Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
243. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on plans to introduce a carbon credit trading desk in Ireland through which community grounds could produce carbon credits to enable them to sell them on the open market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44937/26]
View answerWork is ongoing at a national and EU level to develop high-integrity carbon markets.
In 2024, the EU adopted the Carbon Removal Certification Framework Regulation (CRCF). The CRCF introduces a voluntary standard for carbon credits, requiring schemes that issue credits to meet certain criteria. In order for carbon removals to be certified, detailed methodologies must be developed for each practice. The first methodologies have now been adopted, covering bioenergy carbon capture and storage, direct air capture and biochar, with methodologies for agriculture, peatland rewetting and afforestation at an advanced stage. My Department has been engaged in the development of the framework and is working to ensure its effective implementation in Ireland and support the uptake of high-integrity carbon removal schemes.
Relevant initiatives were also announced in the EU Bioeconomy Strategy ([EUR-Lex - 52025DC0960 - EN - EUR-Lex]). To create predictable demand for results-based schemes and stimulate private investment, the Commission will establish an EU Buyers’ Club for carbon removals. This voluntary initiative is intended to provide a clear demand signal for carbon farming and carbon removals under the CRCF Regulation by pooling voluntary demand from private companies.
Ireland will continue to drive forward these developments during its 2026 presidency of the EU, with the presidency programme committing to the continued development of high-integrity frameworks to support private investment in carbon removals and nature restoration.
At a national level, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is developing a domestic Carbon Farming Framework, which is intended to align with the CRCF and provide financial opportunities for farmers to benefit from their provision of ecosystem services. DAFM published a draft policy document “Carbon Farming - Developments at European Union level and Principles to develop Carbon Farming in Ireland” and launched a public consultation on the 15 October 2025 to seek stakeholder views. Further policy development on the framework is now underway, informed by the results of the consultation.
My Department is also engaging closely with other initiatives to develop Irish standards and methodologies for ecosystem service and climate credits, including Peatland Finance Ireland.
