Wednesday, 18 Feb 2026

Written Answers Nos. 8-22

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

Building Regulations

Ceisteanna (8)

Ciarán Ahern

Ceist:

8. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to confirm that the concept of 'sufficiency', defined when applied to the building sector as meaning above all making the best use of existing buildings to create a built environment that is attractive, affordable, and aligned with the actual space and accessibility needs of occupants, will be included in the National Building Renovation Plan (NBRP); how his Department plans to integrate the concept of 'sufficiency ' into the NBRP, which Ireland is yet to submit to the EU Commission, given it is recommended to be included in Annex II of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, as well as in the template published by the Commission in June 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12932/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

My Department is developing Ireland’s National Building Renovation Plan which will outline our approach to ensuring the renovation of the national stock of residential and non-residential buildings, both public and private, into a highly energy-efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050, with the objective of transforming existing buildings into zero-emission buildings.

In line with Annex II of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, Ireland’s National Building Renovation Plan will include all detail on all indicators listed as mandatory in Annex II, which includes details on Government policies on the district and neighbourhood approaches and integrated renovation programmes at district level, which may be considered in the context of sufficiency alongside other criteria.

Existing supports to building owners offered through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland aimed at improving the energy performance of the Irish building stock focus heavily on improving the efficiency and comfort of existing buildings whilst simultaneously reducing their operational greenhouse gas emissions, already making the best use of existing buildings to align them with a decarbonised future.

Recycling Policy

Ceisteanna (9)

Shane Moynihan

Ceist:

9. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the plans in place for the introduction of the disposable coffee cup levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12962/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment

I refer the Deputy to the answer below which was provided in relation to PQ ref: 5651/26 of 26 January 2026. The position is unchanged.

Legislative powers are in place, through the Circular Economy Act 2022, to implement environmental levies on a range of singe-use products including single-use cups, single-use containers and other forms of single-use packaging.

In 2022, the Department commissioned a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) on the introduction of a levy on single-use cups and a public consultation on draft regulations was undertaken. It was envisaged at the time that a levy might be introduced in a similar way to the plastic bag levy (i.e. at the point of sale in a retail premises).

Following further engagement with the Revenue Commissioners, a different collection model, collecting the levy when cups are first placed on the market by producers or importers, was discussed. Such a revision would require an amendment of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022. The Department is working with the Revenue Commissioners on designing the provisions required to make this amendment.

Furthermore, in 2025, the Department commissioned an update to the RIA to explore the potential impacts of the revised collection model and any other policy measure to reduce single-use cup consumption effectively. That work is close to finalisation and will inform next policy steps.

Climate Action Plan

Ceisteanna (10)

Catherine Callaghan

Ceist:

10. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if there is scope to increase the total funding allocated to Carlow in the climate action fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11854/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Climate Action Fund (CAF) was established to provide assistance and financial support to projects which will help Ireland achieve its climate and energy targets. The CAF will provide at least €500 million in government funding up to 2027 towards this aim.

Funding is provided directly to local authorities such as Carlow County Council from the Climate Action Fund under strand 1 of the Community Climate Action Programme.

Strand 1 of the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP) supports Local Authorities to build low carbon, sustainable communities in a coherent way.

This strand of the CCAP provides €53.9M in funding across two phases to Local Authorities. This funding facilitates community projects that contribute to national climate and energy targets at a local level. CCAP also provides an administrative contribution to each Local Authority towards the cost of employing a Community Climate Action Officer (CCAO) in each Local Authority to liaise with community groups and support them delivering climate action projects.

Under Phase 1 of this programme, Carlow was allocated €378,000 in project funding and brought forward projects with a total value of €374,537. To date, Carlow has drawn down €238,960.23 of that allocation. Additionally, since the launch of the CCAP in 2023, Carlow has received €139,354.83 in administrative contributions from my Department supporting the Carlow Community Climate Action Officer.

Under Phase 2 of the CCAP launched in October 2025, Carlow has been allocated €378,000 in project funding. In addition to this, Carlow County Council has received a commitment from my Department to continue the administrative contribution in support of Carlow’s Community Climate Action Officer, until the CCAP concludes at the end of 2027.

The procedure of allocating funds to local authorities was agreed during the design of the CCAP in 2022. Each Local Authority received a minimum allocation of €200,000 plus an additional per capita allocation based on census population data. During preparation for the launch of the second phase of Strand 1 of the CCAP, the CCAP working group, which includes representatives of the local authorities, agreed to the distribution of funds on the same per capita basis as was used in the first phase of Strand 1.

The potential for further allocations of funding to local authorities from the Climate Action Fund will depend on assessment of the impact of the CCAP and the level of funding required from projects submitted as part of this second Phase.

Climate Action Plan

Ceisteanna (11)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

11. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to report on the work of the Climate Action Delivery Board; and when they it next meet. [12357/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Programme for Government aimed to improve the structures for delivering the Climate Action Plan through the Climate Action Delivery Board (CADB), which was established in 2019. While its original remit focused on overseeing implementation of the Climate Action Plan, the context for its work has changed due to subsequent Programmes for Government, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 and successive Climate Action Plans.

As part of strengthened governance arrangements, I took over as Chair of the CADB in 2025, and the secretariat function transferred from the Department of the Taoiseach to my Department . Membership of the CADB is at Secretary General level for Departments with key responsibilities for climate action delivery.

In December 2025, the CADB revised its Terms of Reference to reflect its updated aims and operating arrangements. Under these Terms of Reference, the CADB provides strategic direction and leadership to support the coordinated implementation of Government’s climate action agenda; monitors and supports delivery and performance by Departments; oversees and reports to Government on progress implementing actions in Climate Action Plans; reviews key strategic projects; identifies resolution pathways for barriers to delivery; and works closely with the Climate Action Plan Programme Board (CAPPB). The revised Terms of Reference are published on the CADB website: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/climate-action-delivery-board/

As part of the strengthened Governance arrangements, and to support the CADB, the Climate Action Plan Programme Board (CAPPB) has been established. The CAPPB is made up of Assistant Secretary-level representatives and delivery taskforce leads from across Government, including the energy, transport and agriculture sectors.

The CAPPB assesses progress on delivery, monitors risks, and proposes corrective actions for underperforming or at-risk actions and deliverables, including those required for delivery of targets and meets on a more frequent basis to the CADB, directly inputting into the work of the delivery board.

Since I became chair of the CADB, it has met once on 4 December 2025. At this meeting, the CADB agreed to a regular rhythm of quarterly meetings in 2026 with a sequential sectoral focus. The CADB is due to meet again in Q1 2026 and the CAPPB has already met this year. The focus of the Delivery Board in 2026 will be accelerating delivery of climate action through a focus on high-level actions and optimising the climate implementation framework. Minutes for this meeting will be published on the CADB website once approved at the subsequent meeting.

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (12)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

12. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has, or intends to, apply for a State aid exemption for the purposes of the development of the strategic floating LNG facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13099/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

In March of last year I received Government approval to proceed with the development of a State-led strategic gas emergency reserve. The delivery of a temporary gas reserve is critical to Ireland’s energy security as we continue to transition to indigenous, clean renewable energy. Crucially, the strategic gas emergency reserve will also ensure compliance with EU standards and regulations.

The project will be progressed through the necessary EU regulatory processes. A determination will be made as the project progresses as to whether a State aid exemption will be sought.

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (13)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

13. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has received formal correspondence or direction from the EU in relation to Ireland’s non-compliance with the N-1 directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13100/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

Compliance with EU standards and obligations is an expectation on all Member States. Annex 2 (Securing Ireland’s Gas Supplies) of the Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 strategy sets out that the State is operating outside legal requirements set out in EU legislation. My Department engages with the European Commission in relation to our energy security obligations including with respect to our pathway to compliance with the N-1 infrastructure standard in the form of the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve.

The Commission for the Regulation for Utilities (CRU), Ireland’s designated competent authority for security of supply, has highlighted Ireland’s non-compliance with the N-1 standard in the 2022 National Risk Assessment and 2023-2027 National Preventative Action Plan, both of which are submitted to the European Commission under Regulation 2017/1938.

The delivery of a temporary gas reserve is critical to Ireland’s energy security as we continue to transition to indigenous, clean renewable energy. Ireland’s National Risk Assessment highlighted an elevated risk to energy infrastructure and highlighted a disruption to gas interconnectors between Ireland and the UK. Emergency Exercise Cathal, in December 2024, further emphasised the unacceptable consequences to the gas and electricity (energy) system of a prolong gas outage.

Accordingly, the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve is a priority project of a strategic nature required to mitigate the major consequences for our society and our economy that would arise from the realisation of this risk.

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (14, 16)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

14. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the proposed strategic floating LNG facility would be considered a ‘gas entry point’ under EU law; if he has sought legal advice in relation to the impact of such a determination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13101/26]

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

16. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if, considering the German court case at the CJEU regarding their floating gas unit, he has sought legal advice on the potential of third parties pursuing legal action for access to the gas entry point that would come alongside the development of the strategic floating LNG facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13103/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 16 together.

On 4 March 2025, the Government approved the development of a strategic gas emergency reserve, in the form of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit, for use in the event of an interruption to our gas supplies. The reserve will be State-led and owned and operated by Gas Networks Ireland on behalf of the Government, acting in its capacity as a Transmission System Operator.

The delivery of a temporary strategic gas emergency reserve is critical to Ireland’s energy security as we continue to transition to indigenous, clean renewable energy. Crucially, this reserve will allow us to meet our energy security obligations in line with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021.

A key requirement for the reserve is that it does not inadvertently increase gas demand by increasing the supply available on the market. The operation of the reserve will be underpinned by robust policy and legislation to give effect to the non-commercial and strategic nature of the facility. Legal advice, including with respect to EU law, is informing the development of this policy and legislation.

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (15)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

15. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if it is intended that a company (details supplied) be the sole developer of the strategic floating LNG facility; or if it is intended that they will collaborate with other entities, State or commercial, in this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13102/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The strategic gas emergency reserve is being delivered under a State-led approach to address the significant risk to Ireland’s economy and society in the event of a disruption to gas supplies. State-led means commissioned by the state via Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) within a regulatory framework overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). This does not preclude a public private partnership nor the involvement of private firms contracted to provide, build or operate the necessary infrastructure. Public procurement processes will determine any future delivery partners.

GNI issued a Request for Information (RFI) to take market soundings from interested market operators, to identify capabilities, cost factors and general market dynamics for the provision and operation of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) and associated infrastructure for the strategic gas emergency reserve. The principal objective of this exercise was to receive feedback and gather information from the market to inform options to develop the project, in the context of the strategic reserve being owned and operated by Gas Networks Ireland.

GNI is currently progressing the project through the relevant procurement, planning, environmental and regulatory processes, with appropriate stakeholder engagement, to develop this strategic reserve and mitigate the risk to Ireland's society and economy of an interruption to gas supplies.

Question No. 16 answered with Question No. 14.

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (17)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

17. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the rationale for not taking into account secondary fuels, as is allowable in determining N-1 requirements, in the Departments security of supply reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13104/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

One of the key documents that informed the Energy Security Package was the 'Review of the Security of Energy Supply of Ireland’s Electricity and Gas Systems'. This review focused on the period to 2030, but in the context of ensuring a sustainable transition to renewable energy by 2050. This review considered the risks to both gas and electricity supplies, and a range of measures including the need for additional capacity of indigenous renewable energy; importing energy; energy storage; and fuel diversification and renewable gases. The review included detailed research, including a technical analysis conducted by CEPA (Cambridge Economic Policy Associates Ltd) and a public consultation run by my Department. The role of secondary fuelling in Ireland's energy security architecture was included in this technical analysis.

In 2024, my Department engaged CEPA to carry out an updated analysis of security of energy supply in Ireland covering the period beyond 2030. This study builds on CEPA’s technical analysis of the security of supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems up to 2030. This updated analysis focused on the ability of the proposed solution to meet the N-1 infrastructure standard for gas in 2035 and 2040. The formula for calculating the N-1 standard (set out in Annex II of Regulation 2017/1938) does not include the contribution of potential mitigation that could be provided by secondary fuel switching by gas-fired electricity generators in Ireland.

Secondary fuel usage from gas-fired generation can provide a key source of mitigation in the case that gas becomes unavailable for Irish electricity generators. However, the 2022 report outlines that only approximately 80% of registered gas-fired capacity in Ireland could be expected to operate on secondary fuel in case of a security of supply event involving a lack of gas for power generation. There is also significant uncertainty on the ability of secondary fuel storage to be replenished in the case of a prolonged gas outage due to plant and haulage constraints.

On this basis a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve, in the form of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), has been approved by Government to secure Ireland's energy systems, as a transitionary measure. A strategic gas emergency reserve will provide resilience to the gas system to mitigate the consequences for society and our economy of a significant gas supply disruption in Ireland.

Energy Prices

Ceisteanna (18)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

18. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department expects the renewable heating obligation to increase energy prices for the 700,000 homes, mostly in rural Ireland, that use heating oil; if so, if there will be financial supports available to those affected by such an energy price increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13161/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Government is committed to ensuring secure, affordable and sustainable energy for all households in Ireland. Our reliance on fossil fuels in heating our homes is a significant contributor to our high energy import dependency and carbon emissions. The introduction of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) is a key objective for me, as Minister, to address these challenges.

Given the potential impact the RHO could have on end consumers, energy affordability and the impact on household energy bills were key considerations in developing the scheme. My Department has carried out extensive analysis and stakeholder engagement activities, including with energy suppliers, to ensure final decisions taken in relation to the scheme are evidence-based and supportive of its successful introduction.

A number of scheme parameters have been designed to allow flexibility to obligated parties in meeting their obligations, which will in turn reduce the cost on the end consumer. Detail in relation to each phase of analysis, including the full assessment carried out on potential obligation rates, and scheme costs is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/renewable-heat-obligation/

Based on the currently proposed obligation rates of 1.5% in year one and 3% in year two, and costs socialised equally across an obligated party’s whole consumer base, the impact on a typical household energy bill will range between 0.4% and 0.7% in year 1, depending on fuel type. In year 2, this will range between 0.9% and 1.4%.

Any increase to obligation rates from year 3 will be subject to a further review of market conditions and scheme performance, and take into consideration the most cost effective and affordable way to achieve our energy objectives.

The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and businesses, and commits to bringing forward additional measures to address these costs. My Department has established a cross-Government Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, while delivering key renewables commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability. The taskforce has recently published an interim report, which set out measures that were considered as part of the Budget 2026 process, and in advance of publication of the Energy Affordability Action Plan later this year.

Renewable Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (19)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

19. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the amount of additional renewable liquid fuel supply that will be needed within the market to meet any additional demand caused by the upcoming renewable heating obligation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13162/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Government is committed to ensuring that Ireland has a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system. The reliance of our heating sector on fossil fuels is a significant contributor to Ireland’s high energy import dependency and carbon emissions. The introduction of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) is a key objective for me, as Minister, to address these challenges.

As part of the RHO design process, my Department has carried out extensive analysis and stakeholder engagement activities, including with renewable energy suppliers, to ensure final decisions taken in relation to the scheme are evidence-based and supportive of its successful introduction.

As part of this analysis, the level of fossil fuel currently supplied for heating purposes, and the availability of renewable fuels to meet initial RHO obligation rates was carefully considered to ensure final decisions taken in relation to the overall scheme design, were evidence-based and underpin its successful implementation.

Detail in relation to each phase of analysis, including a full assessment of the level of renewable fuels to meet the obligation, is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/renewable-heat-obligation/

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (20)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

20. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on the need for homeowners to replace entire domestic heat pumps systems which are reaching end of life and, particularly those that are R-410A based or installed prior to 2021; if he is concerned that the inability to access a grant to replace these systems, though the homes in question meet all other critical qualifying criteria, presents a financial inducement to revert to a gas/oil boiler or a solid fuel heating system which are dramatically cheaper; his views on the resulting impact to our carbon reduction targets; if he plans to extend the existing heat pump grant to those who are replacing outdated heat pump systems that have reached end of life with newer, more efficient systems; if he intends to introduce a grant to assist with the safe removal and disposal or recycling of older heat pump units and their refrigerant components; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13263/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

There has been significant investment and year-on-year growth in home energy upgrades under the National Retrofit Plan. In the period 2019 to December 2025, the sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) schemes have provided some €1.68 billion in support to homeowners for over 244,000 home energy improvements, including 32,750 fully funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the Warmer Homes Scheme, and over 18,500 heat pump installations. This includes 4,347 heat pumps in 2025. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage funded a further 16,990 Local Authority upgrades, including over 9,000 heat pumps in the period 2019 to 2025.

The National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026, which I published last month, includes new and enhanced measures to increase the delivery of home energy upgrades, including support for the adoption of heat pump systems. More information can be found on the SEAI website at:

www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/individual-grants/heat-pump-systems

The schemes will be kept under review taking account of demand, research, innovation, evolving technology, value for money and other relevant factors.

The administration and management of the schemes is an operational matter for the SEAI, an Agency under the aegis of my Department. The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members, including on individual scheme terms and conditions, so that such queries can be addressed promptly and in line with the SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standard. The email address is: [e-mail]

Seaweed Harvesting

Ceisteanna (21)

John Connolly

Ceist:

21. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of successful claims made for registration in relation to seaweed harvesting based on "Profit a Prendre" or traditional rights; whether it is proposed to change the legal conditions that need to be fulfilled to establish these rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13422/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

I have no function in relation to the matters raised in the Question.

Traditional rights to harvest wild seaweed can relate to property rights, known as appurtenant rights, or be built up through harvesting from the same area over a period of time, known as a profit a prendre rights acquired by prescription.

Tailte Éireann, an independent government agency operating under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, provides a property registration system, property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (22)

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

22. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence the funding allocated to NGOs by her Department in 2025; the funding allocated to NGOs by agencies and bodies under the remit of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13082/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

I wish to inform the Deputy that no non-governmental organisations operate under the remit or aegis of my Department.

Consequently, neither my Department nor any agency or body under its remit allocated funding from the Defence Vote to any non-governmental organisations during 2025.

• Written Answers Nos. 1-7
• Written Answers Nos. 23-28