional 30,000 hectares of degraded peatland by 2030, with work continuing in this area.
My Department continues to engage with BnM and other stakeholders to identify further peatlands rehabilitation opportunities up to 2030.
187. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the input his Department has had into the development of solar energy development guidelines as initiated by the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14620/26]
View answerThe Programme for outlines the Government's commitment to deliver 80% of Ireland's electricity demand from renewable energy sources including ambitious target of 8 GW of solar energy capacity. At present, the total installed capacity of solar generation stands at over 2.4 Gigawatts. Government policy is focused on maintaining this momentum and delivering on our national ambitions.
To support this ambition, the Programme for Government sets out a commitment to introduce planning guidelines for solar farms. Planning matters fall within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who, I have been advised, is preparing a new national planning statement on solar energy under the new Planning and Development Act 2024.
I am further advised that, as part of that work, a scoping process remains at an early stage to identify the component factors relevant to the preparation of a national planning statement for solar energy development, including any including any appropriate environmental assessment, public consultation requirements, and other relevant European obligations including the renewable energy directive, which will ultimately determine the timeframe for publication of the planning statement.
Under the Government’s Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce, officials from my Department will continue to liaise and work closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and other key stakeholders, on the ongoing planning and regulatory reforms, including the development of a national planning statement on solar energy, to ultimately support and facilitate the delivery of infrastructure that is critical to decarbonisation of Ireland’s economy and greater climate resilience.
