Written Answers Nos. 124-146
124. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union will be proposing Irish civil servants to participate in the Autumn 2026 and Spring 2027 sessions of the Erasmus for Public Administrations programme; if so, to outline the application procedure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51862/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Erasmus Public Administration Programme is a 10-day professional traineeship designed to help new national civil servants across the EU learn more about the EU decision-making processes and the way the institutions function. It was launched by the European Parliament in 2008 and is managed by the European School of Administration. The programme runs twice per year in spring and autumn.
Ireland receives an allocation of one spot per year on this programme, which was already filled as part of the spring 2026 session. If any additional spots become available for Ireland this autumn, they will be offered to candidates on the current waitlist based on their application scores as part of the assessment for the spring 2026 session. Irish civil servants can look out for a new call for applications for the spring 2027 session later this year which will be shared with Government departments.
125. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the financial supports that are available for the replacement of solid fuel stoves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51023/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to support homeowners improving the energy efficiency of their buildings, and to promote the adoption of renewable energy systems.
These include SEAI part-funded schemes which offer grants for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades, as well as fully-funded energy upgrades for people at risk of energy poverty through the fully-funded Warmer Homes Scheme.
It is important to note that the grants available through the SEAI aim to maximise emissions reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. Hence, the grant rates to homeowners are focused on those measures which will be most effective in reducing energy use and reducing carbon emissions.
Grant supports under the part-funded schemes are available for installing heat pumps in place of fossil fuel heating systems and, in recent years, a range of measures have been put in place to incentivise take-up among homeowners, including most recently with the introduction of new and enhanced measures under the new National Residential Retrofit Plan.
The Heat Pump System grant has been expanded for a maximum total grant value of up to €12,500, up from €3,500 to €6,500 under the previous retrofitting plan. This new amount includes a €4,000 Renewable Heat Bonus grant solely targeted at homeowners decarbonising their existing heating system by swapping out their oil/gas boiler, solid fuel heating or electric storage heating with a Heat Pump. in January 2025, the VAT rate for the supply and installation of a heat pump was reduced to 9%.
With regard to the fully funded Warmer Homes Scheme, where a heating system upgrade is required as part of a major renovation, the SEAI will assess the suitability of the home for a heat pump, or other renewable heating technologies, which are compliant with the EPBD (revised EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive).
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce was formed to identify, assess and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households. The Taskforce is now leading the response to the energy shock, and the immediate associated energy affordability challenge as well as preparing an Energy Affordability Action Plan, to be completed in Quarter 3 of this year. This work includes examining how to support increased uptake of home energy efficiency upgrades and continued development of the SEAI retrofit schemes, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government.
My Department and SEAI continually keep grant schemes under review taking account of evolving science, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors, making appropriate changes as necessary.
The Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance. Where there is an urgent need the Department of Social Protection's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People, to assist those in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. More information on the suite of grants can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
126. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to the Taoiseach’s statement in Dáil Éireann on 10 June 2026 that cigarette butts outside State institutions are unacceptable and that he would ask for a re-examination of measures, whether the re-examination of cigarette litter will formally evaluate existing Irish citizen-generated environmental evidence, including OpenLitterMap. [52337/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Litter Pollution Act 1997, primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to litter pollution lies with local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement, and clean-up actions in relation to litter taking account of local circumstances and priorities.
Notwithstanding this fact, I have recently announced a package of measures to support communities in combating litter, including a new €250,000 fund for local authorities and an increase in litter fines from €150 to €250 from September. This is in addition to the €750,000 I have already made available in 2026 to support local authority efforts to tackle litter through the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme.
Since January 2023, all producers who place tobacco filter products containing plastic on the Irish market are required to be members of an extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme. Tobacco Product Plastic Filter Group is the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme for tobacco filters containing plastic in Ireland. Members of the EPR must contribute towards the cost of:
(i) cleaning up litter arising from their products; and
(ii) awareness-raising measures regarding the effects on the environment of their products.
The National Litter Pollution Monitoring System (NLPMS) is an environmental management tool that supports local authorities in monitoring and addressing litter pollution. It provides a consistent and standardised framework for assessing litter levels across the country and generating robust data to inform local, regional and national litter policy.
The data collected enables local authorities to monitor changes in litter levels over time, identify litter blackspots, assess the effectiveness of anti-litter initiatives and enforcement measures, and target resources where they are most needed.
127. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the main policy achievements of his Department since 22 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50796/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe attached table sets out the main policy achievements by my Department , since 22 January 2025. The achievements are grouped, as appropriate, to the relevant goals from the Department’s Statement of Strategy, Le Chéile 28, which was published in September 2025. These strategic goals are strongly aligned to the key commitments in the Programme for Government 2025.
Significant progress has been made against key Programme for Government commitments under the remit of my Department, and the Department will continue our critical work to ensure the future successful delivery of commitments.
128. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 249 of 3 March 2026, the weight he places on the salmon catch data from angling logbooks for the Boyne catchment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50924/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra129. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 249 of 3 March 2026 if the TEGOS framework design considered periods of low rainfall that span across two calendar years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50925/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 129 together.
The scientific assessment of salmon stocks, which informs the annual salmon conservation regulations, is carried out by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) through the Technical Expert Group on Salmon (TEGOS). Neither the Minister or Department have a role in undertaking the scientific assessment of salmon stocks or determining the methodology underpinning this assessment. Under the Inland Fisheries Act 2010, IFI has responsibility for advising the Minister on the scientific and technical basis for the management of salmon fisheries.
As noted in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 249 of 3 March 2026, TEGOS assesses salmon stocks using an established scientific methodology applied consistently across all designated salmon rivers. The assessment considers the most recent five-year period and draws on a range of information sources, including fish counter data, angling logbooks returns and catchment wide electrofishing surveys. No single dataset determines the stock status of a river. Accordingly, while angling logbook returns forms part of the data considered by TEGOS, it is assessed alongside other scientific information and is not relied upon in isolation. Similarly, the scientific methodology is intended to account for variation in environmental factors, such as periods of low rainfall, which may affect river conditions and monitoring activities.
IFI has established a specific e-mail address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries, including those relating to the scientific assessment and evaluation of salmon stocks in rivers, can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie.
130. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the estimated cost of providing a €500 energy credit to each private household; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51317/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is deeply aware and concerned about the pressures placed on households by high energy costs. Providing supports to alleviate this pressure has and will continue to be a priority for this Government.
While electricity credits played an important role in recent years, the Government took other actions in Budget 2026 to provide significant supports to enhance energy affordability including:
• a 15% or €5 per week increase to the Fuel Allowance, providing an additional €140 to recipients during the annual fuel allowance season;
• eligibility for the Fuel Allowance was also expanded to include those in receipt of the Working Family Payment;
• an extension of the reduced VAT rate of 9% which is applied to gas and electricity to 2030. This provides clarity and certainty to energy consumers and reduces energy bills for households by up to €100 per year; and
• the €400 income tax disregard for households involved in microgeneration was extended for a further three years to end-2028.
It is important to note that the Department of Social Protection can also provide support through the Additional Needs Payment to help households meet expenses, including those who face difficulties with fuel bills.
The range of supports that were included in Budget 2026 represent a movement towards permanent supports with funding also provided to address structural issues such as retrofit and infrastructure which reduce energy costs in the long-run.
Budget 2025 introduced a fourth Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme which over 2.2 million households benefitted from. This was worth €250 in total per household.
Based on the previous estimate of 2.2 million Meter Point Registration Numbers (MPRNs), the cost of providing a €500 energy credit to each household would be €1.1bn. This takes account of the direct cost to the Exchequer plus VAT foregone.
131. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when plug-in solar systems will become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51407/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlug-in solar systems are very small PV energy systems, usually two or three modules and less than 1 kW in total per installation, which are connected to a micro-inverter and plugged directly into a normal household socket. This then feeds the house’s internal electricity system. These low-cost panels can be put on balconies or outdoor spaces. The use of plug-in mini solar technology has grown in some EU countries in recent years as consumers search for ways to save on high energy bills.
As Minister, I am supportive of any technology which can reduce costs for households and consumers and increase the share of renewables on our system, provided that it can be integrated safely. For that reason, last month I wrote to ESB Networks (ESBN) requesting that, in its capacity as the body responsible for safety regulations and technical standards for the distribution grid, it works with the National Standards Authority of Ireland, Safe Electric and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to prioritise and accelerate the development of standards that will permit the use of "plug-in" solar systems in Ireland.
The Managing Director of ESBN has since written to me confirming ESBN's support for the safe, proportionate use of small, plug-in solar or battery devices up to a total of 800W (AC) provided that the following conditions are met:
• customer and public safety are prioritised and assured;
• network integrity and power quality are maintained in all operating conditions;
• the DSO has appropriate visibility of connected generation through a simple registration process; and
• devices meet the relevant technical and product standards.
With regard to a timeline of when plug-in-solar systems will become available, ESBN has commenced work and has written to other key stakeholders with a view to coordinating the respective positions and set out a shared pathway to accelerate the deployment of plug-in solar and storage. Engagement with EirGrid to ensure that it is adequately prepared for the impact of plug-in generation on the transmission network will also take place.
ESBN is also engaging with the UK-based Electricity Networks Association to align approaches with the evolving UK position on plug-in generation and storage to ensure a consistent approach across Northern Ireland and Ireland, reflecting the cross-border market for devices, installers and network participation. My officials are also in contact with officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in the UK. EU Guidance on the matter is also being considered.
132. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his plans to publish the year-long study sent to him regarding the feasibility of transitioning the waste collection market from its current side-by-side licensing system to a franchise tendering system; and his plans to act on the findings of that report. [51465/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn early 2025, the Department commissioned an independent year-long study to explore the feasibility of transitioning our national waste collection from its current competitive licensing system to a franchise tendering system. A franchise tendering system involves competitive tendering for local waste collection services which means competition for the market. In this model private sector collection firms bid to provide waste collection services in an entire local authority area (or a grouping of local authority areas) for a given period of time and to a guaranteed level of service.
The primary aim of the study is to identify how we can best support the achievement of EU recycling targets. Notwithstanding this overarching study objective, it also examines service efficiency and the cost to consumers. The comprehensive year-long study includes a public consultation, assessment of the current market and environmental and economic modelling.
The study recommendations are being considered by the Department and is informing the development of the next Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (WAPCE) and will be published in due course.
Work on updating the WAPCE has commenced to ensure that it aligns with and drives the delivery and implementation of the second Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy and to inform and give direction to waste planning and management in Ireland, the delivery of appropriate infrastructure, the achievement of EU circular economy targets and how we can enhance our capacity to transform waste into secondary materials and create a culture of circular behaviour.
133. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide the web link to his Department’s Q2 2026 published report of purchase orders/payments over €20,000, in line with the FOI model publication scheme requirements; to confirm the date on which this report was published; and, if it has not yet been published, the planned publication date. [51558/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to promoting transparency and aligning with national and EU open data standards. Each quarter, we publish a report of procurement-related payments over €20,000, in arrears, in both PDF and Excel formats on my Department's website.
It is anticipated that the Q2 2026 report of payments over €20,000 will be completed and ready for publication by the end of August 2026. As with previous reports, the underlying data will be fully expanded and validated prior to conversion to PDF format to ensure that all columns including supplier names and descriptions are fully visible and legible.
Details of payments over €20,000 can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/collections/payments-over-20000/#2025
134. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the transposition of Article 12 of the Energy Efficiency Directive 2023/1791 will occur within the Summer Legislative Programme 2026, as it is not named within the programme, and if a specific timeline of its transposition can be provided. [51607/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra135. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of Irish data centres, in aggregate, that have been reported to the European Commission database as per the most recent reporting deadline of 15 May 2026, pursuant to the data centre operators' responsibility under the delegated Regulation 2024/1364 and his Department's responsibility as Member State coordinator; and the aggregate number reported for the previous year's deadline, in tabular form. [51608/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 135 together.
Article 12 of the Energy Efficiency Directive 2023/1791 (‘EED’) provides for an obligation for Member States to require that owners and operators of certain sized data centres monitor and make publicly available, subject to Union and national law protecting trade and business secrets and confidentiality, information on key metrics on their energy and sustainability performance.
Article 12 of the EED is supplemented by the directly effective delegated Regulation 2024/1364 which requires the same in-scope data centres, as under Article 12, to report these key performance indicators on their energy performance to a confidential EU database on data centres established and operated by the European Commission. Reporting of this information by data centres in Ireland to this database is ongoing. The Commission is responsible for making it publicly available in an aggregated manner.
Information from the database will be used to establish an EU wide rating scheme to measure the energy performance and sustainability of data centres. I am advised that work on this initiative is being advanced by the Commission.
With respect to the transposition of Article 12, my Department has progressed drafting to an advanced stage. This includes the assignment of compliance oversight which my Department is seeking to implement as soon as possible. My Department continues to keep stakeholders and the Commission updated in relation to this matter.
The Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) contains many new measures aimed at further enhancing energy efficiency across society. The Government has a very ambitious programme in place to enhance energy efficiency across all sectors of society, as a key part of the drive to decarbonise and achieve our climate targets. The Government is fully committed to implementing the EED and recognises the significant benefits involved.
136. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the result of the letter of formal notice sent by the European Commission on 21 November 2025 in relation to the transposition of the recast Energy Efficiency Directive 2023/1791, the content of his Department's reply; and whether a new deadline for transposition was agreed with the Commission. [51609/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra137. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of communications email or otherwise with the European Commission in relation to the missed 11 October 2025 transposition deadline of the Energy Efficiency Directive 2023/1791, and related delegated regulations, in tabular form, with the associated dates of correspondence. [51610/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra138. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the way in which primary legislation, such as the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024, will account for the transposition of Article 26 of the Energy Efficiency Directive (2023/1791). [51611/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 137 and 138 together.
The Recast Energy Efficiency Directive (EU 2023/1791) (EED) is a wide-ranging European Directive which seeks to enhance energy efficiency across all EU Member States and forms a key part of the EU’s Fit for 55 Package. The Recast EED replaces the 2012 EED, as amended in 2018, which Ireland has previously fully transposed and implemented.
The Recast EED was finalised in October 2023, with a transposition deadline of 11 October 2025. It contains many new measures aimed at further enhancing energy efficiency across the EU. The Government has a very ambitious programme in place to enhance energy efficiency across all sectors of Irish society, as a key part of the drive to decarbonise and achieve our climate targets. The Government is fully committed to implementing the EED and recognises the significant benefits arising from embracing energy efficiency for Irish society, including reduced energy costs to households, businesses and the Exchequer; increased competitiveness and job creation; reduced fossil fuel use and reduced carbon emissions; a reduction in energy poverty; improved health outcomes; and increased energy security.
The Government has invested heavily in promoting energy efficiency across all sectors, including through residential energy efficiency grants provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), investment in transport measures that promote energy efficiency through greater use of public transport, active travel and electric vehicles, promoting district heating, and further measures in the industrial and commercial sectors. Significant progress has been made in enhancing energy efficiency to date.
The EED contains highly complex and technical requirements which have required careful consideration prior to their adoption into Irish law. Work on the transposition of Directive EU 2023/1971 on Energy Efficiency is ongoing across a number of policy areas in my Department, in consultation with other relevant Departments, Agencies and stakeholders. Both the SEAI and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities have a critical role to play in the implementation of the Recast EED in Ireland.
In relation to the specific transposition requirements, my Department notified the European Commission of the transposition of Articles 4 , 24 and 35 of the EED, which were transposed by means of practical implementation, prior to the 11 October deadline.
Following the passing of the deadline, Ireland, along with 25 other Member States, received a Letter of Formal Notice in November 2025 for failure to transpose the EED in full by the deadline stipulated, to which my Department responded within the required two month timeframe.
In April 2026, following my signature into law of SI 683 of 2025, my Department notified the European Commission of the transposition of Articles 8, 9 and 10 of the EED, which concern the energy savings obligation and the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme (EEOS). This scheme creates a legal requirement on energy suppliers and distributors to support energy efficiency projects in homes, businesses, and communities across Ireland. Further information on the EEOS can be found on the SEAI website.
My officials continue to engage with officials from the European Commission and other Member States on a regular basis regarding the EED and at several different fora, most recently in June 2026 at the Energy Efficiency Action Forum and EED Expert Group, which are both organised by the European Commission. This engagement seeks to share experiences of best practice in terms of EED transposition and the most effective policies and measures to improve energy efficiency across all sectors.
Article 26 of the EED concerns the supply of heating and cooling and contains requirements related to district heating systems and capturing waste heat from large industrial installations, including data centres. Work on the full implementation of this article is progressing.
Article 26(6) specifically contains a requirement for Member States to ensure that data centres with a total rated energy input exceeding 1 MW utilise the waste heat or other waste heat recovery applications unless they can show that it is not technically or economically feasible in accordance with the assessment referred to in paragraph 7 of Article 26. It is my intention that this requirement will be implemented in Ireland in a manner that is effective, practical and proportionate.
My Department is working to complete the transposition of the EED as soon as possible, with several articles close to completion. Transposition will be completed through the use of statutory instruments, under the powers set out in the European Communities Act 1972.
139. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment in relation to Ireland’s co-hosting of the Second Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, if his Department plans on hosting any pre-conference or related events in Ireland ahead of the conference in Tuvalu; if he plans any policy areas that Ireland plans to be a focus for their contributions to the conference; if fossil fuel use within the defence sector is being considered as a possible policy focus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51613/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland looks forward to playing its part to continue the work that was begun by Colombia and the Netherlands, by partnering with Tuvalu to co-host the Second Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels. The Second Conference will be held in Tuvalu in 2027, with a pre-meeting to be held shortly before that in Dublin.
Discussions are ongoing with Tuvalu, as well as Colombia and the Netherlands, on arrangements for the Second Conference, including in respect of confirming dates for the Second Conference and its pre-meeting, and in respect of any specific policy focus for the Second Conference.
140. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware that litter.ie, is no longer operational and that the domain is currently offered for sale by a third party; when his Department became aware of this; who was responsible for maintaining the domain; the reason it was allowed to lapse; the public data, reports, photographs or guidance that were lost; and the steps being taken to restore public access to this data source which provides "vital" information to his Department; if information in relation to the system will be provided (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51662/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe litter.ie website was developed and maintained by the Litter Monitoring Body under the contract for the delivery of the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System (NLPMS).
Having been in operation for over 20 years, the website had become outdated and no longer met current Government standards for the publication and accessibility of information. It was therefore decided to discontinue the standalone website and migrate relevant information to gov.ie, providing a more accessible and sustainable platform for publishing NLPMS reports and related information.
Before the contractors decommissioned the litter.ie website in early June, all reports, datasets and other material were transferred to the Department to ensure that no information was lost.
Information on the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System, including annual reports from 2021 onwards, is now available on the Department's website (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/national-litter-pollution-monitoring-system/). Reports and information that were previously available on litter.ie but have not been migrated to gov.ie have been retained by the Department and can be provided on request.
The Department will continue to make NLPMS reports and associated information publicly available through gov.ie, which is the central platform for Government publications and information.
The National Litter Pollution Monitoring System (NLPMS) is an environmental management tool that supports local authorities in monitoring and addressing litter pollution. It provides a consistent and standardised framework for assessing litter levels across the country and generating robust data to inform local, regional and national litter policy.
Under the NLPMS, each local authority undertakes two types of surveys:
• Litter Pollution Surveys which assess the overall level of litter pollution at a location using a standard five-point Litter Pollution Index (LPI); and
• Litter Quantification Surveys which record the types and likely sources of litter present.
The data collected enables local authorities to monitor changes in litter levels over time, identify litter blackspots, assess the effectiveness of anti-litter initiatives and enforcement measures, and target resources where they are most needed.
Further information on the NLPMS, including annual reports, audit reports, a system overview and the monitoring manual setting out the survey methodology, is available at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/national-litter-pollution-monitoring-system/.
Most local authorities use a Geographic Information System (GIS), originally developed by the former Local Government Computer Services Board, to identify survey locations within their functional areas. Decisions regarding the selection of survey locations and the operational costs incurred by individual local authorities are matters for each local authority. Accordingly, this information is not held by the Department.
In line with the Department's policy of providing information relating to the current and previous Dáil only, the annual expenditure on the NLPMS contract since 2020 is set out below.
|
Year |
€ |
|
2026 to date |
€ 23,231.25 |
|
2025 |
€ 71,174.84 |
|
2024 |
€ 56,463.16 |
|
2023 |
€ 55,139.05 |
|
2022 |
€ 31,947.93 |
|
2021 |
€ 48,501.44 |
|
2020 |
€ 35,331.75 |
The Department recognises the valuable contribution that citizens and communities make towards achieving Ireland's environmental and climate objectives. Citizen science plays an important role in improving our understanding of the natural environment and informing evidence-based policy and decision-making.
Through the Circular Economy Fund, the Department supports the work of the Irish Environmental Network (IEN), the national umbrella organisation representing 41 environmental non-governmental organisations. In 2025, funding of more than €3 million was provided to the IEN to support its members' environmental programmes, including a range of citizen science initiatives.
Examples of citizen science projects supported by IEN member organisations include:
• BirdWatch Ireland's annual Irish Garden Bird Survey which relies on observations submitted by members of the public.
• The Irish Wildlife Trust's recording programmes through which volunteers collect data on plants, insects and other wildlife species.
• The Native Woodland Trust's work to identify potentially disease-resistant Wych Elm trees.
• Sonairte's citizen science initiatives monitoring outdoor air quality.
Other IEN member organisations benefiting from Department funding and incorporating citizen science into their work include An Taisce, the Green Economy Foundation, Green Sod Ireland, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Vincent Wildlife Trust and Leave No Trace Ireland. In addition, Strand 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme, funded through the Department's Climate Action Fund, supports community-led projects that encourage local climate action and public participation.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which operates independently under the aegis of the Department, also supports a wide range of citizen science initiatives. These projects engage members of the public in collecting valuable environmental data in areas including air quality, water quality, biodiversity monitoring and sustainable living, helping to strengthen the evidence base that informs environmental policy and action.
141. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason the appropriate assessment screening produced by his Departmental officials for the Pollack Fishing Conservation Bye-Law (No. 1028) 2026 as required under the EU Habitats Directive for Special Area of Conservation (SAC) waters, was not produced by the responsible statutory body, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), or an independent ecology consultancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51736/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no requirement in the Habitats Directive or in the Appropriate Assessment (AA) Guidance document published by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) to have an AA Screening produced by a State body or independent ecology consultants.
Accordingly, the AA Screening for the Pollack Fishing Conservation Bye-Law No. 1028 of 2026 was undertaken by Departmental officials, in accordance with the above mentioned Guidance document.
As set out in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 18 of 17 June 2026, in preparing the AA screening, Department officials consulted with the Research and Development Division in Inland Fisheries Ireland to ensure that the screening was informed by appropriate scientific and ecological expertise.
142. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the Irish State's legal obligations under Article 6.2 of the EU Habitats Directive considered when drafting the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law (No. 806) 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law (No. 809) 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51739/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra144. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the way in which regulatory and administrative practices concerning appropriate assessment for inland fisheries legislation have evolved since 26 February 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51742/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 144 together.
I am not in a position to comment on the specific considerations that informed byelaws drafted over two decades ago and which pre-date the configuration of the current Department and the establishment of Inland Fisheries Ireland.
While the State’s obligations under the EU Habitats Directive, including those relating to Appropriate Assessment, have applied since the Directive was transposed into National law, the regulatory and administrative framework supporting compliance with those obligations has evolved significantly over time, informed by developments in legislation and national guidance.
In particular, the publication of national Appropriate Assessment guidance by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in 2009, together with the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, significantly contributed to the development of more structured administrative processes, including the preparation and publication of Appropriate Assessment screening determinations where required.
I can advise that, as a matter of current practice, byelaws and other inland fisheries legislation are subject to legal scrutiny and to Appropriate Assessment screening, in accordance with current legislative frameworks and relevant guidance.
143. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason the Owenriff (Barna) River system (No. 140) was not listed in Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Bye-Law (No. C.S. 287) 2006, considering that 16 Atlantic salmon were harvested from the system in 2005 and a neighbouring system within the Galway District, the Knock River system (No. 142), produced no salmon in the same year but was closed under the aforementioned bye-law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51741/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that all Irish river systems were surveyed in 2003 to determine presence of salmon or the potential to be utilised by salmonids. The Owenriff (South Galway) system was not categorised in the list of 144 designated salmon rivers in Ireland due to the lack of salmon recorded but it was separately categorised for its stock of sea trout. The Knock River (No. 142) recorded a stock of salmon and sea trout during surveys and was categorised accordingly.
In addition, there are 2 Owenriff Rivers in the Western River Basin District, the Owenriff River (No. 140) that flows into Galway Bay at Kilroe West between Spiddal and Inverin, and the Owenriff River that connects to the Corrib (No. 143) near Oughterard. IFI has advised the Department that the record of 16 Atlantic salmon attributed to the Owenriff (Barna) River therefore is likely a data input error at that time and should be recoded to the Owenriff River on the Corrib.
145. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total cost of engagement with a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025, across his Department, by project, year and value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51761/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not procured services from the supplier referenced in the Question in each of the years specified.
146. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total cost of engagement with a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025, across his Department, by project, year and value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51779/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not procured services from the supplier referenced in the Question in each of the years specified.
