In June 2025, my Department established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) 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 First Report of the Taskforce, which included measures for consideration in Budget 2026, was published last November. The report is available on gov.ie. The Taskforce has now turned to the preparation of an Energy Affordability Action Plan to be completed in Q3. The Action Plan will include a review of cost drivers within the energy sector and consideration of how the EU Action Plan for Affordable Energy and associated guidance can be implemented in an Irish context. This will include examining how targeted schemes can best assist households in energy poverty and consider supports for households struggling to meet their energy costs. Work on the development of the Action Plan is progressing at pace.
In response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, I chaired a meeting of the NEAT on 19 March 2026. Discussions covered the macro implications of the conflict for global energy markets; current supply and pricing conditions across oil, gas and electricity in Ireland; customer support measures in place; and the European response to the crisis. A subsequent meeting of the Taskforce was held on 26 March, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department. The Taskforce is set to meet again on the 7 May, and my Department and the Taskforce continues to actively monitor the current geopolitical situation and the impact on energy markets.
A number of NEAT subgroup meetings will be taking place this week and in the weeks ahead. Officials from my Department and the NEAT secretariat also met earlier this week with representatives from the Community and Voluntary Pillar and the Environmental Pillar.
