Roderic O'Gorman
Question:154. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Taoiseach for an update on the implementation of the Dublin City Task Force Report. [27652/26]
View answerDepartmental Reports
Questions (154, 155)
Roderic O'Gorman
Question:155. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Taoiseach regarding the funding of elements of the Dublin City Task Force Report within their line departments. [27653/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.
The IDG submitted its report to Government in June, 2025 along with a comprehensive 10-year Roadmap for Delivery of the Taskforce Report, outlining specific actions across departments and agencies, to make Dublin city centre a more thriving, attractive, and safe cityscape; and a desirable location to live, work, do business and visit.
The IDG Report and Roadmap for Delivery can be found at:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/publications/dublin-city-taskforce/
Government agreed that the Roadmap will be implemented in three phases and across five strands in a defined geographic area at the heart of Dublin City.
The Oversight Board overseeing the Delivery of the Roadmap of the Dublin City Taskforce is chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach and comprises the relevant Departments and Agencies.
Central to implementation of the Taskforce Report are:
• A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to drive delivery and to support the specific capital developments relevant to the project.
• A 10 Year Integrated Area Strategy for Dublin city centre to optimise funding and investment and tackle vacancy and dereliction;
• Accelerated delivery of landmark capital projects in the city centre through additional funding in the URDF under the NDP review;
• Redevelopment of the GPO Complex as an ambitious and historic flagship project, which will be managed by the OPW.
Work on these actions is progressing in line with the timelines laid out in the Roadmap. Dublin City Council is progressing the establishment of the SPV, which is a new legal entity. In the meantime, Dublin City Council is putting staff with the required technical skills for an interim Programme Management Unit in place to drive delivery while work is advancing to set up the SPV.
The work of the Oversight Board dovetails with that of Dublin City Council’s Rejuvenation Action Group (RAG), which is focused on tackling issues relating to safety, movement and public realm at the heart of Dublin city.
The IDG recommended maximising the funding potential of existing options.
The Roadmap creates an enabling environment designed to build confidence with business, landholders and investors to get involved in achieving a new vision for Dublin City Centre and to drive private sector investment. Measures announced in Budget 2026, such as the changes to the Living City Initiative, will support regeneration and efforts to tackle vacancy and dereliction in the city.
Each relevant department and agency will factor the funding requirements of specific actions under the Roadmap for Delivery into the appropriate phases of the revised NDP and funding allocations for different sectors. Additional funding under the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund (formerly URDF) has been provided under the revised NDP which will help create redevelopment momentum more generally and support creation of the oversight structures and support the set-up of the SPV.
For revenue costs relating to services (whether new or existing commitments), these will be dealt with in the Estimates processes year-on-year, which has commenced in Budget 2026.
The IDG also recommended stronger Enforcement of the Derelict Sites Act and the collection of levies on an annual basis. Work is underway to introduce the new Derelict Property Tax which was announced in the Budget.
Upcoming changes to the Local Property Tax will support the accrual of the Local Government Fund by Local Authorities for discretionary spending.
The IDG report recommended that a detailed proposal for an accommodation tax at a national level, applicable to all local authorities on an opt-in basis, be developed by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Work on the proposal is being progressed by these departments in conjunction with the Oversight Board.
Question No. 155 answered with Question No. 154.
Departmental Reviews
Questions (156)
John Lahart
Question:156. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will review the travel advice in the medium term for Iraq; if it will be changed from unsafe country status given other countries such as the United Kingdom and the Netherlands have done in recent times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27494/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department publishes advice for outward travel in respect of more than 200 countries and territories. The advice provides an objective assessment of the risks Irish citizens could face while travelling, working, or living overseas, with a view to helping them make informed decisions.
The advice is based on consultation with our embassies and consulates on the ground, the relevant local authorities in each country, as well as other partners as appropriate. Our Travel Advice remains under regular review.
While my Department’s travel advice pages set out a security rating associated with travel to specific locations, any decision to travel is the citizen’s responsibility.
In light of the challenging security situation across the Middle East and Gulf regions, my Department continues to advise Irish citizens against all travel to Iraq as well as to Israel, Iran, and Lebanon.
Citizens who consider their presence in Iraq to be absolutely essential should have adequate and continuous professional security arrangements in place, and ensure they are regularly reviewed. Irish citizens in Iraq are encouraged to remain vigilant, and to closely follow any safety protocols issued by Iraqi, regional and local authorities.
The Deputy can find further information on my Department's travel advice and security ratings at this link: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/know-before-you-go/security-ratings/
Departmental Policies
Questions (157, 158)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:157. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if assistance will be provided to a person (details supplied). [27503/26]
View answerPeadar Tóibín
Question:158. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to review the case of a person (details supplied) regarding travel arrangements. [27585/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.
I would like to thank the Deputy for bringing this matter to my attention.
I understand that officials from the Consular Assistance team in my Department have been in direct contact with your office in relation to this citizen's circumstances and will follow up.
Question No. 158 answered with Question No. 157.
Renewable Energy Generation
Questions (159, 172)
William Aird
Question:159. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has assessed the economic and social impact of continued renewable energy wastage, including the estimated value of lost clean energy and the associated opportunity cost for households in energy poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27530/26]
View answerWilliam Aird
Question:172. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the Government’s commitment, as outlined in the Programme for Government, to utilise surplus renewable energy that would otherwise be wasted to support households experiencing fuel poverty; and the timeframe for full implementation of this commitment. [27549/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 172 together.
Imperfections and dispatch down is a major challenge facing electricity systems, like ours, that are increasingly powered by renewables. This complex issue can only be addressed by taking a systematic and multi-faceted approach requiring investment in grid, storage and demand flexibility.
We are already taking steps to invest in this critical energy infrastructure. For example, PR6 will enable the delivery of over 500 capital network projects, supporting the integration of increasing volumes of renewables and helping to reduce the amount of wasted energy. Last July, the Government committed to investing €3.5 billion of NDP funding in EirGrid and ESB Networks (ESBN) in order to ensure that the PR6 infrastructure programme can be delivered.
Also last year, my Department published the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland which supported the procurement of 500 MW of demand flexibility products by ESBN and 500 MW of long duration electricity storage by EirGrid to meet specific network needs. Work is already underway to ensure the timely delivery of both.
Last June, EirGrid established the Renewable Dispatch Down Working Group. This group is actively working with renewable industry representatives to identify additional actions that could improve levels of ‘dispatch down’.
Demand flexibility can also help to support our transition to a renewables-led energy system. The National Energy Demand Strategy aims to make 20% to 30% of electricity demand flexible by 2030. A key aspect of this strategy is preparing households and businesses to maximise their use of renewables.
A new Demonstration and Innovation Delivery Programme is under development by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) with the intention of identifying solutions to smart energy challenges, testing applications and assessing impacts. This will be crucial for the successful integration of flexible energy assets in homes, businesses and communities and will ensure that these assets can optimise energy use for consumers, as well as allow consumers to participate in flexible demand management services as these become available. SEAI’s National Energy Research Development and Demonstration Programme provides a framework for successful applicants to scale their initiatives while also ensuring that the associated results and impacts are identified.
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce has also been established by my Department to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability. It will consider the use of smart technologies to benefit energy poor households and other vulnerable citizens.
The First Report of the Taskforce set out measures for consideration in the Budget 2026 process. The focus of the Taskforce has now turned to the preparation of an Energy Affordability Action Plan to be completed in Q3. The Action Plan will include a review of cost drivers within the energy sector and consideration of measures that benefit households in energy poverty.
Waste Management
Questions (160)
Sorca Clarke
Question:160. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the current strategies being implemented to reduce single use plastic consumption; and to outline any new initiatives planned for the next fiscal year. [27368/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Directive 2019 aims to prevent and reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, in particular the marine environment and human health.
Amongst its measures, the SUP Directive requires Member States to effect an ambitious and sustained quantitative reduction in consumption of certain SUPs for which there is no alternative (drinking cups including covers and lids, and containers of prepared food for immediate consumption) by 2026 (compared to a 2022 baseline).
In July 2021, Ireland's Single Use Plastics Regulations introduced a range of measures to eliminate or reduce the impact of single use plastics (SUP) including a ban on certain SUP products, including cutlery, plates, beverage stirrers, food containers and beverage cups and containers made of expanded polystyrene and all products made from oxo-degradable plastic,
Furthermore, a national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) was introduced in Ireland in February 2024 to incentivise the separate collection and recycling of single use plastic bottles and cans. Uptake of the DRS has been very positive to date and over 2.64 billion containers have been returned.
Legislative powers are also in place, through the Circular Economy Act 2022, to implement environmental levies on a range of single 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.
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.
I am also progressing a range of initiatives to reduce single use plastic consumption with funding from the Circular Economy Fund. These include:
• IRD Duhallow's 'Circular Cups for Community Events' providing high quality reusable cups to community events across the south of the country, eliminating single use cup waste was launched in 2025.
• The National Federation for Group Water Schemes to install public drinking water fountains in the communities they serve. 43 fountains were installed in 2025 and a further 86 are planned for installation in 2026.
• Ireland's Circular Economy Programme (2021 to 2027) which is led by the Environmental Protection Agency. Plastics are a priority area under the programme. Relevant activities include the development and reporting of green public procurement criteria, circular economy funding for local authorities, managing the national reuse and repair network, and completing studies, guidance and behavioural research.
• Enforcement resources at the EPA that includes enforcement of single use plastics product bans.
• Local Government education and awareness raising campaigns amongst business and the public relating to the banning of certain single use plastics items.
• Continued application and enforcement of the plastic bag levy.
Natural Gas Grid
Questions (161)
Ciarán Ahern
Question:161. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the volume of biomethane generated in Ireland in each year since 2020; the proportion that was added to the national gas network in each year; the target for biomethane generation in 2026 and 2027 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27410/26]
View answerWritten answers
Delivery of the Government's ambition for indigenous biomethane by 2030 and its use within our energy system will have multiple cross-sectoral benefits for Ireland’s economy, energy security and emissions profile. As such, development of the sector will require a coherent and collaborative approach to policy implementation across all sectors including energy, agriculture and enterprise
Biomethane production is still at an early stage of development in Ireland, with two operational biomethane facilities injecting biomethane into the gas grid.
Effectively all biomethane produced in the state has been injected into the national gas network.
|
Year |
Volume |
|
2020 |
1,013,530 kWh |
|
2021 |
4,972,394 kWh |
|
2022 |
40,732,963 kWh |
|
2023 |
60,120,211 kWh |
|
2024 |
39,269,434 kWh |
|
2025 |
10,935,835 kWh |
|
2026 |
581,389 kWh
|
There are no individual biomethane generation targets set for 2026 and 2027. Government remains committed to supporting the development of a domestic biomethane industry of scale, and the Biomethane Implementation Group, chaired by my Department, continues to oversee implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy and monitor target delivery. My Department is also working on putting capital grants in place from 2026 to support the development of anaerobic digestion plants in Ireland.
Renewable Energy Generation
Questions (162, 166)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:162. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the actions he is taking to reconcile the Climate Action Plan 2025 commitment to deliver 500MW of community-owned renewable energy by 2030 in view of the fact that, as of December 2025, only approximately 4.6MW has been installed, largely from a single project operational since 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27420/26]
View answerJennifer Whitmore
Question:166. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the Government accepts that failure to support community ownership risks concentrating renewable energy profits in private rather than local hands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27424/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 166 together.
The Programme for Government commits to promoting the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) to simplify market access for community, SME, and farmer-owned solar and wind projects.
My Department provides a range of initiatives to support the development of community energy in Ireland.
The SRESS export tariff is specifically designed for community, SME and farmer export only projects above 50kW to 6MW. SRESS offers a simpler route to market for those groups, with fixed tariffs for solar and wind. All export projects up to 1MW can also apply to SRESS, and need not be community, SME and farmer owned projects.
To further support communities, SEAI provides a range of supports to develop renewable energy projects, including free access to specialist technical advisors and free comprehensive guides, available on the SEAI website. These guides cover various issues, such as community groups and governance, stakeholder engagement, business planning and grid connection. SEAI has also undertaken 13 county-level grid studies, to help communities identify economically viable connection areas.
Eight community projects have been accepted into the SRESS scheme after engaging with the SEAI’s Community Enabling Framework. I am advised that 6 of these successful community applicants availed of detailed trusted advisor feasibility reports and one availed of an initial feasibility report.
These professional supports remain available free of charge to all renewable energy community groups interested in the scheme. Additional applications to SRESS are also currently being processed.
In 2025, my Department published an assessment of barriers and potential of development of Renewable Energy Communities, as required by the Renewable Energy Directive.
My Department has also secured funding under the European Commission's Technical Support Instrument to further assess barriers and propose recommendations to further support community energy development. This assessment is being carried out by the OECD, with initial policy recommendations due this year which will help inform future policy approaches.
Renewable Energy Generation
Questions (163, 164, 165, 168)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:163. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on whether there is a clear policy contradiction between promoting community participation in renewable energy and the continued failure to operationalise the Community Renewable Electricity Grant intended to support such participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27421/26]
View answerJennifer Whitmore
Question:164. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on whether requiring communities to await a consultancy process undermines the viability of many current projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27422/26]
View answerJennifer Whitmore
Question:165. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has selected consultants to review the CEG/SRESS double funding issue; if so, when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27423/26]
View answerJennifer Whitmore
Question:168. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the Government will immediately reopen the community renewable electricity grant scheme pending resolution of State aid questions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27426/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 163, 164, 165 and 168 together.
The Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS) Community Enabling Framework launched in 2022, provides a range of supports including potential grant funding, from SEAI to communities. Since January 2025, support for community projects has transitioned to the non-competitive Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS).
With the exception of the Community Enabling Grants, all of the other supports that were available under the SEAI RESS Community Enabling Framework are now available to communities under SRESS. This includes free specialist technical trusted advisor support, providing professional advice to community groups through all project stages. This advice is tailored to each individual proposed project.
SEAI’s website also provides 9 free information guides covering key aspects including community groups and governance, grid and planning permission issues, stakeholder engagement and business planning. In addition, SEAI has provided 13 county-level grid studies identifying economically viable grid connection sites.
In addition, the SRESS community solar tariffs provide a significant premium to communities over RESS prices. For example, the greater than 1MW and up to 6MW category tariff provided to community applications is €140/MWh. That is 40% above recent RESS average support prices.
My Department is currently assessing the interaction between the SRESS tariffs and proposed grants to ensure that these do not constitute 'double funding' or cumulation of aid under EU State Aid rules.
In February 2026, my Department commenced a review of the tariffs available under SRESS. This review is being undertaken to ensure the scheme continues to provide appropriate support. It is not an indication that the tariffs will be increased.
The review will also allow my Department to determine whether and how grants can be legally provided alongside the tariff. This work is currently underway and is expected to be completed by mid-2026, with a decision on the reinstatement of these grants expected thereafter.
Question No. 164 answered with Question No. 163.
Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 163.
Question No. 166 answered with Question No. 162.
Electricity Supply Board
Questions (167)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:167. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the engagement that has taken place with ESB Networks regarding flexibility for community projects facing grant-related delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27425/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government commits to promoting the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) to simplify market access for community, SME and farmer-owned solar and wind projects.
The SRESS export tariff is designed for community, SME and farmer export only projects above 50kW to 6MW. SRESS offers a simpler route to market for those groups, with fixed tariffs for solar and wind, aligning more closely to the capacity of those sectors. All export projects, of up to 1MW, can also apply to SRESS and need not be community, SME and farmer owned projects.
The scheme opened for applications in January 2025. The SRESS application form, together with the terms and conditions, a non-technical summary and first steps guides for applicants are available on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/SRESS.
Eight SME and eight community applications have been accepted into the scheme. My Department is also processing additional applications that have been received.
My Department has liaised with ESB Networks on this matter and it is my understanding that ESBN has not received any recent queries from community applicants in relation to flexibility on grid application fees or grid connection costs.
Question No. 168 answered with Question No. 163.
Energy Policy
Questions (169)
Paul Murphy
Question:169. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will introduce a €500 energy credit for households to respond to the cost-of-living crisis. [26786/26]
View answerWritten answers
Government is deeply aware and concerned about the pressures placed on households and businesses by high energy costs. Providing supports to alleviate this pressure has and will continue to be a priority.
The Government is taking action to help households and businesses with the cost of fuel and energy, introducing an additional package of measures in recent days that includes measures on fuel costs and supports for the transport, farming and fisheries sectors.
This package was announced following significant recent engagement with industry representatives and is in addition to the previously allocated €250 million in targeted supports to assist those experiencing real and immediate financial pressure.
It is also in addition to the range of measures in Budget 2026 aimed at helping households with energy costs which included:
• an extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity, saving households up to €100 per year;
• enhanced social protection payments, including an increase to the Fuel Allowance rate to €38 per week and an expansion in the eligibility rules; and
• a record allocation of €640 million for SEAI retrofit schemes.
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 no plans to introduce a €500 energy credit.