Written Answers Nos. 118-122
118. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether alternative funding mechanisms will be required to maintain the scheme's operation if return rates of bottles and cans for the Re-Turn scheme decline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53859/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegulation 4(3) of the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2024 sets out how the operator of the Deposit Return Scheme shall meet the costs of operating the scheme. It states that the costs of operating the scheme shall be recouped from:
1. registration fees set by an approved body,
2. producer fees set by an approved body on the basis of quantity and material type placed on the market,
3. unredeemed deposits as provided for in these Regulations,
4. revenue derived from the sale of returned in-scope bottles and containers,
5. any other income source created by an approved body.
Other than unredeemed deposits, these income sources are not dependent on the return rates for bottles and cans.
If return rates for bottles and cans were to decline, unredeemed deposit levels would increase. Re-turn, the operating company, must use this funding to promote the rate of returns by consumers and meet its collection and recycling targets.
119. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53918/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s EU Presidency term began on 1 July. It is the culmination of a long process of planning and preparation that has been a major focus across Government.
The traditional Presidency visit by the College of Commissioners took place in Cork on 2-3 July 2026 and represented the first collective engagement between the Government of Ireland and the European Commission during Ireland’s Presidency term. The visit provided an important opportunity to strengthen political relationships, establish a shared understanding of Ireland’s Presidency priorities and discuss how we will work with the Commission though our term to ensure we can deliver effectively on our policy objectives to the benefit of citizens in Ireland and across Europe.
During the programme, structured cluster discussions involving Ministers and Commissioners focused on industrial competitiveness and the single market; agriculture, climate, energy and economic transition; security, external relations, defence, preparedness, trade and economic security; and values, skills, social cohesion and housing.
I co-chaired a comprehensive discussion on agriculture, climate, energy and economic transition alongside EVP Teresa Ribera, with other Ministers and Commissioners with relevant portfolios also participating.
The programme concluded with a plenary session, jointly chaired by An Taoiseach and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. This provided an opportunity for reflection on key themes which emerged during earlier discussions for the benefit of the wider College and Government. The plenary also provided an opportunity for Ministers and Commissioners to exchange views on the opportunities and challenges that will arise during the Irish Presidency term.
Overall, there was a high degree of alignment between the Government and the European Commission on the priorities and objectives for the work of the EU during the Irish Presidency term, together with a shared commitment to maintaining momentum across the Union’s legislative and policy agenda.
120. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the additional affordability measures the Minister is considering to protect households from global fossil fuel price shocks in light of the SEAI’s recent finding that 79.2% of Ireland’s energy requirement remains fossil-based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54235/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnergy affordability is a top priority for Government, as evidenced by the Programme for Government commitments in this regard and by the ongoing emphasis on key workstreams across my Department and in other Government Departments.
Retail prices are influenced by several factors including wholesale energy prices, system operation costs and supplier hedging. The latest data from Eurostat shows that, in nominal terms, Ireland ranked highest for electricity prices among European countries in the second half of 2025. When adjusting for purchasing power parity, in terms of energy affordability Ireland has the fifth highest electricity prices and eighth highest gas prices (below the EU average for gas) among European countries.
The Government is deeply aware and concerned about the pressures placed on households and businesses by high energy costs. We are taking action to help households and businesses with these costs. That is why, on 12 April, the Government agreed a €500 million package of fuel supports. This was in addition to the initial €250 million in targeted supports announced in March, which was already among the largest (per capita) intervention of any EU Member State. These packages were announced following significant engagement with industry representatives.
Government have extended fuel supports and announced an extension of the temporary reductions to fuel excise and the National Oil Reserves Agency Levy (NORA). These temporary reductions were due to expire on 31 July and will now be extended in full until 31 August with a phased restoration to pre-reduction levels taking place between September and December. In addition to these measures, the temporary enhancement to the Diesel Rebate Scheme for hauliers and road transport operators will be extended until 30 September 2026.
A range of measures in Budget 2026 also supported households with energy costs, including:
• an extension until 2030 of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity bills;
• enhanced social protection payments including an increase to the Fuel Allowance rate and an expansion in the eligibility rules; and
• a record allocation of €640 million for Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) retrofit schemes.
Since 2019, capital expenditure of over €1.8 billion has delivered over 268,000 home energy upgrades, including over 36,300 fully-funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the Warmer Homes Scheme (to end May 2026).
A rooftop revolution is underway across Ireland. Over 112,000 homes have received solar PV grants since the scheme began. The SEAI have received over 15,000 applications for solar PV in 2026 (to the end of April). This is a 72% increase on the total applications in 2025. 99% of new housing is A-rated.
A number of protections are in place for customers experiencing difficulties in paying their bills. Anyone who is struggling with their bill is strongly encouraged to engage with their supplier. Suppliers have hardship funds and focused measures in place for any customers who find themselves in difficulty and will not disconnect customers who engage with them.
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 Government is also making crucial investments in renewable energy, in our electricity grid and in energy efficiency. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East underlines, once again, why we must accelerate the deployment of renewables across all sectors, and continue to invest in our grid as well as in retrofitting of homes and businesses across the country.
As Minister, I have written to retail electricity and gas suppliers, as well as fuel suppliers, to emphasise the importance of reducing the exposure for Irish consumers from the price shocks that global uncertainty can create.
Also as Minister, I will continue to engage with international and EU partners on an ongoing basis and voice the Government’s support for coordinated, EU-wide measures to address high energy prices.
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce is working intensively on an Energy Affordability Action Plan to be submitted to Government in Q3 of this year. This Action Plan will be focused on short, medium and longer-term measures to support households and businesses to meet their energy costs.
121. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has conducted an updated risk assessment on Ireland’s exposure to geopolitical supply disruptions, given our high reliance on fossil fuels as a source of power; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54236/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for several risks under the current National Risk Assessment (NRA) including disruption to oil supplies and disruption to gas and electricity supplies.
My Department is engaging with the Office of Emergency Planning (OEP) and the NRA Working Group to review the next iteration of the NRA. Recent geopolitical developments have reinforced the important of these risks and highlighted Ireland's exposure to external energy supply shocks.
The conflict in the Middle East has had a significant impact on global oil markets, with supply disruptions contributing to heightened price volatility and increased uncertainty across international energy markets.
In response, the Department is proactively monitoring supply though regular engagement with the EU Commission and the IEA, in line with the Oil Emergency Response Plan (OERP). This plan provides the framework for Ireland’s response and substantial legal powers to secure and protect supply if necessary. The OERP is reviewed regularly to ensure that it evolves with the changing geopolitical environment.
Additionally, my Department has convened the Oil Security of Supply Group which meets regularly and consists of relevant Government Departments and agencies, in addition to Fuels for Ireland and oil companies. At the meeting on 2 July industry confirmed that they had secured supply for July and into August. Ireland’s fuel supply chains remain robust and reliable.
Scenario analysis of global energy supply is taking place at both domestic and EU level covering gas, oil and broader supply chain impacts.
Furthermore, the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) has operational responsibility for the day-to-day management of the State’s Strategic Oil Reserve. Following the release of stocks under the International Energy Agency Co-Ordinated Action, NORA currently holds at least 80 days in the event of full disruption (greater in the event of partial disruption).
The current assessment of the geopolitical situation is that there is no imminent risk to security of gas supply in Ireland.
122. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the corrective measures being taken in his Department to ensure our compliance with the second carbon budget, given that Ireland exceeded its sectoral emission ceiling by 0.4MtCO2eq in the first carbon budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54237/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to delivering on Ireland’s responsibility to address the climate crisis and work remains ongoing across Government to implement climate mitigation measures every day. We have a robust climate delivery framework and detailed plans in place across all sectors. My priority is driving implementation, particularly of high impact measures with multiple societal and economic benefits.
The EPA’s most recent provisional emissions inventory report, published just last week, confirms record progress. Ireland has recorded overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions for a fourth consecutive year, with a decrease of 2.2% in 2025 following decreases of 2% in 2024, 6.8% in 2023 and 1.9% in 2022.
Significantly, this provisional greenhouse gas emissions inventory for 2025 shows that Ireland continues its progress towards its ambitious emissions reduction targets, and it shows that the first carbon budget has now been achieved on the back of these record emissions reductions.
While EPA's earlier projections report in May of this year, referred to by the Deputy, had projected an exceedance of 0.4 Mt CO2eq for the first carbon budget under the With Existing Measures scenario, the latest provisional inventory now shows that Ireland's total emissions for the first budget amounted to 293.9 Mt CO2eq, leaving 1.1 Mt CO2eq to spare.
Ireland now has the lowest level of GHG emissions in 36 years which is notable given a concurrent population increase of approximately 1.5 million people, more than one million new homes and over one million extra vehicles on our roads. Given the strong economic growth over this period, we can see a clear decoupling of growth from emissions which is a key milestone in Ireland's transition to climate neutrality.
All main sectors saw reductions in 2025. Emissions from energy industries decreased for the fourth consecutive year by 7.1% in 2025, to an all-time low as investment in renewables continues to reduce emissions. In other sectors, buildings emissions were down 4.7%, industry sector emissions were down 3.3%, transport emissions down 1.5% and agriculture down 0.2%.
We are making significant strides toward our target of 80% renewable energy by 2030. We now have 8GW onshore renewable electricity generation. Regularly throughout the first half of 2026 almost half of Ireland’s electricity demand came from renewable sources. The recent ORESS Tonn Nua offshore wind auction will secure enough clean electricity to power 1,000,000 homes, and we have five Phase One developments progressing through planning this year.
To support this transition, the Government has approved an unprecedented investment of €18.9 billion in the Grid for the period 2026 – 2030. This represents the largest ever investment in our electricity grid, delivering major upgrades and developments to allow for the greater electrification of homes, businesses, and transport.
There are now over 240,000 EVs on Irish roads and, earlier this month, I launched the ICE2EV Scheme which will further accelerate the transition from older, more polluting cars to electric vehicles through targeted financial supports, supported under the Climate Action Fund.
In January this year I announced the updated National Residential Retrofit Plan which includes new and enhanced measures to make retrofitting supports more accessible to households. In Budget 2026, Government provided a record allocation of €640 million, and with this we are targeting 73,000 home energy upgrades this year.
Last week I secured Government approval for revisions to the General Scheme of the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024. This legislation will accelerate the deployment of district heating, strengthen consumer protections and boost Ireland's energy security.
The National Designated Maritime Area Plan for Offshore Renewable Energy (National DMAP for ORE), which I announced in 2025, will deliver a strategic long-term plan for ORE development, supporting significant long-term abatement in our electricity sector. The National DMAP for ORE is on track to be completed by Q4 2027. Last week, Government also approved the publication of the Marine Planning Policy Statement and proposals for the Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill 2026, the latter of which will provide a legislative basis for the designation and effective management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Irish waters.
The Climate Action Delivery Board (CADB), which I chair, and the Climate Action Plan Programme Board (CAPPB) are also now providing oversight of the delivery of our highest impact measures and driving the development of the next Climate Action Plan, which is currently in development and will be published later this year. This Plan will be a more focussed and targeted Plan and will set out my intentions for more action in the coming months and years.
