Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
200. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the Climate Action Plan 2026; if he will engage with this group in relation to their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13518/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that I have received the correspondence referred to by the Deputy from the group of academics and researchers regarding the preparation of the next Climate Action Plan in the context of the ongoing process for adopting the second Carbon Budget programme.
I want to acknowledge the significant expertise of the signatories and their ongoing contributions to the development of national climate policy, including their testimony to the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy last year and direct engagement following this with my Department on the budget proposals.
The Joint Committee has undertaken its detailed scrutiny on the Climate Change Advisory Council’s proposals for the Second Carbon Budget Programme and the delivery of its report took place later than expected. It did result in 38 wide-ranging recommendations that I am currently considering before any further proposals are brought to Government.
The carbon budgets have very significant implications for our economy and society. They need to be considered in the context of ensuring that affordability, competitiveness and energy security are paramount, particularly given the fast-paced evolving international geo-political landscape. In my view it is critical, therefore, that they are in place before finalising the next Climate Action Plan, as the plan is needed to address multiple budget periods. Sectoral Emissions Ceilings may also be revised once the updated Carbon Budget programme is adopted.
In the interim, Climate Action Plan 2025 in tandem with its predecessor, Climate Action Plan 2024, remains in place and provides a strong framework for continued delivery of climate action across all sectors, as many of its commitments are multi annual in nature. Work remains ongoing across Government Departments to deliver on these commitments and carry out climate mitigation efforts every day, supported by recently enhanced governance and delivery arrangements.
While I note the content of the letter relates to the plan itself, it is important to recognise the progress made by the Irish people and the plans, as well as funding, that are already in place to support Irelands climate objectives.
Ireland now has the lowest level of greenhouse gas emissions in 35 years which is notable given concurrent demographic and economic growth including an increase of approximately 1.5 million people, more than one million new homes and over one million extra vehicles on our roads. This Government is committed to delivering on Ireland’s responsibility to address the climate crisis and work remains ongoing across Government departments to carry out climate mitigation efforts every day: the rollout of retrofitting; renewable energy deployment; and more affordable electric vehicles continues at pace.
I can confirm to the Deputy that I remain focussed the delivery of our highest impact climate action measures, through our revised Climate Governance framework, and we will continue to pursue the achievement of our climate targets in line with our Programme for Government commitments.
