Written Answers Nos. 170-182
170. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department is examining the provisions of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 that prohibit the development of nuclear generating stations; the way in which this is being considered within the wider work on long-term energy security planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27524/26]
View answer171. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether recent technological developments, including small modular reactors, have prompted any review or policy analysis of the current statutory position under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27525/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 171 together.
There are two specific legislative prohibitions on nuclear power in place in Ireland. Both electricity legislation, in section 18(6) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, and planning legislation, in section 182 of the Planning and Development Act 2024, prohibit the development of nuclear fission for electricity generation. Those provisions would need to be repealed as a first step to planning for the introduction of domestic nuclear fission energy generation.
I will note that the UK has faced several challenges in recent years in relation to nuclear energy projects, including the Sizewell C nuclear power station, which has faced a number of delays, and will not be delivered until the late 2030s, with an estimated cost of £38 billion. In addition, experience in other European countries suggests that the development of traditional nuclear power plants in particular takes many years. It also requires the creation of an extensive regulatory system that does not exist in Ireland, to enable the procurement and construction of such plants, and ultimately their safe demolition and the disposal of the waste created. Some nuclear power stations that were originally proposed in the early years of this century are still under construction or have only recently started commercial operations. Therefore, nuclear power could not practically be part of our electricity system in the 2020s or the 2030s.
This being said, I recognise that we need to consider all options in the long-term. The SEAI are undertaking the Decarbonised Electricity System Study to provide Government with an evidence-based pathway, or choice of pathways, for decarbonising the Irish electricity system post-2030, in line with Government policy to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. This technical study is examining thirty technologies, across generation, storage, and sector coupling, with decarbonising potential, which includes Small Modular Nuclear Fission Reactors amongst other technologies. I do want to be clear, however, that any decision would have to be supported by the people of Ireland. As things stand, it is not clear to me that public opinion is in favour of removing the legislative ban on the development of domestic nuclear power plants for electricity in Ireland. Building that majority would require an extensive conversation about the best means, that is consistent with energy security and affordability, to get to a net zero position for electricity by 2050.
For those reasons, my immediate focus is to prioritise the development of renewable electricity to reduce Ireland’s heavy reliance on natural gas generation. As a Government, we are committed to accelerating the development of onshore wind and solar generation, as well as electricity storage, and the development of phase 1 and phase 2 offshore windfarms. We are also actively increasing our interconnection with other countries, including those with nuclear as part of their electricity generation mix.
173. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the implementation plan, timelines and funding allocations underpinning Ireland’s Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028; the way progress will be monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27550/26]
View answerThe second Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028 was published on 24 February 2026 and represents the next phase of Ireland’s transition towards a resource-efficient, innovation-driven, and low-carbon economy. It replaces and builds upon the first Circular Economy Strategy (2021–2023) and is prepared under section 7 of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022. The Strategy includes targets and actions for specific economic sectors, driving reductions in material resource consumption in addition to increases in the levels of repair and reuse, and use of re-usable products and materials.
A new implementation unit has been established in the Department and the focus will be on accelerating progress through achieving the actions and targets contained within the Strategy. This will be achieved with targeted milestones and collaboration across all relevant sectors, agencies and Government Departments. Governance structures are currently being established including a Circular Economy Strategy Oversight Oversight Group, a National Coordinating Group for the Circular Economy and a Circular Economy Advisory Group. These will have wide-ranging representation and be action and target oriented. This structure is seen as a vital foundation from which to accelerate our transition to a circular economy and ensures adequate oversight, buy-in and ambition to reach the objectives set out in the Strategy.
Through the Circular Economy Fund, I am providing essential financial support across a wide range of initiatives, which are prescribed for under Section 8 (9) of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022. The Strategy also commits to an increased allocation for the Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme from €650,000 to €1.5 million. Other financing options will be explored over the lifetime of the Strategy, including the introduction of a pilot repair voucher scheme.
Progress will be tracked through a new National Circularity Dashboard, to be developed by the Department, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Central Statistics Office (CSO). An annual report to Government will measure progress toward circularity targets, as provided for in the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022.
174. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the specific policy measures that will be introduced to increase Ireland’s circular material use rate by 2 percentage points annually to reach 12% by 2030; the interim milestones that have been established to ensure this target is achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27551/26]
View answerThe second Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028 was published on 24 February 2026 and represents the next phase of Ireland’s transition towards a resource-efficient, innovation-driven, and low-carbon economy. It replaces and builds upon the first Circular Economy Strategy (2021–2023) and is prepared under section 7 of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022.
A central aim of the strategy is to increase Ireland’s Circular Material Use Rate (CMUR) by 2 percentage points annually, reaching 12% by 2030. The Strategy includes targets and actions for specific economic sectors which will drive the achievement of this objective, driving reductions in material resource consumption in addition to increases in the levels of repair and reuse, and use of re-usable products and materials.
Implementation will focus on accelerating action through achieving the actions and targets contained within the Strategy, via targeted milestones and collaboration across Government Departments. Progress will be tracked through a new National Circularity Dashboard, to be developed by the Department, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Central Statistics Office (CSO). An annual report to Government will measure progress toward circularity targets.
Full details of all actions and targets are available in the Strategy at the following link: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/7484ab1d/Circular-Economy_Strategy-2026-2028-en.pdf.
175. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide details of the proposed national pilot repair voucher scheme, including eligibility criteria, estimated cost, projected uptake and the timeframe for rollout by 2027; the way the scheme will be funded through the Circular Economy Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27552/26]
View answer176. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the role the National Reuse and Repair Network will play in designing and delivering the repair voucher scheme; the supports that will be provided to local repair businesses and community enterprises nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27553/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.
The National Repair and Reuse Network (NRRN) will play a central role in designing and delivering a pilot repair voucher scheme as committed to in Ireland’s new Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy.
The purpose of the pilot voucher scheme is to support a shift in conventional consumer roles from purchasers to stewards of products and devices by reducing repair costs, elevating the perceived value of old devices and signalling societal support for repair, thus supporting everyday device care.
The NRRN, established by the Environmental Protection Agency, is key to bringing together public bodies and national organisations to facilitate knowledge sharing and engagement to support and scale reuse and repair in Ireland.
Through consultation with the NRRN, the scope of the pilot national repair voucher scheme is currently being defined to identify the product(s) category/categories to be included along with the geographical reach. Consideration is also being given to repair service criteria, auditing, effectiveness evaluation and funding mechanisms.
The Circular Economy Fund will be leveraged to support the implementation of the new Circular Economy Strategy, including the pilot repair voucher scheme, the introduction of a Circularity Sandbox Programme, increased funding for the Circular Economy Innovation Grants Scheme and the development of regional circular economy infrastructure.
177. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has produced an Oil Emergency Plan as required under S.20 of the Oil Emergency Contingency and Transfer of Renewable Transport Fuel Functions Act 2023 (amending the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27651/26]
View answerThe Oil Emergency Response Plan (OERP) provides the basis of Ireland’s response to an oil supply shock and provides me, as Minister, with substantial legal powers to secure and protect supply. This plan is reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that it evolves with the changing external environment and reflects emerging risks.
The plan and underpinning legislation and structures have been substantially enhanced and updated following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, building on the strong foundations that were in place. As a result, Ireland is much better prepared to manage the current situation.
In terms of fuel availability more generally for essential sectors, my Department is actively monitoring the situation and is liaising closely with national and international partners.
It is important to note that my Department has convened the Oil Security of Supply Group which meets weekly and consists of relevant Government Departments and Agencies, in addition to Fuels for Ireland and oil companies. At the meeting of 7 April industry confirmed that Ireland’s fuel supply chains remain robust and reliable.
Furthermore, the National Oil Reserves Agency, NORA, has operational responsibility for the day-to-day management of the State’s Strategic Oil Reserve. Stock may be released from Ireland’s stockholding in the event of a shortage of refined product on the domestic market, or as recently happened to participate in an International Energy Agency collective action, to alleviate a global oil shortage.
178. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has taken steps to speed up a determination regarding whether plug-in solar systems can be used in Ireland; if any barriers to the use of this technology have been identified in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27656/26]
View answerPlug-in solar systems are very small PV energy systems, usually two or three modules and less than 1 kW in total per installation, which are connected to a micro-inverter and plugged directly into a normal household socket. This then feeds the house’s internal electricity system. These low-cost panels can be put on balconies or outdoor spaces.
The use of plug in mini solar technology has grown in some EU countries in recent years as consumers search for ways to save on high energy bills. It has seen particular growth in Germany.
Officials from my Department engaged with stakeholders on the optional provisions in the 2024 Electricity Market Design Directive, including the provision relating to plug-in mini solar systems, through a consultation that ran from September to October 2024. Respondents to the consultation raised potential safety issues so it is important that the introduction of the technology is given appropriate consideration. Some form of regulation may be needed were plug-in mini solar to be promoted.
My officials are currently engaging with the relevant Agencies and Regulators, including with ESB Networks in its role as the system operator. My officials are also in contact with officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in the UK, relating to the recently announced intention from the UK Government to regulate for the sale and use of plug-in mini solar systems. EU Guidance on the matter is also being considered.
179. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether mechanisms and actions will be put in place in the Climate Action Plan 2026 to address the emissions gap arising out of the exceedance of the first carbon budget (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27660/26]
View answerThis Government is committed to delivering on Ireland’s responsibility to address the climate crisis and work remains ongoing across Government Departments to carry out climate mitigation efforts every day, and the rollout of retrofitting, renewable energy deployment, and more affordable electric vehicles continues at pace.
Ireland now has the lowest level of GHG emissions in 35 years which is notable given concurrent demographic and economic growth including an increase of approximately 1.5 million people, more than one million new homes and over one million extra vehicles on our roads. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) most recent emissions reporting 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.
We are making significant strides toward our target of 80% renewable energy by 2030, having now reached the major milestone of 8GW onshore renewable electricity generation. We are now prioritising the development of our offshore wind capacity. We have doubled our wind energy capacity over the past 10 years, and in February wind energy provided a record 50% of our electricity. The Government has also approved an unprecedented investment of €18.9 billion in Grid for the period 2026 – 2030 which is fundamental to the electrification of homes, businesses and transport. The 2025 ZEVI target for electrical vehicle sales of 195,000 was surpassed in October 2025, with sales now at 212,000 and I have recently 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 latest EPA reporting projects that the first carbon budget will be exceeded, however it worth noting that the EPA's projections are updated annually in light of delivery progress and emerging data. For example, the EPA's assessment of exceedances from the first carbon budget has improved significantly over the last two years. The report which they released in 2023 projected an exceedance of between 37 MtCO2eq. (12%) and 45 MtCO2eq. (15%) under the WAM and WEM scenarios respectively. In contrast, their latest report released in 2025 projected a much smaller exceedance of between 8 MtCO2eq. (2.7%) and 12 MtCO2eq. (4%).
This shows that our progress on delivery is having a significant impact which is being reflected in ongoing revisions to the projections. Nevertheless, the projected exceedance will fall to be addressed in the next Climate Action Plans through a variety of mechanisms including an increase in ambition of existing measures as well as the addition of new measures and actions.
In the meantime our ongoing efforts are supported by Climate Action Plan 2025, in tandem with its predecessor, Climate Action Plan 2024, both of which remain in place and provide a strong framework for continued delivery of climate action across all sectors, given that many of the measures and actions in these plans are multi-annual in nature and effect. Work remains ongoing across Government Departments to deliver on these commitments and carry out climate mitigation efforts every day, supported by recently enhanced governance and delivery arrangements.
180. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to confirm when the Climate Action Plan 2026 (CAP26) will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27681/26]
View answerThis Government is committed to delivering on Ireland’s responsibility to address the climate crisis and work remains ongoing across Government Departments to carry out climate mitigation efforts every day, and the rollout of retrofitting, renewable energy deployment, and more affordable electric vehicles continues at pace. Ireland now has the lowest level of GHG emissions in 35 years which is notable given concurrent demographic and economic growth including an increase of approximately 1.5 million people, more than one million new homes and over one million extra vehicles on our roads.
We are making significant strides toward our target of 80% renewable energy by 2030, having now reached the major milestone of 8GW onshore renewable electricity generation. We are now prioritising the development of our offshore wind capacity. We have doubled our wind energy capacity over the past 10 years, just last month wind energy provided a record 50% of our electricity. The Government has also approved an unprecedented investment of €18.9 billion in Grid for the period 2026 – 2030 which is fundamental to the electrification of homes, businesses and transport. The 2025 ZEVI target for electrical vehicle sales of 195,000 was surpassed in October 2025, with sales now at 212,000 and I have recently 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.
These ongoing efforts are supported by Climate Action Plan 2025, in tandem with its predecessor, Climate Action Plan 2024, both of which remain in place and provide a strong framework for continued delivery of climate action across all sectors, given that many of the measures and actions in these plans are multi-annual in nature and effect. Work remains ongoing across Government Departments to deliver on these commitments and carry out climate mitigation efforts every day, supported by recently enhanced governance and delivery arrangements.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment, enhanced implementation governance structures to support accelerated climate action delivery have been put in place in 2025 to streamline structures and ensure that key strategic projects are supported.
Work is currently underway on the next Climate Action Plan. Following the extensive recommendations delivered by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy late last year, the Government is taking the necessary time to carefully finalize the Carbon Budget process. I am of the view that the next Climate Action Plan should reflect the outcome of that process. In that regard, my Department is working towards bringing a draft of the new Climate Action Plan to Government later this year.
The ongoing transition to a climate-neutral economy has profound implications for our economy and society. In formulating the next plan, Government must carefully consider a wide range of factors to ensure the approach is ambitious, feasible, and sustainable. It is vital that our climate policies and emissions reduction pathways deliver the best possible value for money while maximising the net benefits to society. We must protect the long-term competitiveness of the economy, maintain the State’s attractiveness for investment, and maximise employment opportunities while ensuring a just transition that supports communities right across the country
181. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when the support document being prepared by the biomethane implementation sub-group will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27682/26]
View answerA biomethane implementation sub-group has been established to oversee the preparation of a support document to assist planning authorities when assessing applications for developing for biomethane plants. It is anticipated the support document will be finalised and published in 2026.
182. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 184 of 29 January 2026, whether Ireland has been designated as having any of the approximately 500 military mobility “hotspots” identified under the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility, without disclosing their locations or any operational details; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27379/26]
View answerMilitary Mobility is an EU initiative aimed at enabling the rapid and unimpeded movement of military personnel, equipment, and assets—at scale and often on short notice—both within the EU and beyond. It also encompasses the ability to evacuate civilians during emergencies and crises. The March 2025 Joint White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, together with the Defence Readiness Roadmap, designates military mobility as a key capability priority.
As part of this effort, the European Commission, working with Member States and supported by the EU Military Staff, has identified roughly 500 “hotspot” projects designed to eliminate critical bottlenecks along priority military mobility corridors across the EU. These projects involve measures such as strengthening bridges, widening tunnels, and expanding capacity at ports and airports. The Commission is expected to coordinate closely with the relevant Member States to ensure that these investments are delivered quickly and coherently across the designated corridors.
The nomination of any potential hotspot projects was led by my Department, with input from the Defence Forces and the Department of Transport. As with all participating Member States, details relating to military mobility hotspots are treated as confidential due to their sensitivity. Accordingly, no information is published regarding specific locations. Ireland remains supportive of the initiative at European level.
