Written Answers Nos. 136-155
136. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding any incentives or obligations under review within his Department that would support data centres in the use of renewable energy systems to minimise their reliance on the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49041/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to supporting the sustainable growth of data centres and achieving the twin objective of decarbonisation and digitalisation at the heart of Government policy to deliver ambitious goals in relation to climate, economic growth and digitalisation.
This is why the Programme for Government contains key commitments such as enhancing data centres’ use of renewable energy sources, energy efficient technology and effective solutions, such as waste heat capture for district heating to reduce their carbon footprint.
The Government has also prioritised an increased and unprecedented investment in our grid and expanding our energy generation, with a particular priority on renewable energy sources which will be advantageous for all customers.
Additionally, the Government Statement on data centres outlines principles and guidance for sustainable data centre development and encouraging the data centre sector to implement decarbonised energy solutions, demonstrate additionality of their renewable energy use and to increase efficiency.
In line with our Programme for Government commitments, Government is also establishing a comprehensive plan to accelerate energy generation, connectivity, and planning processes which will guide the sustainable development of data centres, and other strategically significant very energy intensive industries, over the medium-term.
The proposed CRU Large Energy Users Connection Policy considered the impact of future LEU connections on the capacity of our energy and grid infrastructure. This is an update to existing policy that requires on-site dispatchable generation, demand flexibility and greater visibility on renewable energy use. This is complex and CRU are in the process of analysing the extensive feedback received as part the consultation. The Government, as part of its own assessment, is liaising with all relevant stakeholders and a final decision is expected later this year.
137. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will intervene to oppose plans for wind turbines in east Clare (details supplied); if aviation authorities have been formally consulted in his Department’s mapping exercise; and, if not, if east Clare will be removed from mapped wind areas until full consultation and a cumulative aviation risk assessment are completed. [49126/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the aegis of the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce, which was established under my Department, work is underway to carry out a coordinated national mapping exercise in compliance with the requirements of Article 15b of the recast Renewable Electricity Directive 2023/2413 (RED III).
This work has been undertaken in consultation with all 31 Local Authorities, noting that lands have already been identified and designated by several Local Authorities in existing City/County Development Plans for renewable energy development, in particular grid scale onshore wind and solar PV. These plans have been subject to environmental assessments and statutory public consultation and are adopted by each Local Authority.
On this basis, my Department wrote to each Local Authority and requested that they provide their existing spatial plans. This material has been received and collated into national territory maps, depicting those areas designated by Local Authorities for both grid scale onshore wind and solar PV, and amalgamates and harmonises all the various Local Authority designations into uniform national classifications. It is important to note that these maps do not alter or amend any existing City/County Development Plan, nor does it affect their status under any enactment.
On 3 September 2025, my Department launched a non-statutory Public Consultation on the national territory mapping running until Friday 10 October 2025. This non-statutory public consultation aims to take into account the views of the public, in the inclusion of areas already designated for renewable energy generation in existing plans for the purposes of the mapping exercise required under Article 15b of REDIII.
Further information on this Public Consultation is available on my Department’s website.
Regarding the planning applications referred to by the Deputy, as Minister, I have no role in the consideration of individual planning applications as these matters are for the relevant planning authority or An Coimisiún Pleanála as appropriate.
139. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the progress being made to reduce waiting times for the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49274/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra151. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures being taken to resolve ongoing delays in homes having their BER rating carried out under the free energy upgrades, warmer homes scheme to ensure the prioritising of older and poorer-performing homes for allocation of survey and works under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49278/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 151 together.
The 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.
Last year saw a record spend of almost €230 million under the scheme. As reported by the SEAI, this resulted in 7,743 upgrades being provided to low-income households. This year’s budget includes an allocation of €280 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme.
These budgets have allowed the scheme to deliver a greater number of deeper and more complex upgrades in recent years. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades, which the SEAI indicates has increased from €2,600 in 2015 to over €29,000 in 2025. These deeper upgrades mean that more lower income homeowners are benefitting significantly from warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes. So far in 2025, 4,979 homes have been upgraded under the scheme.
As of February 2022, following a Government decision to improve targeting of the scheme towards the worst performing properties, homes built and occupied before January 1993 with a pre-works BER of E, F or G are prioritised for works.
The average waiting time under the Warmer Homes Scheme, from application to completion of upgrade works to date in 2025, was 21 months for the worst performing homes and 22 months for better performing homes. This is a reduction in waiting times following a range of measures introduced by my Department and the SEAI, which includes 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.
However, given the very high number of applications and greater volume of deeper retrofits provided under the scheme, the SEAI is projecting that new applications may face longer waiting times. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to further accelerate and maximise the output of free energy upgrades thereby minimising waiting times.
140. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has carried out a review of the level of performance of all public bodies with regards to their obligations under section 15 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015; to provide a report on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49308/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlthough its share of emissions is relatively small nationally, the public sector plays a very important leadership role in delivering ambitious climate action. Section 15(1) of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, as amended, requires bodies to perform their duties, in so far as practicable, in a manner consistent with, inter alia, the most recently approved Climate Action Plan.
Under the Climate Action Plan, public sector bodies and commercial semi-State bodies are required to comply with both the Climate Action Framework for the Commercial Semi-State Sector and the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate. The Climate Action Framework for the Commercial Semi-State (CSS) sector, which was approved by Government in 2022, comprises a set of commitments in terms of a best practice approach to climate action. These commitments relate to governance of climate action objectives, emissions measurement and reduction targets, emissions valuation in investment appraisals, circular economy and green procurement, and climate-related disclosures. The Framework reflects the exemplar role that many organisations within the sector are playing in the decarbonisation of Irish society and also recognises their separate nature.
Oversight of implementation of the Framework commitments is carried out by the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) under the auspices of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA). NewERA has reported on the implementation of the Framework by CSS bodies bi-annually to my Department and has moved to reporting on an annual basis from 2025. These reports are published and available on the NTMA website here: www.ntma.ie/publications.
To support public sector bodies in leading by example, the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate applies to public bodies covered by the Climate Action Plan (CAP) decarbonisation targets, with the exception of local authorities, commercial semi State bodies, and schools. The Mandate highlights the main climate action objectives for public bodies and is reviewed annually.
Public sector bodies must take action on and report on the actions set out in the Mandate. Reporting on compliance with the Mandate began in 2024, with well over 200 public sector bodies submitting reports to SEAI in both 2024 and 2025. High level results are available on the SEAI website: www.seai.ie/plan-your-energy-journey/public-sector/monitoring-and-reporting/public-sector-results/public-body-results. 80% of all public sector bodies reported on Mandate compliance in 2024. Data for 2025 is set to release early in 2026.
Public bodies must also prepare Climate Action Roadmaps that set out their plans for implementing the Mandate. These roadmaps are due within 6 months of publication of the new Public Sector Mandate and provide a forward looking report on how public sector bodies will implement climate action in order to meet Mandate requirements as well as highlight climate achievements within their organisations. Over 40% of public sector bodies submitted roadmaps to SEAI in 2024. Roadmaps for 2025 are due by mid October.
As per Section 15(2) of the Act, relevant Ministers may also direct public bodies under their aegis to prepare and submit reports specifying the climate measures and progress that body is making towards the national climate objective.
I will continue to work with all public bodies to ensure that they are aware of their obligations under the Climate Action Plan and the related actions and measures.
141. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will report on the deposit return scheme; if he is aware of the €66.7 million in unclaimed deposits; if he is aware of the salaries of the CEO and directors; to report on any meeting he has had with Re-turn since he took up office and since its annual report was published in July 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49107/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) was introduced on 1 February 2024 to encourage more people to recycle plastic bottles and cans and to deliver on our ambitious EU targets for the recycling of those products.
Re-turn always encourages consumers to redeem their deposits, and it is important that the public is aware that Re-turn retains an open-ended liability to refund deposits to consumers, regardless of when or where the product was purchased.
On 25 July 2025, Re-turn published its annual report for 2024 and a link to the report can be found here: re-turn.ie/re-turn-2024-annual-report/. In the annual report, Re-turn provides comprehensive information relating to the scheme's performance in its first year of operation. It also outlines the income received from unredeemed deposits in 2024. While confirmed deposit figures for 2025 are not yet available from the scheme, as the return rate improves, the rate of unredeemed deposits reduces.
Re-turn is responsible for all operational and funding matters relating to the DRS, including staffing of the company. Re-turn is not required to declare individual CEO or Directors salaries directly to the Department; however, they must publish overall remuneration and benefit costs relating to the Board and Chief Executive/General Manager in the annual report. Re-turn's annual report for 2024 includes information relating to director and employee costs.
As Minister of State with special responsibility for the Circular Economy at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, I have pursued active engagement with a broad range of stakeholders across my portfolio since taking office. On 26 March 2025, I met with Re-turn's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. At this meeting, the company gave me an overview of Re-turn’s first 12 months in operation. The company described the nature and extent of its operations across the country and highlighted the emerging potential for a first bottle-to-bottle recycling plant on the island.
I understand that Minister O'Brien also met with the CEO of Re-turn on 23 May, when a general discussion took place regarding the Scheme's progress to date and future development plans.
144. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps his Department is taking to reduce the cost of electricity. [49292/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has made a number of important commitments in respect of addressing the continued high cost of energy. The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and businesses and commits to bringing forward taxation measures to help contain energy costs.
Government approved an extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity by a further six months to October 2025 at an estimated cost of €85 million with the net benefit to households from 1 May to 31 October being approximately €26.60 with respect to electricity and €20.28 with respect to gas. This is traditionally 13.5% but has been 9% since 2022 in response to the energy price crisis.
In June 2025, my Department established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce 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.
A key output of this Taskforce will be to develop an Energy Affordability Action Plan which will identify a comprehensive range of solutions including demand-side solutions for households to allow them to adjust their energy demand and avail of low-cost renewable energy.
Taskforce members are currently working to finalise an interim report, which will set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process.
146. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the progress made in the development of flexible electricity generation capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49078/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has set a target of having at least 2GW of new, flexible, gas-fired generation capacity by 2030 in our Climate Action Plans to ensure secure generation of electricity at time of low renewable output and/or high demand. This allows for the integration of a large volume of wind and solar electricity projects that displace the need to run fossil fuel plants for baseload, without compromising security of supply. In addition, increasing amounts of batteries, long duration storage, interconnector capacity and demand side response have also been procured in recent capacity market auctions which will lessen Ireland's dependence on fossil fuel imports in the coming years.
Dispatchable generation capacity is procured through the Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM) under the overall regulatory supervision of the Single Electricity Market Committee (SEMC). The dispatchable generation capacity sought via the CRM auctions are delivered by developers in the open market to be enduring capacity that will support an up to 80% renewable powered electricity system into the 2030s. The successful and expeditious delivery of all capacity market projects is a critical component in ensuring enduring security of supply.
148. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps he will take to ensure Ireland meets its commitment to protect 30% of its oceans by 2030 through the designation of Marine Protected Areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49080/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the transfer of marine environment functions from the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government to my Department, the Department has undertaken a review to identify the optimal legislative vehicle to designate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Options under consideration include alignment of the approach to designating MPAs with provisions of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021. A recommendation will be brought to Government for approval in the coming weeks.
In advance of finalising the legislative approach, it is important to note that significant enabling work in relation to identification of possible MPAs has already begun. Two ecological sensitivity analyses were undertaken completing studies of the western Irish Sea and Celtic Sea to identify possible suitable areas for potential MPAs in these parts of Ireland’s maritime area, as well as developing methods, approaches and standards for identifying such suitable areas. The Irish Sea sensitivity analysis was completed and published on 19 June 2023 and the Celtic Sea analysis was completed and published on 27 June 2024.
More recently, EU-LIFE funding of €15 million has been obtained to aid in developing Ireland’s network of MPAs between now and 2030. The State will add a further €10 million in match funding for this MPA LIFE Ireland project, making a total project fund of €25 million over the period 2024-2033.
The MPA LIFE Ireland project and ongoing wider MPA process will support the implementation of the MPA legislation by ensuring the co-design, development and roll out of Marine Protected Areas as well as effective ecosystem-based management.
Regardless of the final legislative code chosen, stakeholder engagement and meaningful participation will continue to be central to the MPA process as it develops.
The Government remains committed to the earliest possible designation of an ecologically coherent network of MPAs, ensuring that Ireland achieves and maintains Good Environmental Status in its marine area and meets its target of 30% by 2030 in a way that supports integrated marine governance.
149. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has engaged with the European Union or international partners on the collection and reporting of data which will facilitate the collating of data on the quantities of PET plastic which are recycled domestically and exported. [48878/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDialogue within the European Union regarding the collection and reporting of data for all waste packaging takes place within the context of the Waste Framework Directive and related legislation such as the Waste Shipment Regulation and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, which will be replaced in 2026 by measures under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
Requirements under these laws for the collation and reporting of data are agreed following careful negotiation at EU level. Those discussions are informed and influenced by the need to balance the final value of this data with the reporting burden it places on commercial operators within the sector and the administrations of Member States. At present, data relating to the recycling of specific plastic polymers is not collated. The recently agreed PPWR, however, proposes to begin collecting some data on individual polymers after 2030 and this includes whether these materials are recycled domestically or elsewhere. This will require the introduction of further EU secondary legislation to ensure that data is collected and collated on a harmonised and comparable basis across the Single Market.
150. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the legislative and policy measures his Department is planning to take with respect to noise pollution from commercial drones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48560/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraNoise nuisance caused by aircraft, including drones, is specifically excluded from the scope of Section 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 which allows complaints to be made to the District Court. There are no proposals to change environmental legislation in this regard.
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have previously provided details on the current regulation of drones (including with regard to noise) and the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
152. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment given the frequent long delays for electricity connections on newly built houses, if there are plans to ensure available capacity and a timely response from the ESB to ensure no delays in housing delivery. [49109/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of electricity grid capacity and the provision of connections for customers are the responsibility of the national Transmission System Operator, EirGrid, and Distribution System Operator, ESB Networks. These system operators are independent of me as Minister in the exercise of their respective functions, and both are overseen by the independent regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas.
Over the last four years, ESB Networks has connected over 147,000 homes and businesses to the distribution network, and housing developments continue to be offered grid connections. This comes at a time where Ireland, like many other European countries, is experiencing high demand for new electrical connections. This demand is driven by a growing population, the electrification of heat and transport, increased industrial activity, housing targets and large energy users.
To ensure the continued delivery of grid capacity to allow the expansion of housing supply into the future, Government is providing both vital investment and coordinated cross-government action. Government is providing a €3.5 billion equity investment in EirGrid and ESB Networks which will act alongside the CRU’s draft Price Review 6 proposing up to €18 billion grid investment, with €14.1 billion guaranteed between 2026 and 2030.
My Department is in regular engagement with the CRU and system operators in working to develop grid capacity and facilitate customer connections, including households. Our Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce brings together these organisations to focus on identifying key barriers and potential solutions to accelerating the delivery of critical grid infrastructure. This work complements that of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce and Housing Activation Office to deliver the housing we need.
154. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to outline the plans for investment in the grid over the coming decade. [48949/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvesting in our electricity network, and ensuring it is fit for purpose, is overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) in five-year cycles called Price Reviews. The CRU is an independent regulator, accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister. The CRU is responsible for, inter alia, the economic regulation of the Irish electricity system operators ESB Networks, distribution, and EirGrid, transmission.
On 3 July, the CRU published its Draft Determination on Price Review 6 (PR6). PR6 will deliver on the Programme for Government priority to ensure that the necessary investment is made in the electricity grid. The CRU are proposing to approve an investment of up to €18 billion in our electricity system between 2026-2030, with a €14 billion baseline investment guaranteed.
PR6 will set out the investment to take place over the period 2026-2030, with the Final Determination expected to be published by CRU in December of this year. Implementation of PR6 will start immediately following approval by the CRU, with the investment to be undertaken next year already approved as part of the Network Tariff setting announced by CRU in August this year.
PR6 will see major investment in the onshore electricity grid and represents a step change in grid development and investment, a process which will see further progressive scaling during the 2030s to meet future targets. These investments will start to deliver the building blocks on which we will expand our onshore grid out to 2050.
The draft determination will enable the delivery of over 500 capital network projects, the growth of our economy, the connection of new housing to our electricity system, the integration of greater renewable energy, both on and offshore, and decarbonisation.
