Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
239. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the plans to introduce a carbon credit trading desk in Ireland for community grounds that produce carbon credits to enable them to sell them on the open market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3339/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork 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 are expected to be adopted in Q1 2026. 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 have also been announced in the environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/bioeconomy-strategy_en 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.
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. This exercise will further inform and guide the development of a National Carbon Farming Framework as it is important that care is taken in what is considered a developing marketplace. The public consultation closed on the 30 November 2025 with 59 written submissions. Additionally, three stakeholder engagement workshops were undertaken during the consultation period. I am advised that DAFM is now reviewing all feedback received in order to consider the views and ideas complied for the continued development of a National Carbon Farming Framework.
