Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
74. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide a list of meetings he has held with the Climate Change Advisory Council; the topics that were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32056/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
Ireland now has the lowest level of GHG 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. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) most recent emissions reporting confirms that Ireland has recorded overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions for a third consecutive year, with a decrease of 6.8% in 2023 followed by a further 2% reduction in 2024.
The Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) plays a vital, independent role in advising Government on our transition to a climate-neutral, biodiversity-rich, and sustainable economy. I, along with my officials, engage regularly with the Council to ensure their insights continue to inform our national policy.
I have met with the CCAC on three occasions to date, 6 February 2025, 10 April 2025 and 12 September 2025, and will be meeting with the newly appointed Chair in June. In addition to my own engagements, officials within my Department also meet and corresponded directly with the CCAC on a regular basis in relation to key issues across their respective policy areas.
The purpose of my meetings with the Council has been to discuss its proposals for the next Carbon Budget Programme, as well as to review our progress on delivery of existing climate policy measures. Across these meetings, our discussions have covered a broad range of strategic topics. In terms of energy and grid infrastructure, we discussed accelerating the delivery of onshore and offshore wind, repowering existing renewable sites, ensuring grid resilience, and deploying district heating and smart meters. Regarding transport, conversations covered public transport investment, increasing the uptake of electric vehicles, and active travel initiatives.
We also reviewed priorities related to land use and agriculture, including the now published Nature Restoration Plan, measures to sustainably optimise land use, and biomethane. Discussions regarding the built environment focused on the decarbonisation of heat, retrofitting public sector buildings, and the Heat Bill. We have also addressed delivery challenges and EU policy, exploring ways to streamline processes to accelerate climate action, make climate grants more accessible to communities, and transpose key EU Directives, including the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Directives.
The Government remains absolutely committed to our climate targets. Delivering on these targets requires a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach and sustained investment across all sectors. As we prepare the next iteration of the Climate Action Plan, the independent, evidence-based advice of the CCAC remains crucial. I welcome the Council's continued engagement and look forward to working closely with them to prioritise the most impactful actions, overcome delivery challenges, and maintain our momentum in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
