Written Answers Nos. 82-115
96. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the current and projected contribution of solar farms to the national grid; the impact this is having on the grid's stability in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49120/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total installed capacity of solar generation connected to the grid currently stands at over 1.7 Gigawatts (GW) with a new record for peak solar generation set in July. This represents a very significant progress given that the first utility-scale solar project in Ireland was connected to the grid in 2022.
Government policy is focused on maintaining this momentum and delivering on our ambitious target of 8 GW of solar capacity. Growth has been strong in the recent years and solar is already making a meaningful contribution to electricity demand, playing a central role in diversifying Ireland’s renewable mix.
The Programme for Government sets out the commitment of this Government to achieving 80% of Ireland’s electricity generation from renewable sources in the near term. To do so will require a varied portfolio of renewable assets including solar and wind, as well as storage and conventional generation to facilitate this transition.
The Programme for Government recognises that to enable such a transformation of our energy system will also require a range of supporting measures. This will involve the development of a balanced portfolio of technologies, including storage and flexibility services, to complement other measures such as demand-side response, network development and interconnection to ensure a safe and secure electricity system with increased levels of renewables.
System Operator grid development plans are based upon delivering a safe and secure system with 80% renewable generation. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible for the regulation of the electricity system operators. Expenditure by EirGrid and ESB Networks is agreed with the CRU in five year cycles, referred to as Price Reviews. Price Review 6 will facilitate delivering upon this ambition from a grid perspective.
98. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason he has decided to replace the proposed Energy Poverty Action Plan with an Energy Affordability Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48561/25]
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 measures to contain energy costs and tackle energy poverty.
Government has introduced a suite of measures over recent years to help households and businesses deal with the cost of energy. For example, government recently 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.
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. Taskforce members are currently working to finalise the preparation of an interim report, which will set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process.
This is in advance of further analysis and the publication of the Energy Affordability Action Plan, which will include a broad review of cost drivers in the energy sector, and which will incorporate the work that has been done to date on energy poverty, including feedback from the consultation and stakeholder forum conducted in 2024. Specific engagement and measures to address those most at risk of energy poverty will also be a feature of the plan.
99. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of applications currently in place for the warmer homes scheme; the number of applications processed in 2022, 2023 and 2024; the average waiting period from the date of application to getting the works carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49111/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. This resulted in 7,743 upgrades being provided to low-income households, a 31% increase on 2023. This year’s budget includes an allocation of €280 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme. This represents an 11-fold increase on the 2020 expenditure figure.
The scheme has been delivering 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, with lower energy bills and reduced emissions. The number of upgrades completed in 2022, 2023, 2024 are 4,264, 5,897 and 7,743 respectively.
As reported by the SEAI, as of end August there are 20,994 homes in progress under the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. This includes homes that: are awaiting the initial survey of their home; awaiting the allocation of a contractor; have been allocated to contractors for works; or are currently undergoing works.
Information in relation to waiting times under the schemes is an operational matter for the SEAI and is not held by my Department. However, I can note 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. I can further provide contact details to the Deputy to follow up directly with the SEAI where any further or additional information is requested.
100. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the status of the current investigation into the widespread fish kill in the River Blackwater in recent weeks; if his Department has found the source of the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49317/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra118. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures he has taken in response to the fish kill on the River Blackwater; if he has met with Inland Fisheries Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49106/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra145. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the action his Department is taking to identify the source of the river Blackwater fish kill; for an update on the work carried out to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48998/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 100, 118 and 145 together.
I want to acknowledge the seriousness of the fish kill that occurred on the River Blackwater and its tributaries near Mallow, Co Cork, and I fully recognise the enormous impact this incident has had on local communities, anglers and users of this important river catchment.
From the outset, I have been in regular contact with Inland Fisheries Ireland or IFI and other agencies, as well as with local councillors and public representatives. I have visited the site on two occasions, where I chaired a well-attended town hall meeting between agencies and stakeholders, principally anglers and their representatives. Officials in my Department have also been working closely with IFI and the other agencies to coordinate public updates and to ensure information is being released as it becomes available.
An Inter-Agency Group was established at my instigation, to investigate the incident and to ensure that a coordinated and thorough response was in place. This group is coordinated by IFI and includes the Environmental Protection Agency, the Marine Institute, Cork County Council, the Local Authorities Water Programme, Uisce Éireann, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Health Services Executive. The Group has met several times, including twice under my chairmanship.
Over the last month, extensive investigations and testing have been carried out by the relevant agencies and all potential pollution sources in the area have been examined. While pathology testing carried out by the Marine Institute indicated possible exposure to some form of environmental insult or water-borne irritant was likely to have caused or contributed to the incident, no definitive cause for the fish kill has been identified in any of the test results. Unfortunately, this is not unusual – in some cases the triggering factor has either dissipated or is not detectable by the time an investigation commences, making identification impossible.
A significant mortality of fish has occurred. While it will take time for stocks to fully recover, the river remains open for fishing and healthy stocks are present. Importantly, the results of ongoing monitoring and testing indicate that the river continues to be safe, including for angling, with no water quality issues currently detected. All agencies will continue to carry out ongoing monitoring and routine surveys and inspections, both in the Blackwater catchment and more widely across other water courses.
A full incident report will be completed by the Inter Agency Group, which will review the actions taken by all agencies involved and include full and comprehensive findings from all investigations.
101. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his Department’s plans to support the development of biomethane. [48951/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment has committed to the ambitious delivery of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. In response to this ambitious target, my Department, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, published the National Biomethane Strategy in May 2024.
Implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy is an on-going process of collaboration across key Government Departments and Agencies. The Biomethane Implementation Group has been established to oversee implementation of this strategy and the delivery of the 25 key strategic actions to ensure the necessary infrastructure and supports are in place to underpin the development of an indigenous biomethane industry of scale.
Chaired by my Department, with close support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Group reports directly to the Heat and Built Environment Taskforce on on-going progress. It continues to engage with action owners and key stakeholders to finalise a full progress report which will provide an update on key deliverables, including publication of the Biomethane Charter, and development of the Biomethane Information Hub and Communications Strategy. It is expected that this progress report will be published on Gov.ie shortly.
A priority action within the strategy is the development of the Biomethane Sustainability Charter. The charter is now finalised and is being prepared for publication. It will outline key requirements and best practices that anaerobic digestion developers, facility owners and feedstock producers should adhere to for the purposes of considering and protecting the local environment.
Government has also agreed to the introduction of a Renewable Heat Obligation Scheme (RHO) to ensure an increasing use of renewable fuels across the full heating sector. Biomethane will be a key fuel type that will be eligible under the scheme. The RHO will be vital for the development of Ireland’s indigenous biomethane sector, and our aim is to be ambitious and increase the obligation rate over the coming years as quickly as possible, as the scheme will play a key role in supporting the achievement of Ireland’s renewable heat targets.
The General Scheme of the Renewable Heat Obligation Bill was approved by Government in July, with implementation of the scheme scheduled to start in 2026. Officials from my Department are working with the Office of Parliamentary Council on the drafting of the legislation, which has been given priority status.
102. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if consideration will be given to reform the Public Service Obligation Levy to make it income-sensitive and progressive given its disproportionate impact on low-income households. [48995/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy is a vital policy support for the development of renewable electricity to enable Ireland to reach energy and climate targets. Under the PSO, over 4.6 GW of renewable generation is supported through the REFIT and RESS schemes.
The PSO is set annually by the CRU to recover or return electricity consumers funds associated with renewable supports. It applies to all electricity customers and can be a charge or a credit depending on wholesale prices. For 2025/26 the CRU has set the monthly PSO charge at €2.01 for domestic customers. In contrast, the PSO was negative in 2022/23, resulting in payments to customers, and set to zero for 2023/24. Thus the RESS provides for consumer protection, whereby supported projects are required to credit monies to households and businesses when market prices exceed their RESS support price.
The PSO protects consumers by supporting investments in renewable energy at predictable prices and reducing reliance on importing fossil fuels. The PSO helps shield consumers from international price volatility.
The CRU administers the PSO within legislation and sets the PSO transparently each year in light of market conditions. Concerns on equity and energy affordability are addressed through broader, targeted measures outside the PSO. That includes the establishment of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce whose goal is to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses.
Any consideration of future changes to the PSO model would need to both deliver reductions in electricity bills for households and businesses and ensure that there continues to be a stable investment framework so that that Ireland benefits in the long term of its indigenous renewable resources.
103. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when his Department will issue new guidelines on the way in which offshore windfarms should be developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48946/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently drafting Marine Planning Guidelines for Offshore Wind Energy under section 7 of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide clarity and advice on the assessment process to statutory planning authorities for planning applications for offshore wind energy.
Within the context of the plan-led marine spatial planning system and requirements in respect of environmental assessment, public consultation and compliance with planning policy, the guidelines will ensure a robust assessment process.
The guidelines will also assist project developers who intend submitting planning applications for offshore wind development to planning authorities, in addition to providing planning information to prescribed bodies, interested marine stakeholders and members of the public.
Ensuring Ireland realises its potential in terms of offshore wind energy development is dependent upon modernisation across the planning system. In Autumn 2024 work led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) culminated in the enactment of a new Planning and Development Act, 2024. This includes important changes to the planning permission and environmental assessment provisions that will shape statutory guidance related to planning matters. Work is underway to commence these provisions in line with the published Implementation Plan (available here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/implementation-plan-for-the-planning-and-development-act-2024/).
In the context of these changes and the need to ensure continuity in relation to the basis of decision making for offshore wind proposals currently being considered by An Coimisiún Pleanála it is vital that the guidelines are developed in the right way and introduced at the right time. My Department continues to work closely with key stakeholders to finalise a draft of the guidelines for public consultation as soon as possible.
104. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment in view of severe weather events in 2024 and to date in 2025, the measures being implemented to strengthen critical infrastructure including energy supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49276/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing Storm Éowyn, I asked ESB Networks (ESB-N) to prepare as a priority a Winter 2025 Resilience Plan to enhance the resilience of the grid in the most vulnerable locations for the upcoming winter. This has been progressing since April and the actions include:-
ESB-N has made hazards safe and progressed remedial works needed to refurbish the network.
ESB-N continues to work with Coillte and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to identify segments of the network at highest future risk. Timber harvesters have been procured and during the summer began to cut timber according to this prioritisation.
Emergency stocks of spare parts and materials are being replenished.
Staffing levels and available contractor resources are being increased through provision of targeted training programmes. In addition, my Department has progressed the issue of permits for skilled workers from outside the EU to advance urgent forestry work.
ESB-N is leading a working group at EU level to establish formal arrangements for mutual aid during extreme weather events.
ESB-N is also increasing the number of access officers who manage engagement with landowners on forestry work. My Department is preparing legislation to enhance ESB-N’s powers to manage vegetation, place the dimensions and conditions of corridors through forestry on a statutory footing, and establish principles for the compensation of affected landowners. Cabinet approved the Heads of this Bill on 29 July and work on advancing the legislation continues.
I should also highlight that significant investment in the electricity grid which supports overall resilience is ongoing. The National Development Plan will provide for the provision of up to €3.5 billion in additional equity to support an unprecedented investment in electricity grid infrastructure over 2026 – 2030. €2 billion will be provided to EirGrid and €1.5 billion to ESB. This equity will enable both companies to raise finance for the planned investment of up to €18.08 billion.
105. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if there are plans to fund the development of district heating. [48950/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDistrict heating is a proven technology that can decarbonise the built environment, diversify fuel sources for heat, and improve quality of life. The National Heat Study, produced by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), highlighted significant potential for heat in buildings to be supplied by district heating, particularly in urban areas where demand is concentrated, and heat sources are prevalent.
Government policy is supportive of the expansion of district heating to contribute to the diversification of fuel supply to decarbonise the heat sector. To date, the Government has financially supported the development of district heat networks through the Climate Action Fund (CAF).
In July 2025, the Government approved the allocation of €5 million from the CAF to support pre-construction development costs for efficient district heating projects in Ireland. The Department, with the assistance of the SEAI District Heating Centre of Excellence, are in the process of operationalising this funding. This financial support is being introduced to ensure efficient district heating projects are in position to avail of future funding to support the construction phase of projects.
A District Heating Steering Group was established to support the development of district heating in Ireland. The Steering Group Report, which was approved by Government in 2023, contains a range of recommendations, including with respect to providing financial support for district heating infrastructure.
In line with this recommendation, I intend to put in place a financial allocation for efficient district heating projects over the period 2026 to 2030. Investing now in infrastructure will deliver key backbone elements for district heating networks that will decarbonise heat for larger anchor customers this decade, and for smaller heat loads in the medium-to-longer term.
106. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the publication of the Biomethane Sustainability Charter which is intended to transparently outline the key principles to guide AD developers in relation to plant operation, management, sustainability and local engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49271/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment has committed to the ambitious delivery of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. In response to this commitment, my Department, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, published the National Biomethane Strategy in May 2024.
Implementation of this strategy is an on-going process of collaboration across key Government Departments and Agencies. The Biomethane Implementation Group has been established to oversee its implementation and the delivery of the 25 key strategic actions to ensure the necessary infrastructure and supports are in place to underpin the development of an indigenous biomethane industry of scale.
Chaired by my Department, with close support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Group reports directly to the Heat and Built Environment Taskforce on on-going progress. It continues to engage with action owners and key stakeholders to finalise a full progress report which will provide an update on key deliverables, including publication of the Biomethane Charter, and development of the Biomethane Information Hub and Communications Strategy. It is expected that this progress report will be published on Gov.ie shortly.
Sustainability is a key pillar of the National Biomethane Strategy, with an emphasis on ensuring development of the anaerobic digestion (AD) industry in an environmentally sustainable manner, achieving high standards for the protection of water, soil, biodiversity and the local ecosystem. A priority action within the strategy is the development of the Biomethane Sustainability Charter. The charter is now finalised and is being prepared for publication. It will outline key requirements and best practices that AD developers, owners and feedstock producers should adhere to for the purposes of considering and protecting the local environment.
Government has also agreed to the introduction of a Renewable Heat Obligation Scheme (RHO) ensuring an increasing use of renewable fuels across the full heating sector. Biomethane will be a key fuel type that will be eligible under the scheme. The RHO will be vital for the development of Ireland’s indigenous biomethane sector. The aim is to be ambitious and increase the obligation rate over the coming years as quickly as possible, as the scheme will play an important role in supporting the achievement of Ireland’s renewable heat targets.
The General Scheme of the RHO Bill was approved by Government in July. Implementation of the scheme is scheduled to start in 2026. My officials are working with the Office of Parliamentary Council on the drafting of the legislation which has been given priority status and it is expected that it will progress through the legislative process over the coming months.
The scheme's terms and conditions are being developed with the scheme administrator, the National Oil Reserves Agency, and engagement with the European Commission is ongoing, ensuring that it complies with EU internal market rules.
107. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if additional legislative or regulatory measures need to be implemented by his Department to protect critical infrastructure and ensure security of energy supplies particularly to rural communities, where severe difficulties were caused for households, businesses, farmers and for both statutory and voluntary providers of essential services following Storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49277/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra108. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his plans bolster the storm resilience of the electricity grid. [48952/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra109. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the implementation of the Winter 2025 Grid Resilience Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48428/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra114. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the action he is taking following the unprecedented power outages caused by storm Éowyn, which exposed critical vulnerabilities arising from unmanaged vegetation and commercial forestry close to electricity infrastructure. [48975/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra116. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures his Department is undertaking to strengthen energy security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48948/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra130. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures he is taking to prepare for the impact of storms this upcoming autumn, winter and beyond; the further measures he is taking to ensure that people are better protected than they were in 2024; if he has met with the Minister for Social Protection to discuss the humanitarian assistance that will be available in the aftermath of extreme weather events this autumn, winter and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49108/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra143. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will report on implementation of the ESB Networks Winter 2025 Grid Resilience Plan. [48976/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 107, 108, 109, 114, 116, 130 and 143 together.
Following Storm Éowyn, I asked ESB Networks (ESB-N) to prepare as a priority a Winter 2025 Resilience Plan to enhance the resilience of the grid in the most vulnerable locations for the upcoming winter. This has been progressing since April and the actions include:-
ESB-N has made hazards safe and progressed remedial works needed to refurbish the network.
ESB-N continues to work with Coillte and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to identify segments of the network at highest future risk. Timber harvesters have been procured and during the summer began to cut timber according to this prioritisation.
Emergency stocks of spare parts and materials are being replenished.
Staffing levels and available contractor resources are being increased through provision of targeted training programmes. In addition, my Department has progressed the issue of permits for skilled workers from outside the EU to advance urgent forestry work.
ESB-N is leading a working group at EU level to establish formal arrangements for mutual aid during extreme weather events.
ESB-N is also increasing the number of access officers who manage engagement with landowners on forestry work. My Department is preparing legislation to enhance ESB-N’s powers to manage vegetation, place the dimensions and conditions of corridors through forestry on a statutory footing, and establish principles for the compensation of affected landowners. Cabinet approved the Heads of this Bill on 29 July and work on advancing the legislation continues.
I should also highlight that significant investment in the electricity grid which supports overall resilience is ongoing. The National Development Plan will provide for the provision of up to €3.5 billion in additional equity to support an unprecedented investment in electricity grid infrastructure over 2026 – 2030. €2 billion will be provided to EirGrid and €1.5 billion to ESB. This equity will enable both companies to raise finance for the planned investment of up to €18.08 billion.
We know from Storm Éowyn that there is need for a range of supports to assist communities who are impacted the most. The Review of the response to Storm Éowyn, being led by the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage will look at the humanitarian response and recommendations arising from that Review are expected to come before Government in the next few weeks.
110. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to report on the low-cost loan retrofitting scheme; to report on the scheme's uptake since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49104/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme, which launched in April 2024, is intended to play a crucial role in helping homeowners invest in energy upgrades to make their homes warmer, healthier and more comfortable, with lower emissions and lower bills. It was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group.
Under this Government-backed €500 million scheme, which is the first of its kind for both Ireland and the EIB Group, homeowners can borrow from €5,000 to €75,000 at significantly lower interest rates to those currently on the market because of the combination of an EIB Group loan guarantee and a Government-funded interest rate subsidy.
The Deputy may wish to note that as only one lender was operating under the scheme for the majority of Quarter 2 2024, the uptake figures for Quarter 2 are not reported separately due to commercial sensitivity.
PTSB was the first lender to join in April 2024, with AIB and Bank of Ireland joining in June. Avant Money (in partnership with An Post Money) launched under the scheme in February 2025, and seven credit unions from the Irish League of Credit Unions began offering loans in April 2025. Rates start from as low as 2.99% (pricing varies depending on the finance provider).
The cumulative figures for uptake of the scheme both in terms of number and loan value are as follows:
• By end 2024, the number of loans stood at 245 with a value of €11.9 million.
• By end of June 2025, this had increased to 580 loans with a value of €28.5 million.
111. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware that GHG emissions went up by 2.9% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024; to report on any meetings he has had with the EPA to address this; to report on any meetings he has had with the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and or other ministers to address this; to outline his proposed policy response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49105/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) most recent Quarterly Greenhouse Gas Emissions Indicator Report for Quarter 1 2025 shows that emissions rose by 2.9% compared to the same period in 2024. This increase can largely be attributed to higher fertiliser sales, due to delayed purchases in 2024 following adverse weather, and a 3.3% rise in electricity supply.
Quarterly data can provide useful insights but is often influenced by seasonal or one-off factors such as those above and should not be read in isolation. A broader perspective shows that Ireland’s emissions fell by 2% (1.1 million tonnes CO2 eq) in 2024, marking the third consecutive year of decline. Emissions are now at their lowest in three decades despite a larger population and economy.
For example, while an increase in electricity supply contributed to an increase in emissions for this period, the overall proportion of fossil fuel generation continued to decline from 68% in 2018 to 43% in 2024. We get a greater share of our electricity, 35% on average, from onshore wind farms, more than any other country in the EU.
To accelerate delivery, I have established a new Climate Action Programme Board, comprising relevant Assistant Secretaries. This reports directly to the Climate Action Delivery Board, at Secretary General level, which I chair. Its initial focus is on ensuring consistent delivery structures and prioritising high-impact CAP actions.
I regularly receive updates and briefings from the EPA and continue to engage with my Ministerial colleagues on all aspects of delivery on our climate ambitions, including through the Cabinet Committee on Climate Action, Environment and Energy which met in July of this year. With respect to the specific report highlighted above, I can confirm that officials from my Department did engage with the EPA on it, and will continue to do so on matters relevant to Ireland's emissions reduction targets.
112. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason he has established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce without civil society representation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48562/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra125. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason he has scrapped the energy poverty action plan and excluded civil society organisations from the National Energy Affordability Taskforce; if he will meet with civil society organisations in relation to the new energy affordability action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49162/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra127. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the work of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce. [48944/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra155. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will commit to introducing a statutory energy poverty strategy that integrates energy efficiency, affordability and climate justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48997/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 125, 127 and 155 together.
In June 2025, my Department established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce as a cross governmental body 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.
The Taskforce's work programme will be supported by a process of ongoing engagement with relevant stakeholders, including industry bodies, suppliers, social enterprises and other non-governmental organisations. A formal consultation and engagement process is planned in the coming months to ensure that Taskforce priorities are shaped by public and stakeholder input.
This consultation will inform the Energy Affordability Action Plan, which will include a broad review of cost drivers in the energy sector. Work carried out to date on energy poverty, including feedback from the consultation and stakeholder forum conducted in 2024, alongside new measures which arise from the consultation and engagement process outlined above and which support those most at risk of energy poverty will also feature in the plan.
Taskforce members are currently working to finalise the preparation of an interim report, which will set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process.
Taskforce membership is comprised of representatives from the following organisations:
Department of the Taoiseach
Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
Department of Finance
Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Sector Reform and Digitalisation
Department of Social Protection
Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)
Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)
ESB Networks
EirGrid
Gas Networks Ireland
113. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his proposals to increase the amount of PET plastic recycled in Ireland. [48879/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2023, the most recent year for which EPA statistics are available, Ireland recycled 30% of plastic packaging waste. This exceeds the target of 22.5% but stricter targets of 50% and 55%, for 2025 and 2030 respectively will be more challenging. These figures are in respect of all plastics including PET. The EU list of waste codes does not isolate individual polymers.
Given the volume and grade of material collected through our waste collection system, this is mostly recycled abroad for reasons of economic viability. Measures are underway, however, which will help boost recycling rates for plastics, including PET, and make recycling on the island a more attractive proposition for investors.
Most notably, these measures include our national Deposit and Return Scheme. For the first time, a separate and high quality stream of PET is now available for recycling. Together with the requirement under the Single Use Plastics Directive for incorporating 25% of recycled plastic in PET beverage bottles from 2025, rising to 30% from 2030, the case for recycling investment here has never been stronger.
In keeping with the polluter pays principle, Extended Producer Responsibility schemes have a key role in meeting national collection and recycling targets and also in supporting investment to ensure that as much as possible can be recycled and recovered domestically.
115. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the implementation of the relevant sections of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 that provide for the use by local authorities of CCTV and other technologies to tackle illegal dumping; the extent to which these sections are being used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48641/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislation allowing for the installation and usage of CCTV for litter and waste enforcement purposes required that the Local Government Management Agency submit to the Minister for approval, separate Codes of Practice for the operation of CCTV schemes under the Litter Pollution Act and the Waste Management Act and a further Code of Practice for the use of "mobile recording devices" (e.g. drones) under the Waste Management Act.
These Codes of Practice were approved in January 2024 and the relevant sections of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act were commenced on 15 February 2024. The approved Codes of Practice are available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/waste-enforcement/
It has been open to all local authorities since that date to begin the process of putting the required procedures in place to allow for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant use of CCTV and other mobile recording devices to combat litter and illegal dumping. It is an operational matter for each individual local authority to determine the most appropriate enforcement responses to incidents of illegal dumping, including the use of CCTV and other technologies, while taking account of local circumstances and priorities. As such, my Department does not collate information on the number of local authorities who have adopted the relevant Codes or put in place CCTV schemes to tackle illegal dumping.
