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�129 14.3 Pillar2–FinancingandFundingModels � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �133 14.4 Pillar3–SupplyChain,SkillsandStandards � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �135 14.5 Pillar4–StructuresandGovernance � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �139 14.6 Actions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �14015 Transport � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �142 15.1 StateofPlay � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �143 15.2 Targets � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �146 15.3 MeasurestoDeliverTargets � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �146 15.4 Actions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �15216 Agriculture � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �154 16.1 StateofPlay � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �157 16.2 Targets � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �160 16.3 MeasurestoDeliverTargets � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �161 16.4 Actions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �16317 Land Use, Land Use Change, Forestry and the Marine � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �166 17.1 StateofPlay � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �167 17.2 Targets � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �170 17.3 MeasurestoDeliverTargets � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �170 17.4 Actions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �17518 The Circular Economy � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �178 18.1 TheChallengeofSustainableUseofResources � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �179 18.2 StateofPlay � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �179 18.3 Targets � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �182 18.4 MeasurestoDeliverTargets � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �183 18.5 Actions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �18519 Ireland’s International Action on Climate Breakdown � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �187 19.1 Introduction � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 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� � � � � � � �195 20.5 SDG12:ResponsibleConsumptionandProduction � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �196 20.6 PolicyCoherence � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �19621 Adaptation � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �197 21.1 WhatisClimateAdaptation? � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �198 21.2 GlobalandEUPosition � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �198 21.3 PolicyMeasuresforIreland � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �200 21.4 Actions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �204

Glossary of AcronymsAR4 (IPCC)AssessmentReport4AR5 (IPCC)AssessmentReport5BAU BusinessAsUsualBER BuildingEnergyRatingCARO ClimateActionRegionalOfficeCAF ClimateActionFundCAP ClimateActionPlanCAP CommonAgriculturalPolicyCSP CommonAgriculturalPolicyStrategicPlanCCAC ClimateChangeAdvisoryCouncilCCAP CommunityClimateActionProgrammeCCS CarbonCaptureandStorageCCSAP ClimateChangeSectoralAdaptationPlanCIRI ConstructionIndustryRegisterIrelandCIT CorkInstituteofTechnologyCLT CrossLaminatedTimberCO2 CarbonDioxideCEG CommunityEnergyGrantCRU CommissionfortheRegulationofUtilitiesDART Dublin Area Rapid TransitDAFM DepartmentofAgriculture,FoodandMarineDCEDIY DepartmentofChildren,Equality,Disability,IntegrationandYouthDECC DeparmentoftheEnvironment,ClimateandCommunicationsDFA DepartmentofForeignAffairsDOT Department of TransportDMAP DesignatedMarineAreaPlanEGFSN ExpertGrouponFutureSkillsNeedsEI Enterprise IrelandEEOS EnergyEfficiencyObligationSchemeEPA EnvironmentalProtectinAgencyEPC EnergyPerformanceContractingESB Electricity Supply BoardESD EducationforSustainableDevelopmentESRI Economic,SocialResearchInsitituteETB EducationandTrainingBoardETS EmissionsTradingSystemEU EuropeanUnionEUTEN-E Trans-EuropeanEnergyNetworksEV Electric VehicleEXEED ExcellenceinEnergyEfficiencyDesign

Glossary of Acronyms

5


6

GAA GaelicAthleticAssociationGDP GrossDomesticProductGHG Greenhouse GasGWP GlobalWarmingPotentialHGV HeavyGoodsVehicleHLI HeatLossIndicatorICA IrishCountrywomen’sAssociationICE InternalCombustionEngineIDA IndustrialDevelopmentAgencyIFS InternationalFinancialServicesIT InformationTechnologyIoT InstituteofTechnologyIPCC IntergovernmentalPanelonClimateChangeKPI KeyPointIndicatorLDCs LeastDevelopedCountriesLEV LowEmittingVehiclesLARES LocalAuthorityRenewableEnergyStrategiesLECP LocalEconomicandCommunityPlanLEEF LabourEmployerEconomicForumLEO LocalEnterpriseOfficeLPG LiquifiedPetroleumGasLULUCF LandUse,LandUseChangeandForestryMAP MaritimeAreaPlanningBillMDB MulitlateralDevelopmentBankMPA MarineProtectedAreaM&R MonitoringandReportingMRTT MidlandsRegionalTransitionTeamMSS MicrogenerationSupportSchemeMtCO2eq MillionTonnesofcarbondioxideequivalentMARA MarineAreaRegulatoryAuthorityNAIDEA NationalArtificialIntelligentDairyEnergyApplicationNAF NationalAdaptationFrameworkNBP NationalBroadbandPlanNDCA NationalDialogueonClimateActionNDFA NationalDevelopmentFinanceAgencyNDP NationalDevelopmentPlanNESC NationalEconomicandSocialCouncilNewERA NewEconomyandRecoveryAuthorityNGO NonGovernmentalOrganisationNMP NutrientManagementPlanning


7

NMPF NationalMarinePlanningFrameworkNPF NationalPlanningFrameworkNPWS NationalParksandWildlifeServiceNRRP NationalRecoveryandResiliencePlanNSCSF NationalClimateStakeholderForumNTMA NationalTreasuryManagementAgencyNZEB NearlyZeroEnergyBuildingODA Overseas Development AidOPW OfficeofPublicWorksORESS OffshoreWindundertheRenewableElectricitySupportSchemeOREDPII OffshoreRenewableEnergyDevelopmentPlanOSS One-Stop-ShopPHEV PluginHybridElectricVehiclePV PhotoVoltaicPSO PublicServiceObligationQQI QualityandQulaificationsIrelandRESS RenewableElectricitySupportSchemeREPS-2 RuralEnvironmentalProtectionScheme2SBLAS SutainableBeefandLambAssuranceSchemeSDGs Sustainable Development Goals SDAS Sustainable Dairy Assurance SchemeSEAS SustainableEggAssuranceSchemeSEAI SustainableEnergyAuthorityofIrelandSEC SustainableEnergyCommunitiesSIDS SmallIslandDevelopingStatesSFI ScienceFoundationIrelandSME SmallandMediumEnterpriseSOLAS AntSeirbhísOideachaisLeanúnaighagusScileanna, 'FurtherEducationandSkills

Service'TCO TotalCostofOwnershipTWh Terawatt-hourUNCLOS UnitedNationsConventionontheLawoftheSeaUNESCO UnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganizationUNFCCC UnitedNationsFrameworkConventiononClimateChangeYCA YouthClimateAssembly

8

Executive Summary

Executive SummaryAstheworldgathersinGlasgowtotackleglobalwarming,wearepublishingtheClimateActionPlan2021.Thisplansetsaroadmapfortakingdecisiveactiontohalveouremissionsby2030andreachnetzeronolaterthan2050,aswecommittedtointheProgrammeforGovernment.

Thescienceisindisputableandtheeffectsofclimatechangearealreadyclear.Extremeweathereventsarebecomingmorefrequentwithdevastatingconsequences.Climatechangeishereandisalreadyimpactingourworld,withriskstoglobalsecurityincludingfoodsupplies.Irelandisalsoatriskofmorefrequentstormsandflooding.

Weknowwemustact,andbyactingnowwecanbuildacleanergreenereconomyandsociety,whichcreatesopportunitiesforusall.ImplementationoftheClimateActionPlanwillcreatejobs,neweconomicopportunitiesandprotectpeopleandtheplanet.Bydeliveringonthisplan,wewillsecurethefutureforourchildrenandgrandchildren.It’sourchancetomaketherightchoice.

CITIZEN ENGAGEMENTWemustensurewebringpeoplewithusandthatthetransitionisfair.TheNationalDialogueonClimateActionwillgiveeveryoneinsocietytheopportunitytoplaytheirpart.Wewillengagewithpeople,ensuringthattheyareempoweredtotaketheactionsneededtobuildanIrelandwhere:

• Ourcommunitiesarehealthyandsecure,enjoycleanerairandwater,andwherehomesarewarmerand cheaper to heat

• Thousandsofnewjobsarecreatedbyinvestinginareaslikeoffshorewind,retrofitandcutting-edgeagriculture

• Wecutourdependenceonimportedfossilfuels,andpowercomesfromourownindigenousrenewableresourcesincludingwindandsolar

• Walkingandcyclingaresafeandaccessible,publictransportiscleanerandmorefrequent,andtherolloutofelectricvehiclesissupportednationwide

• Farmershavecertaintythattheirindustryhasaviablefuturewherefarmerscancontinueproducingworld-classfoodwithanevenlowercarbonfootprint

JUST TRANSITIONTheplanacknowledgesthatsomesectorswillbemoreimpactedthanothers,andwewillneedtohelppeoplewiththecostsofthetransitiontoensurethatithappens.Justtransitionprinciplesareembeddedintheplan,includingtheprinciplethatpeopleneedtobeequippedwiththeskillstobenefitfromchangesandthatcostsneedtobeshared.AJustTransitionCommissionwillbeestablishedtosupportGovernmentpolicydevelopmentinthisarea.Allincreasesincarbontaxreceiptsamountingto€9.5billionoutto2030areearmarkedfortargetedsocialprotectionmeasures,anexpansionofretrofittingparticularlyforsocialandlow-incomehomes,andagri-environmentprojects.

TheMidlandsregionisthefirstinIrelandtodirectlyexperiencethenegativeimpactsofthetransitionawayfromfossilfuels,withtheendingofpeatextractionforpowergeneration,andthisplansetsoutajusttransitionimplementationplanforthisregion.

INVESTMENTEverysectormustadaptrapidly.Thiswillallowoursocietyandeconomytorealisetheopportunitiesofthetransition,andtoremaincompetitiveandresilient.Detailedanalysishasinformedtheidentification

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Executive Summary

inthisplanofabatementtechnologiesthatwillneedtobeimplementedacrosssectorskeysectors.Considerableinvestmentwillberequiredtoreduceourgreenhousegasemissionsby51%by2030,andthismustinfluencebothpublicandprivatecapitalinvestmentchoices.

Therewillbeunprecedentedlevelsofinvestmentinclimateactionoverthenextdecade.

TherecentlypublishedNDPsetsoutatotalpublicinvestmentof€165billionovertheperiod2021to2030.Thiswillbringpublicinvestmentto5percentofGNI*,wellabovetherecentEUaverageof3percentofGDP.ExtensiveeffortshavebeenmadetoensurethattheNDPwillsupporttheGovernment’sclimateambitions.ForthefirsttimeinIreland,climateandenvironmentalassessmentoftheNDPmeasureshasbeenundertaken,alongwithanassessmentofthealignmentoftheplanasawholewiththeidealsofagreenrecoveryplan.CommitmentsaremadetofurtherreformsofthePublicSpendingCodeandtothetreatmentofEnergyPerformanceContracts.Mostsignificantly,€5billionofthetotal€9.5billioninadditionalcarbontaxreceiptsovertheperiodoftheNDPhavebeenallocatedtoincreasecapitalinvestmentlevelsinenergyefficiency.Inaddition,ourNationalResilienceandRecoveryPlancommits€518milliontoprioritisingadvancingthegreentransitiontosignificantlyreformanddirectrelevantfundingtowardsdecarbonisingprojectssuchasretrofitting,ecosystemresilienceandregeneration,climatemitigationandadaptation,andgreendatasystems.

ELECTRICITYAmongthemostimportantmeasuresintheplanistoincreasetheproportionofrenewableelectricitytoupto80%by2030,includinganincreasedtargetofupto5Gigawattsofoffshorewindenergy.Thiswillnotjustreduceouremissionsfromelectricity,itwillallowustoelectrifyothersectorssuchastransportandheatandreduceouremissionsinthesesectorstoo.Inadditiontotheupcomingmicrogenerationsupportschemeforhouseholdersthegovernmentwillintroduceasmall-scalegeneratorschemeforfarmers,business,andcommunitiestogeneratetheirownelectricityandfeedintothegrid.Aswellasdevelopingimprovedstorage,wewillalsobegintodeployrenewablegassuchasbiomethaneandgreenhydrogen.Thegovernmentwillreviewitsstrategyondatacentrestoensurethatthesectorwillbeinalignmentwithsectoralemissionsceilingsandsupportrenewableenergytargets.[62%-81%reductioninemissionsby2030]

ENTERPRISEThegreeneconomy,includingretrofitting,renewableenergy,cleanmobility,andsustainableagriculturewillcreatehighqualityemployment,andtheIDAwillalsoseektoattractbusinessestoinvestindecarbonisationtechnologies.TheIDA,EnterpriseIrelandandtheSEAIwillworktohelpdecarboniseindustryandaligngrantsandothersupportswithemissionsreductions.ThegovernmentwillalsoproduceaClimateToolkitforbusiness.Amongthemeasurestocutemissionsareincreasingtheuptakeofcarbon-neutralheating,anddecreasingtheembodiedcarboninbuildingmaterialsthroughusingmorewoodinconstruction.[29-41%reductioninemissionsby2030]

BUILDINGSGovernmenthasalreadycommittedtoretrofit500,000homesby2030(includingincreasedfundingthroughtheNationalDevelopmentPlanparticularlyforfreeupgradesforlow-incomehouseholds)andwillinstall680,000renewableenergyheatsourcesinbothnewandexistingresidentialbuildings.Werecognisethatwewillneedworkoutwaystoassistbroadersocietywiththecostsofretrofitting.ThenewNationalRetrofitPlanwilldrivedemand,makeretrofittingmoreaffordable,andexpandthecapacityoftheindustryincludingtrainingofworkers.Afurther3specialisttrainingcentreswillbeestablished.Othermeasuresincludeincreasedtargetsfordistrictheatingandthepublicsectorandstrengtheningbuildingstandardsforallbuildings.[44-56%reductioninemissionsby2030]

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Executive Summary

TRANSPORTTheplancallsforasignificantcutintransportemissionsby2030throughmeasuresincluding:

• 500,000extrawalking,cyclingandpublictransportjourneysperdayby2030• Increasingtheproportionofkilometresdrivenbypassengerelectriccarstobetween40and45%by2030,inadditiontoareductionof10%inkilometresdrivenbytheremaininginternalcombustionenginecars

• Allreplacementsforbusandcommuterrailvehiclesandcarriagestobeloworzerocarbonby2030• IncreasedrolloutofruralpublictransportthroughConnectingIreland.[42-50%reductioninemissionsby2030]

AGRICULTUREFarmersknowthelandbetterthananyone.Wewillempowerfarmerswithascience-basedapproach,backedbyrobustresearch.Farmpracticesthatenablefarmerstoproduceworld-classfoodwithalowercarbonfootprintarekey.Theplancommitstousinglesschemicalnitrogenandmoretargeteduseoffertiliser,whilemaintainingthesamelevelofgrassgrowththroughmulti-speciesswards.Othermeasuresincludeimprovingthegeneticsofourherdstoreduceemissionsandimproveproductivity.Wewillalsoincentiviseincreasedorganicfarminganddiversificationintoforestry,biomethaneandenergyproduction.[22-30%reductioninemissionsby2030]

LAND USE Ireland’slanduse,landusechangeandforestrysectoriscurrentlyacarbonsourceratherthanacarbonsink.Toreduceemissionsandmovetobeinganoverallstoreofcarbon,willinvolvefurtherbogrehabilitation,increasedafforestation,improvedmanagementofgrasslandsonmineralsoils,increasingtheuseofcovercropsintillage,andtherewettingoforganicsoils.Anewforestryprogrammewillbepreparedforlaunchin2023.[37-58%reductioninemissionsby2030]

CIRCULAR ECONOMYTheCircularEconomyandtheBioeconomyofferalternativestotoday’slinear‘take-make-waste’modelofproduction.ThiswillbesupportedbythepublicationofaWhole-of-GovernmentCircularEconomyStrategy,theenactmentoftheCircularEconomyBill2021,andthedevelopmentofaBioeconomyActionPlan.Wewillreducefoodwasteby50%andwillensurethatallplasticpackagingisreusableorrecyclableby2030.Wewillalsoincreaseourcapacitytorecyclepackagingwasteby70%,andplasticpackagewasteby55%.

PUBLIC SECTORThePublicSectorwillleadbyexampleinthistransitionbyreducingemissionsby51%by2030,bymandatingpublicsectoremployers,collegesandotherpublicsectorbodiestomoveto20%homeandremoteworking,byintroducingasustainablemobilitypolicy,byreplacingallbuseswithelectricvehiclesby2035andbytriplingthelengthofelectrifiedrailby2030.

GOVERNANCEOuractionstodelivertheambitionwillbesupportedbyarobustgovernancestructure.TheClimateActionDeliveryBoardwillholdeachDepartmentandpublicbodyaccountableforthedeliveryofactionssetoutintheClimateActionPlanandwillpresentadeliveryreporttoGovernmenteachquarter�

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Executive Summary

TheGovernmentwillannuallyupdatethenewClimateActionPlanandtheroadmapofactionstoreflectdevelopmentsinthepreviousyear,developmentsintechnologyandresearchinrelationtoclimateactionandtoensuretherequiredemissionsreductionsareachieved.The2022PlanwillreflectthelegallybindingcarbonbudgetsandsectoralceilingswhichwillbeadoptedbyGovernmentinthecomingmonthsfollowingconsiderationbytheOireachtas.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE ACTIONClimateActionPlan2021reflectsIreland’scommitmenttoachievingthe2030AgendaforSustainableDevelopment.Irelandwillworkwithitsinternationalpartnerstoensurethatclimateactionremainsamajorpolicypriority,inrecognitionofthegravethreatclimatechangeposestotheachievementoftheSustainableDevelopmentGoalsglobally.Thiswillbeachievedbyengagingproactivelyininternationalnegotiationsrelatingtoclimateaction,byprovidingincreasedfinancialsupportsforclimateactiontodevelopingcountries,andbyworkingwithlike-mindedinternationalpartnerstopromoteclimateaction.ThiswillbesupportedbyourexpandingdiplomaticnetworkundertheGovernment’sGlobalIrelandinitiative.

ADAPTATIONAswellastakingmeasurestoreducegreenhousegasemissions,wewillcontinuetoadapttocertainclimatechangeimpactsthatarealreadylockedinandwillcontinuetoevolvefortheforeseeablefuture.

Enterprise

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The Critical Nature of the Challenge 1

The Critical Nature of the Challenge

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1. The Critical Nature of the Challenge

Thecurrentchangesintheplanet’sclimatearetransformingtheworld.Eachofthelastfourdecadeshasbeenwarmerthananypreviousdecadesince1850andthelasttwodecadeshasincluded18ofthewarmestyearsonrecord.Extremeweatherevents,suchasforestfires,heatwavesandfloods,arebecomingmorefrequentinEuropeandelsewhere.

Evidenceforwarmingofourclimatesystemisbeyonddispute.Thereisunequivocalevidencethathumaninfluencehaswarmedtheclimateataratethatisunprecedentedinthelast2,000years.Itisalsobecomingincreasinglyclearthattheweatherandclimateextremesnowbeingexperiencedarebeingdrivenbyclimatechangewhichiscausedbyouractions.

Observationsshowthatglobalaveragetemperatureshavenowincreasedbymorethan1°Csincepre-industrialtimes.Scientistswarnthatwithouturgentaction,globalwarmingislikelytobemorethan2°Cabovepre-industriallevelsby2060,andcouldevenbeasmuchas5°Cabovepre-industriallevelsbythe end of the century�

Theatmosphereandoceanshavewarmed,theamountofsnowandicehasreduced,andsealevelshaverisenastheconcentrationsofgreenhousegases(GHGs)haveincreased.Theimpactsofclimatechangearenowaffectingeverypartoftheworld.ProjectionsoffutureglobalandregionalclimatechangeindicatethatcontinuedemissionsofGHGswillcausefurtherwarmingandfurtherchangestoourclimate.Theevidencenowsuggeststhatasglobaltemperaturesincreasetheextremesofweatherandclimateweexperiencewillalsoincrease.

Climatechangewillhaveadevastatingimpactonnature,bringingaboutirreversiblechangestomanyecosystems,withaconsequentlossofbiodiversityandtheecosystemfunctionsandservicesthathumanwell-beingdependson.HighertemperaturesandextremeweathereventswillresultinhugecoststoIreland’sandtheEU’seconomyandsociety.

ThesechangeswillcauseextensivedirectandindirectharmtoIrelandanditspeople,aswellastoothercountriesmoreexposedandlessablethanwearetowithstandtheassociatedimpacts,whicharepredicted to include:

• Risingsea-levelsthreateninglandandparticularlycoastalinfrastructure• Extremeweather,includingmoreintensestormsandrainfallaffectingourland,coastlineandseas• Furtherpressureonourwaterresourcesandfoodproductionsystemswithassociatedimpactson

river and coastal ecosystems • Increasedlikelihoodandscaleofriverandcoastalflooding• Greaterpoliticalandsecurityinstability• Displacementofpopulationswithincreasednumbersofclimaterefugees• Heightenedriskofthearrivalofnewpestsanddiseases• Poorerwaterquality• Changesinthetimingoflifecycleeventsforplantsandanimalsonlandandintheoceans

Inaddition,pollutants(suchasmethane,nitrousoxideandothers),whichtogetherwithcarbondioxideareresponsibleforclimatechange,arealsodamagingtohumanhealthandhave,forexample,beenshowntobelinkedtorespiratorydiseases.The Critical Nature

of the Challenge 1


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Theimpactofclimatechangewillbefeltbyeveryindividual,household,andcommunityinIrelandandthereisnowahighlevelofawarenessandunderstandingofthis.TheworkoftheCitizens’AssemblyinitsreportonclimatechangeillustratesthatthereisanearconsensusontheneedforstrongandearlyactiontoreduceIreland’sGHGemissionsandtomakeIrelandresilienttofutureclimateimpacts.Thereis,therefore,anonusonustomitigatethemagnitudeoflong-termclimatechangebytakingactiontoreduceGHGemissions,andtoincreasethecapacityofcarbonsinkssuchasforestsandwetlands.

TheEuropeanGreenDealframesEurope’sresponsetothesechallenges.ItisthenewgrowthstrategythatwillleadthetransformationinEuropetoaclimate-neutral,fairandprosperoussociety,withamodern,resource-efficientandcompetitiveeconomy.Italsoaimstoprotect,conserveandenhancetheEU’snaturalcapital,andtoprotectthehealthandwell-beingofcitizensfromenvironment-relatedrisksandimpacts.Atthesametime,thistransitionmustbejustandinclusive:Itmustputpeoplefirst,andpayattentiontotheregions,industriesandworkerswhowillfacethegreatestchallenges.TheGreenDealcommitstodeliveringnet-zerogreenhousegasemissionsatEUlevelby2050.ItalsoincreasestheEU-wideGHGemissionsreductiontargettoatleast55%for2030inordertolimitwarmingto1.5degreesCelsiusandalignwiththegoaloftheParisAgreement.TheEUisworkingontherevisionofitsclimate,energyandtransport-relatedlegislationunderthe‘Fitfor55Package’inordertoaligncurrentlawswiththe2030and2050ambitions.ThismeansthatadditionaleffortwillbeaskedofallMemberStates,includingIreland.IrelandfullysupportstheenhancedambitionatEUlevel.

InlinewithEUambition,theProgrammeforGovernment,OurSharedFuturecommitstoachievinga51%reductioninIreland’soverallGHGemissionsfrom2021to2030,andtoachievingnet-zeroemissionsnolaterthan2050.Theselegally-bindingobjectivesaresetoutintheClimateActionandLowCarbonDevelopment(Amendment)Act2021,theenactmentofwhichwasakeypriorityintheProgrammeforGovernment.TheClimateActwillsupportIreland’stransitiontonet-zeroandtheachievementofaclimateneutraleconomynolaterthan2050.Italsoestablishesalegallybindingframeworkwithcleartargetsandcommitments,toensurethenecessarystructuresandprocessesareinplacetodeliverournational,EUandinternationalclimategoalsandobligationsinthenearandlongterm.Againstthisbackground,strategiesmustbedevisedtoreduceandmanageclimatechangerisksthroughacombinationofmitigationandadaptationresponses.ThisClimateActionPlansetsoutaroadmaptodeliveronourclimateambition.Itwillbeupdatedannually,includingin2022toalignwiththelegallybindingeconomy-widecarbonbudgetsandsectoralceilingsthatwewilladoptinthecomingmonths.AsenvisagedintheProgrammeforGovernment,wearenotinapositiontoidentifyalltheemergingtechnologies,changingscientificconsensusorpoliciestomeetourfullambition.Thiswillrequireafurtherallocationwithinouroverallcarbonbudget,subjecttointenseevaluation.Thisapproach,whichmirrorstheDanishmodel,isreflectedintheClimateActionandLowCarbonDevelopment(Amendment)Act2021,andwillbeafeatureoftheiterativenatureourannualClimateActionPlans.

Therecentlypublishedreport(August2021)bytheIntergovernmentalPanelonClimateChangeaspartofitsSixthAssessment,setsoutthemostup-to-datephysicalsciencebasisforourunderstandingofclimatechange.TheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency’srecentlypublishedClimateStatusReportforIreland2020alsosetsoutthemostup-to-dateclimateobservationsforIreland.Thesereportsconfirm,amongotherthings,thatwehavealimitedwindowforrealactiontoreduceemissionstoensurethatcurrentandfuturegenerationscanlivesustainablyinalow-carbonandclimate-resilientworld.


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Itis,therefore,essentialthattheinternationalcommunitystepsupitseffortstowardsmeetingtheParisAgreementobjectivesof:

• Holdingtheincreaseintheglobalaveragetemperaturetowellbelow2°Cabovepre-industriallevelsandtopursueeffortstolimitthetemperatureincreaseto1.5°Cabovepre-industriallevels,recognisingthatthiswouldsignificantlyreducetherisksandimpactsofclimatechange

• IncreasingtheabilitytoadapttotheadverseimpactsofclimatechangeandfosterclimateresilienceandlowGHGemissionsdevelopment,inamannerthatdoesnotthreatenfoodproduction

• Makingfinanceflowsconsistentwithapathwaytowardslowgreenhousegasemissionsandclimate-resilient development

TheParisAgreementandAgenda2030SustainableDevelopmentGoals(SDGs)recognisethattheimpactsofclimatechangewillbefeltbyall,butthattheseimpactswillbeuneven.Vulnerablecommunitiesandpeoplearoundtheworld–inparticularwomenandgirls–facedevastatingimpactstotheirlivelihoodsandgreaterchallengesinadaptingtothelong-termeffectsofclimatebreakdown.AsapartytotheParisAgreement,IrelandrecognisesthePrincipleof“commonbutdifferentiatedresponsibilityandrespectivecapabilities”withintheAgreement,whichacknowledgesadiverserangeofcapacitiesandresponsibilitiesbyParties.Irelandalsorecognisesboththerightandresponsibilityofallcountriestopursuelow-carbon,climate-resilientdevelopment,andissupportinginitiatives–withintheframeworkofboththeParisAgreementandtheUnitedNationsSDGs–tosupportless-developedcountriesinachievingtheseobjectives.Inlightofthis,ourclearambitionistocontinuetodeliverastep-changeinouremissionsperformanceoverthecomingdecade,sothatwewillnotonlymeetourEUtargetsfor2030,butwillalsobewellplacedtomeetourmid-centurydecarbonisationobjectives.

Inlightoftheincreaseinambtionunderthisplan,wehaveintroducedsignificantadditionalmeasures,tobeundertakenacrossthewholeofIrishsocietyandacrosstheeconomy,inordertoachievethelevelofchangerequired.Thisplanalsoassumesfullimplementationofthe2019plan.

TheNationalDevelopmentPlan2021-2030(NDP)setsouttheinvestmentprioritiesthatwillunderpintheimplementationoftheNationalPlanningFramework,throughatotalinvestmentofapproximately€165billion.TheNDPhasbeendesignedtoensurethatitsupportsthegovernment’sclimateambitions.ForthefirsttimeinIreland,climateandenvironmentalassessmentoftheNDPmeasureshasbeenundertaken,alongwithanassessmentofthealignmentoftheNDPasawholewiththeprincipleofagreenrecovery.

TheCOVID-19pandemichasplacedanenormousburdenonoursocietyandeconomy.Asweemergefromthecurrentcrisisandrebuild,itiscrucialthatweembedclimateresilienceaspartofourrecovery.Wemustmakestructuralchangesthatwillbreakthelinkbetweenfossilfuelsandeconomicprogressandensurethatourpost-COVID-19recoveryisfullyconsistentwiththetransformationtoadecarbonisedeconomyoverthecomingdecades.Ireland’sNationalRecoveryandResiliencePlan(NRRP)prioritisesasustainable,equitable,greenanddigitalrecovery,inamannerthatcomplementsandsupportsthegovernment’sbroaderclimateambition.


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Focusingonclimateactionaspartofa‘green’recoveryofferstheopportunitytorebuildoureconomyandgeneratenewjobs,whilerespondingeffectivelytoclimatechange.Thisplan,togetherwiththeNDPandtheNRRP,adoptsthisapproachinrecognisingtheprofoundnatureandscaleofthedecarbonisationchallenge,whileunderscoringthenewopportunitiesforbusinessesandforjobsinembracingthechallengeahead.

Itisimpossibletopredicthowthenextdecadewillunfold.Thepaceofindividual,technological,scientific,societalandeconomicchangewillnotbepreciselyinlinewithourassumptionstoday.Wewill,therefore,updatethisplanevery12months,inlinewiththeClimateActionandLowCarbonDevelopment(Amendment)Act2021,andfollowingconsultationwithkeystakeholders.Theseupdateswillbeinformedbythelatestanalysesandbyourperformanceagainsttargets;andwillincludeanyneworcorrectiveactionsthatwemayneedinordertostayontracktowardsouroverall2030targetsandourultimateobjectiveofachievingatransitiontoaclimateresilient,biodiversityrichandcarbonneutraleconomy no later than 2050�

Whilemuchofthisplanfocussesonclimatemitigation–theimperativetoreduceouremissionsofGHGsandtherebyreducewarming–wealsoneedtofocusonclimateadaptation.ThisisaddressedinChapter21ofthisplan.PeoplethroughoutIrelandhavealreadyexperiencedfirst-handthelikelyimpactsofclimatechange,particularlythroughrecentfloodsandstorms,andthesubsequentdamagecaused.Eventslikethese,andtheexpectedincreaseintheirfrequencyandintensity,highlighttheneedforadaptationmeasurestohelpthecountrycopewiththeeffectsofclimatechange.TheNationalAdaptationFramework,publishedinJanuary2018,setsouttheactionswearetakingtoreduceourvulnerabilityandincreaseourresilienceinresponsetoclimatechange.TheFrameworkisduetobeupdated in 2022�

Enterprise

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Enterprise

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Where We Stand 2

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2. Where We Stand

2.1 Trends in Ireland’s Emissions to DateIreland’sgreenhousegas(GHG)emissionshaveundergoneconsiderableshiftinthethreedecadessince1990�1AccordingtotheEnvironmentalprotectionAgency(EPA)inventorydata,therateofemissionsreductionwasmodestupto2008,witheffortstodecarboniseconstrainedbystrongeconomicactivity.Since2011,emissionshavetrendedupwardsagainwithanoverallpeakinemissionsreportedin2018.Agricultureisthelargestsourceofemissions,representing37.1%oftotalnationalemissionsin2020,basedonprovisionalestimates.Thetransportandenergyindustries(primarilypowergeneration)sectorsrepresent17.9%and15.0%respectively,oftotalGHGemissionsin2020.ThetransportsectorhasbeenthefastestgrowingsourceofGHGemissions,showinga100percentincreasebetween1990and2020.Thesethreekeysectors-agriculture,transportandenergyindustries-consistentlyhavethelargestshareofemissions.

DespitetheeconomicimpactofCOVID-19,GHGemissionsinIrelanddecreasedbyonly3.6%in2020,demonstratingthescaleofthedecarbonisationchallengeforIrelandoverthecomingdecade.AssetoutinFigure2.1,thedecreaseinemissionsisevidencedinmostsectorswiththeexceptionofincreasesinresidential,agricultureandpublicservices.

Keydriversofrecentreductionsinemissionsincludereduceduseofpeatandincreasedrenewablepowergenerationintheelectricitysector;reducedemissionsduetotheimpactofCOVID-19restrictionsonpassengercarandpublictransportjourneys;anddecreasesincombustionandprocessemissionsduetoreducedcementproductionwithmostplantshavingextendedclosuresduetoCOVID.

Increasesinemissionsin2020intheresidentialsectorweredrivenbyanincreasednumberofheatingdaysin2020duetoacolderwinter,aswellaslowkerosenepricesandincreasedworkingfromhome.Increasedactivityintheagriculturesectorwasevidencedthroughincreaseinnitrogenfertiliseruseandliming,aswellashigherdairycownumbersandmilkproduction.

Figure 2.1 – Ireland’s CO2eq. Emissions Inventories 1990-2020 2

1 GreenhousegasemissionstrendsandinventoriespublishedbytheEPA.Seehttps://www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/climate-change/ghg/

2 Chartdataavailablefromhttps://www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/climate-change/ghg/key-messages/

Where We Stand

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2.2 Ireland’s National Climate TargetsTheClimateActionandLowCarbonDevelopment(Amendment)Act2021commitsIrelandtoreachalegallybindingtargetofnet-zeroemissionsnolaterthan2050,andacutof51%by2030(comparedto2018levels).Underthe2021Act,Ireland’snationalclimateobjectiverequiresthestatetopursueandachieve,bynolaterthantheendoftheyear2050,thetransitiontoaclimateresilient,biodiversityrich,environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy�

Ourstatutorynationalclimateobjectiveand2030targetsarealignedwithIreland’sobligationsundertheParisAgreementandwiththeEuropeanUnion’sobjectivetoreduceGHGemissionsbyatleast55%by2030,comparedto1990levelsandtoachieveclimateneutralityintheEuropeanUnionby2050.

Box 2.1

Ireland’s EU climate targetsInitsapproachtodecarbonising,theEUhassplitGHGemissionsintotwocategories,namelytheEmissionsTradingSystem(ETS)andthenon-ETS. EmissionsfromelectricitygenerationandlargeindustryintheETSaresubjecttoEU-widetargetswhichrequirethatemissionsfromthesesectorsmustbereducedby43%by2030,relativeto2005levels.WithintheETS,participantsarerequiredtopurchaseallowancesforeverytonneofemissions,withtheamountoftheseallowancesdecliningovertimetoensuretherequiredreductionof43%inGHGemissionsisachievedatEU-level. Emissionsfromallothersectors,includingagriculture,transport,buildings,andlightindustryarecoveredbytheEUEffortSharingRegulation.ThisestablishedbindingannualGHGemissiontargetsformemberstatesfortheperiod2021–2030.Irelandwillneedtoreduceitsemissionsfromthesesectorsby30%by2030,relativeto2005levels. UndertheEUGreenDeal,thetargetsfortheETSandnon-ETSsectorswillberevisedupwardsinordertoachievethecommitment,atEUlevel,toreachaneconomy-wide2030reductioninemissionsofatleast55%,comparedto1990levels.LegislativeproposalstoimplementthesetargetswerepublishedinJuly2021andthesearecurrentlybeingnegotiatedatEUlevel.

2.3 Impact of Existing PoliciesIreland’slatestprojectionsofGHGemissionsto2030,publishedbytheEPA,showtotalemissionsdecreasingfromthelatestinventory(2020)levelsby19%withtheimpactofadoptedandplannedpolicies,beforetheadditionalimpactofthisClimateActionPlanisfactoredin.Theseprojectionsalreadyassumesignificantreductionsinkeysectorssuchaspowergeneration,residential,transport,commercialandpublicservices,andagriculture,withfullandearlyimplementationofexistingpolicycommitments.Theseinclude,by2030,achievingatleast70%ofelectricitydemandfromrenewablesources,retrofitting500,000homestoaB2equivalentBERstandard,andincreasingthenumberofelectricvehiclesonourroadstoalmost1million.EarlyimplementationofthesepolicycommitmentswillalsoenableIrelandtomeetitsEUEffortSharingRegulationtargetsfor2021-2030(seeBox2.1).

2.4 ActionsThedetailedimplementationmapsforactions,includingtimelinesandresponsibleorganisations,aresetoutintheaccompanyingAnnex.

Action Number Action

1 FinaliseIreland’slong-termclimatestrategy

Where We Stand

Enterprise

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Policy to Date and Expected Impact of Planned Policies 3

Policy to Date and Expected Impact of Planned Policies 3

Policy to Date and Expected Impact of Planned Policies

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3. Policy to Date and Expected Impact of Planned Policies

TheClimateActionPlan2021setsoutadetailedsectoralroadmapdesignedtodelivera51%reductioningreenhousegas(GHG)emissionsby2030.Thisdoublestheambitionofour2019Plan,andwillrequiresignificantreductionsfromallsectors,recognisingthattheabatementpotentialwillvarybysector�

Wehavealreadystartedonthetransitionwithsignificantprogressmadeoverthelasttwoyears.AswellasthemassivecapitalinvestmentprogrammesrecentlycommittedtoundertheNationalDevelopmentPlan(NDP)outtoend2025,somekeyachievementsbysectorinclude:

Electricity • FirstRenewableElectricitySupportScheme(RESS)auction• FinalisationoftheFrameworkforOffshoreElectricityTransmissionSystemandpublicationoftheNationalMarinePlanningFramework

• Communitybenefitfundsandcommunityenergyprojectssupportedunderfirstrenewable electricityauction

• ConsultationonfirstauctiontosupplyelectricityfromoffshorewindundertheRESS

Transport• Newgrantschemelaunchedtoassistinthepurchaseofmoresustainabletrucks,buses,

vans and coaches• €360milliongrantedtosupportthedeliveryofimprovedwalkingandcyclinginfrastructure• FirstLuastramextensiondelivered• NewSchemefor200on-streetpublicchargepointsperyearforelectricvehicles• ElectricVehiclePolicyPathwayReportpublished

Buildings• Developmentof‘One-Stop-Shop’modeforresidentialandcommercialenergyefficiencyupgrades• Establishmentofadedicatedtrainingcentreforupskillingconstructionworkerstonearzeroenergybuildingstandards,pavingthewaytoexpandtoatotalof5centresofexcellencenationwide

• Twolarge-scaledistrictheatingprojects,supportedbytheClimateActionFund,nowunderway

Enterprise• Eco-designlegislationupdated,whichwillimprovetheenergyefficiencyofproductsonthemarket• ClimateActionEnterpriseFundlaunchedtosupportclientcompaniesthroughEnterpriseIreland


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Agriculture• Launchofpilotprojecttolinkfarmers’paymentswithenvironmentallyfriendlyfarmingpractices• Organicfarmingschemereopenedtosupportfamerstofarmmoresustainably• NewSignpostFarmProgrammedevelopeddemonstratingmitigationmeasuresthatwon’timpactonfarmprofitability

Carbon Pricing• Newlegislationputinplacegivinggreaterclarityandtransparencyonthecarbontaxratesto2030• Introductionofnewshadowpriceofcarbontoensurepublicinvestmentprojectstakeaccountof

the climate impacts

Public Sector• ResourceEfficiencyActionPlansforallgovernmentdepartmentspublished• Newregulationstophaseoutfossilfuelvehiclesinpublicfleets

Circular Economy • WasteActionPlanforaCircularEconomypublished• DraftCircularEconomyBillpublished

OvertimetheseachievementswillbereflectedinreducingGHGemissions.Intermsofthestep-upineffortnowrequired,Table3.1showsproposedemissionsreductionsbysectortoachievetheambitioninthisPlan.

Table 3.1 Proposed Emissions Reductions by Sector

Sector3 2018 emissions (MtCO2eq.)

2030 target emissions (MtCO2eq.)

% reduction relative to 20184

Electricity 10�5 2-4 62-81%Transport 12 6-7 42-50%Buildings 9 4-5 44-56%Industry 8�5 5-6 29-41%Agriculture 235 16-18 22-30%LULUCF 4�8 2-3 37-58%Unallocated Savings N/A 46 N/A

Thedetailsoftheplannedpolicies,measuresandactionstodelivertheseemissionsreductionsaresetout in the sectoral chapters of this plan�

3 EmissionsfromWasteandPublicSectornotshownseparatelyintable4 RangeswillbefinalisedinClimateActionPlan2022followingthelegaladoptionofcarbonbudgetsandsectoralemissionsceilings

5 ProjectedfiguretobeconfirmedwheninventoriesbasedontheFifthAssessmentReport(AR5)oftheUnitedNationsIntergovernmentalPanelonClimateChangearepublished

6 4MtCO2eq.areunallocatedonaneconomy-widebasis–seereferencetoDanishmodel(citedinPfG)below


23

LandUse,LandUseChangeandForestry(LULUCF)emissionsaredealtwithasadistinctsectoralcategoryinthisplan,separatefromagriculturesectoremissions.In2018,netemissionsfromLULUCFwere4.8MtCO2eq.A51%reductionwouldmeana2030targetof2.4MtCO2eq.,asitisnotcurrentlyenvisagedthatthenon-LULUCFsectorscancontributemorethanissetoutinthetableabove.However,thisnetemissionstargetforLULUCFismorechallengingthanitappears.The4.8MtCO2eq� netemissionsin2018representsnon-forestlandasasourceofemissionswithourforestsinknettedoff.TheforestsinkisdecliningandonaBAUbasisitisexpectedthatnet-LULUCFemissionswillbeatleast7MtCO2eq� in 2030�

TheClimateChangeAdvisoryCouncil(CCAC)hasadvisedthatinsettingandaccountingfortargetsforLULUCFemissionsto2030,thegovernmentshouldtakeaccountoftheunavoidabledelaybetweenactionsandoutcomesintermsofactualremovals,withtheunderstandingthatmanyoftheactionstakenwillbearfruitinthepost2030period.Forexample,plantingahectareofforesttoday,willremovecarbondioxidefromtheatmosphereasthetreesgrow,butwilldelivermostofitssequestrationpotentialintheperiodafter2030.Theinventoryreflectsthegradualaccumulationofcarbonintothetrees,whichinyoungerandmaturetreesislimited.Inordertoincentiviseactivity,provisioncouldbemadeinregulationtoaccountforthecommittedremovalinashortertimeframe,whileavoidingdoublecounting.Thegovernmenthasfollowedthisadvice.Thisplanidentifiesmeasurestodeliver2.5MtCO2eq.,withpotentialtoaccountforafurther2.1MtCO2eq.offuturesavingsfromafforestationintheperiodto2030,creatingtherightincentivestoachieveafforestationratesconsistentwithmeetingour2030target,andbecomingclimateneutralby2050.

TheProgrammeforGovernmentrecognisedthatwewouldnotyetbeinapositiontoidentifyalltheemergingtechnologies,changingscientificconsensusorpoliciestomeetourfullambition.Thiswillrequireafurtherallocationwithintheoverallcarbonbudgetsasthedecadeprogressesandwillbesubjecttointenseevaluation.Thisapproach,whichmirrorstheDanishmodel,isreflectedintheClimateActionandLowCarbonDevelopment(Amendment)Act.ThisClimateActionPlanleavessavingsof4MtCO2eq.unallocatedonaneconomy-widebasispendingidentificationofadditionalabatement measures�

Itshouldbenotedthatwhilethisplanisconsistentwitha51%reductioninGHGsby2030,itwaspreparedpriortoconsiderationandadoptationbythegovernmentandOireachtasoftheproposedprogrammeofcarbonbudgetsrecentlypublishedbytheClimateChangeAdvisoryCouncil.TheClimateActionPlan2022willfullyreflectthelegallyadoptedcarbonbudgetsandsectoralceilings.



2 Conductareviewofgreenhousegasemissionsonaconsumptionbasis,withagoalofensuringthatIrishandEUactiontoreduceemissionssupportsemissionreductionsglobally,aswellasonourownterritories

Enterprise

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Choosing the Pathways which Create the Least Burden &

Offer the Most Opportunity for Ireland 4

Choosing the Pathways which Create the Least Burden &

Offer the Most Opportunity for Ireland 4

Choosing the Pathways which Create the Least Burden and Offer the Most Opportunity for Ireland

25

4. Choosing the Pathways which Create the Least Burden and Offer the Most Opportunity for Ireland

4.1 IntroductionTheClimateActionPlan2019(CAP19)wasbasedonamarginalabatementcostcurve(MACC),andreliedlargelyonknownandwellunderstoodmeasuresandtechnologiestoreduceemissions.Themeasuresandtechnologiessetoutinthe2019planremainunchanged.TheClimateActionPlan2021(CAP21)willbuildontheseinordertodeliverthegreaterambition.

GiventhesignificantincreaseinambitionrequiredforCAP21,alargerrangeofmeasuresarerequired.Someofthesearestillrelativelynewandtheirpotentialimpactandcostwillevolveoverthecomingdecade.Toreflectthis,themeasuresinCAP21aredividedintotwocategories:coremeasuresandfurther measures�

Coremeasurescovertheestablishedfundamentalsofdecarbonisation,suchasdevelopingrenewablepowerforelectricitysupply,electrificationacrossdemandsectors,anddemandmanagementmeasures.ThesebuildontheexistingCAP19actions.ThesecoremeasuresarenecessarybutnotsufficienttoachievetheCAP21targets.Inordertodeliverthe-51%targetby2030,furthermeasuresarerequiredthataremoretechnicallychallengingorarenotyetavailableatscaleinIreland.Examplesoffurthermeasuresincludebiogas/biomethanewithcurrentlylimitedsupply;greenhydrogen,whereelectrolysistechnologiesarestillbeingdevelopedandcostsarerelativelyhigh;andCarbonCaptureandStorage(CCS)whichrequirescapitalexpenditureandthedevelopmentoftransportandstorageinfrastructure.

Figure 4.1

Deployingallcoremeasureswouldreduceemissionsby10-11MtCO2eq� by 2030� Three sets of further measurescouldclosethegap(setoutbelow).Giventhatthesefurthermeasuresaremorechallenging,aprogrammeofworkwillbeundertakentorefinethepotentialofthesemeasuresandtosetrelevanttargets/pathways.ThesewillbereflectedinfutureClimateActionPlans.


26

Figure 4.2

4.2 Sector Abatement AmbitionDeliveringthesecoreandfurthermeasureswillmeanastep-upinambitionacrossallsectors.Thefigurebelowshowsasectoralsplitoftheimpliedemissiontargetsby2030andidentifiestherelevantcoreandfurthermeasures�

Figure 4.3


27

Theanalysisdemonstratesthatsustainedeffortsacrosssectorswillberequiredtomeettargets.Thetimelinetorealisethebenefitsdifferbetweensectorsandinterventions,buteachsectorrequiresactionnowtodeliverby2030:

Electricity: Theproposedpathwayincludesamorerapidbuild-outofrenewablegenerationcapacity(windandsolarpowergenerationtechnologies),increasedstorage,andthedeploymentofzero-emissionsgas.Thedecarbonisationpathwayfortheelectricitysectorischallenginggiventherapidgrowthindemandforpower,aswellastheneedtoensuresecurityofsupplythroughthedecarbonisationjourney.

Transport: Theproposedpathwayintransportisfocusedonacceleratingtheelectrificationofroadtransport,theuseofbiofuels,andamodalshifttotransportmodeswithlowerenergyconsumption(e.g.publicandactivetransport).

Buildings:TheproposedpathwayincludesdeliveringtheretrofitambitioninCAP19,rolloutofdistrictheatingincities,andaccelerationofzero-emissionsheatingincommercialbuildings.

Industry:Theproposedpathwayincludesacceleratinguptakeofcarbon-neutralheatinginindustry;enablingelectrificationofhigh-temperatureheating;phase-outofhigh-GWPF-Gases;blendingofzero-emissiongas;anddecreasingembodiedcarboninconstructionmaterials.Inaddition,theremaybearoleforCCSinhardtoabateindustrysectors.

Agriculture:KeymeasuresinagricultureincludeincreasingtheuptakeofGHGefficientfarmingpracticesanddiversifyingfarmactivities(e.g.,throughafforestation,forestmanagementandbioenergy),andcreatingnewbiomethanebusinessopportunities.

LULUCF:InadditiontotheambitiousafforestationtargetsinCAP19,thepathwayincludessignificantreducedmanagementintensityofourpeatlands,andmoreefficientmanagementofgrasslandsto reduce emissions�

Figure4.4showsthecoremeasuresoutlinedabovebysector,settingspecificambitions(indicatedbyKPIs)tobeachievedby2030.ArticulatingtheKPIswillenableeachsectortoregularlymonitorprogress,andtogaugewhetherthemostappropriatepolicytoolshavebeenidentifiedandarebeingdeployed,orwhetherthereisaneedtoreconsiderthepolicyand/ortheambition.


28

Figure 4.4


29

4.3 Investments RequiredReducingourgreenhousegasemissionsby51%by2030mustinfluencebothpublicandprivatecapitaloverallinvestment(publicandprivate)choices.Amodelledestimate7,basedonavailableinformationatthetimeofwritingtheplan,suggeststhatdeliveryofCAP21couldrequire~€45billionadditionalinvestmentcomparedtoifIrelandtooknoclimateactionatall.Thisfigureispurelyinvestmentcost,anddoesnotincludetheoperationalsavingsthatcouldfollow,forexample,theoperatingcostsofrenewablesareexpectedtobemuchlowerthanthoseforcoalgeneration.Oftheadditional~€45billionincapitalexpenditure,~€25billion(~55%)isestimatedtobeinvestedinthebuildingssector,~€15billion(~35%)inthepowersector,and~€5billion(~10%)intransport.

DeliveryofCAP21couldrequireafurther~€80billionofreallocatedfunds(publicandprivate)thatcouldotherwisebeinvestedinincumbenttechnologies,basedonacomparisonofinvestmentassociatedwithapathwayconsistentwithCAP21anda“noclimateaction”baseline.Figure4.5showsthatthisresultsinatotalof~€125billion–summingadditionalandreallocated–capitalinvestmentinlow-carbontechnologiesandinfrastructureintheperiod2021to2030.Thismeasureof“totalcapex”isforthetotalinitialinvestmentrequired(e.g.abatteryelectricvehicle)andisagnosticof(i)theoperationalsavingsthatmayfollowand(ii)theinvestmentthatwouldhaveotherwisebeeninvestedinincumbenttechnologies(whichisconsideredonlyintheadditionalfigureabove).Asshownbelow,investmentrequiredthisdecadeisexpectedtobedrivenbytransport(~€51billion)andbuildings(~€35billion).Thesearetwosectorsthatareexpectedtotransitionearlierthansomeothers.Forexample,industryishardertoabateandinvestmentisexpectedtocomeinthefollowingdecades.Theanalysissuggeststhatthemostsignificantshareofcapitalcouldflowintoelectricvehiclepassengercars,renewables,andbuildinginsulation.Forcalibration,theincrementalinvestmentfor2021-30perheadisbroadlycomparable,oncescaled,tothatoftheUK’sClimateChangeCommitteeequivalentprojectionfortheUK8�

7 These estimateswillcontinuetobeupdatedastheplanevolvesovertime8 ClimateChangeCommittee(2020)UKSixthCarbonBudget


30

Figure 4.5Figure4.5highlightsthattheshareoftotalinvestmentthatisadditionalcouldvarysubstantiallybysector.Forexample,comparisonofrequiredinvestmentinadecarbonisedscenarioversusa‘noclimateaction’scenario,suggeststhatthebuildingssectorhasaparticularlyhighshareofitstotalinvestmentthatisadditionalbecausemostoftheretrofitswouldnotbeimplementedina‘noclimateaction’scenario.Whereas,powerhasamoderatelyhighshareofitstotalinvestmentasadditional,andthisisdrivenbythehighercapexofrenewablesversusfossilfuelpowergeneration,togetherwiththeneedtoexpandthegridcapacityaselectrificationoccurs.Bycontrast,arelativelylowshareoftotaltransportinvestmentisexpectedtobeadditionalbecausevehiclesarereplacedregularlyandthepricedifferencebetweenelectricvehiclesandinternalcombustionvehiclesdeclinesoverthedecade.

AnnualisingthetotalcapitalexpenditurefigureassessedabovesuggeststhatdeliveryofCAP21couldrequireatotalof€14bnp.a.,onaverage,overthenineyears2021-30.

TherecentlypublishedNDPsetsoutatotalpublicinvestmentof€165billionovertheperiod2021to2030.Thiswillbringpublicinvestmentto5percentofGNI*,wellabovetherecentEUaverageof3percentofGDP.ExtensiveeffortshavebeenmadetoensurethattheNDPwillsupporttheGovernment’sclimateambitions.ForthefirsttimeinIreland,climateandenvironmentalassessmentoftheNDPmeasureshasbeenundertaken,alongwithanassessmentofthealignmentoftheplanasawholewiththeidealsofagreenrecoveryplan.CommitmentsaremadetofurtherreformsofthePublicSpendingCodeandtothetreatmentofEnergyPerformanceContracts.Mostsignificantly,€5billionofthetotal€9.5billioninadditionalcarbontaxreceiptsovertheperiodoftheNDPhavebeenallocatedtoincreasecapitalinvestmentlevelsinenergyefficiency.Bywayoffurtherexample,measuresintheenergyareawillbefinancedthroughavarietyofmechanismsincombinationwithprivateinvestment:directExchequercapitalsupports;displacingfossilfuelimports;thePublicServiceObligation(PSO)Levy;and,inrespectofinvestmentintheregulatedgasandelectricitynetworksbythesystemoperators,throughnetworkcharges.Inaddition,ourNationalResilienceandRecoveryPlancommits€518milliontoprioritisingadvancingthegreentransitiontosignificantlyreformanddirectrelevantfundingtowardsdecarbonisingprojectssuchasretrofitting,ecosystemresilienceandregeneration,climatemitigationandadaptation,andgreendatasystems.

7

About 60% of the required Climate Action Plan 2021 measures have a stand-alone business case

Share of total investments by 2030, % (100= ~ EUR 125 bn)

Negative business case

Mixedbusiness case

Core measures Further measures

Increase adoption of GHG-efficient farming practices

A1

LULUCF measuresL

Build-out renewable generation capacity (pushing renewable generation share to ~80%)

E1

T4 Modal shift (tier 1) towards transportation modes with lower energy consumption per kilometre

Increase targets for roll-out of district heating

B3

Ramp-up zero-emission heat in commercial buildings

B2

Enable electrification of high-temperature heat generation

I4

Accelerate uptake of carbon-neutral low temperature heating

I1

Phase-out high-GWP F-GasesI2

A2 Diversify farm activities (e.g., through forestry, bioenergy)

Increase targets for public sector buildings

Accelerated adoption of zero-emission passenger cars and commercial vehicles

B4

T1

Continue to phase out fossil fuels in new homes

B1

Reduce embodied energy in construction

I3

Increase biodiesel blend-rateT2

Zero-emission domestic goods and passenger mass transportation

T3

Create new biomethane business opportunities

A3

Stand alonebusiness case

~60%

%

Significantly reduce embodied energy in construction

I5B5 Blend in zero-emission gas for fuel use in buildings

Produce hydrogen for consumption in other sectors

E3E2 Deploy zero emission gas generation (e.g., biogas/ biomethane, hydrogen)

T4 Further modal shift (tier 2) through behavioural changes to reduce kilometres travelled to a greater extent

Deploy carbon capture and storage (CCS)

I7I6 Blend in zero-emission gas for fuel use in industry

Accelerate sustainability transformation in agriculture

A4


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Businesscaseanalysissuggeststhat~€75billion(60%)ofidentifiedinvestmentscouldhavepositivestandaloneinvestmentcasesthroughdisplacingfossilenergycosts.However,theremainderof~€50billion(40%)includesmeasuresthatareexpectedtopaybacksometimes,dependentoncontextandothersthatarenotexpectedtoeverpayback.Asshownabove,theanalysisillustratedthattheshareofinvestmentswithapositiveinvestmentcasecouldvarysignificantlybysector.Forexample,mostofthetransportandpowerinvestmentshavestandalonebusinesscases.Batteryelectricvehiclesareanexampleofatechnologythatisexpectedtohaveastandalonebusinesscase,withapaybackofabout9yearswithoutacarbonpriceifpurchasedin2025(loweringtoabout7yearswiththeIrishcarbonpricetrajectory).Thisworksbecausethehigherinitialprice(comparedtoadieselcar)willthenberecoupedthroughloweroperatingcostsovertime.

Forbuildingsandindustry,whiletheremaynotbeapurefinancialbusinesscase,therewillbeassociatedco-benefits,suchascleanerairandcomfortthatareimportantandcoulddrivethetransition.

ItshouldbenotedthatreliancesolelyonExchequerexpenditureschemesisneitheraffordablenoradequatetothescaleofthechallengetobeaddressed.GovernmentrecognisesthatclimateactionwillrequireatargetedbalancebetweenExchequer-supportedexpenditure,andtaxationpoliciesandregulation.Privateinvestmentwillbeneededtoworkalongsidepublicfundingtoachieveourtargets.Incertaincases,taxationpolicymayhaveastrongerroletoplayinchangingindividualorbusinessbehaviour.Inaddition,thefinancialcostandresultingbenefitswillbeevaluatedinaccordancewiththePublicSpendingCodeaspoliciesareputinplacetosupportthedeliveryofIreland’sclimatetargets.

4.4 Benefits for IrelandBesidesthecriticalcontributiontolimitingglobalwarming,decarbonisationcandeliverbroadbenefitsforIreland.Analysis(spanningfinancing,employment,competitivenessandhouseholdbills)suggeststhatdeliveryofCAP21couldhavesignificantnetpositivesocioeconomicimplications,contingentoncarefulmanagement.However,italsohighlightsthattherecouldbevariationinimpacts.

DeliveryofCAP21couldbenefitIrishbusinessesinvariousways.ForIrishbusiness,thestakesarehigh.Thestrongglobalcommitmenttonet-zeroandthe'racetothetop’thatisunderwaymeansthatnotactingcarriesarealriskofbeingleftbehind–producingoutdatedproductsforchangingmarketsandconsumerdemands.Changeisinevitable,maintainingthestatusquoisnotanoption.Thechoiceisbetweenhelpingkeysectorstransitionatpace,ordelayingandfacingalaterscrambletocatch-up.TheCAP21alsocreatesopportunities.Forexample,byincreasingjobneedsforhigher-skilledroles(e.g.offshorewindinstallationengineers),andbypositioningIrelandwelltoseizenewhigh-growthgreenexportandimportsubstitutionopportunities(e.g.horticulture,harvestedwoodproducts).

CAP21leverscanbenefitindividualsalso.Embracingactivetravel(e.g.walkingandcycling)canhaveimprovedhealthbenefits,inadditiontothepositiveenvironmentalimpact,whiletheshifttorenewablefuel sources improves air quality�

However,analysisalsohighlightsthattheseimpactscouldbeunevenlydistributed.Forexample,certainsectorsandassociatedoccupationscoulddecline,householdswithcertaincharacteristicscouldincurhigherthanaveragecosts,andenergypricesarelikelytoincrease,impactingparticularindustrialgroupsmore than others�

ThepurposeofthisplanistosetouttheactionsrequiredtoensurethatIreland’sresponsetoclimatechangemaximisesthepotentialbenefitsandensuresthattheimpactsarefairlydistributed.

Enterprise

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Governance of the Challenge 5

Governance of the Challenge 5

Governance of the Challenge

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5. Governance of the Challenge

5.1 Governance StructureSincethepublicationoftheClimateActionPlan2019,therehasbeenasignificantstrengtheningofthegovernancestructuretosupportambitiousclimateaction,underpinnedbytheenactmentoftheClimateActionandLowCarbonDevelopment(Amendment)Act2021.Wenowhavealegallybindingtargettobeclimateneutralnolaterthan2050,andtoreduceemissionsby51%by2030.

5.2 Delivery of the Climate Action PlanTheClimateActionPlanhasbeenplacedonastatutoryfooting,withrequiredannualupdatestofocusonthenearandmediumtermtimehorizon.Oncetheprogrammeofcarbonbudgetshasbeenlegallyadopted,futureClimateActionPlansmustbeconsistentwiththeirachievement,andprovidearoadmapofactions,includingsectoralactions,thatareneededtoensuresuchcompliance.

TheClimateActionDeliveryBoardwillensurethateachdepartmentandpublicbodyisheldtoaccountforthedeliveryofactionssetoutintheClimateActionPlan.TheBoardwillalsoreviewkeystrategicprojectsandareasofwork.

TheCabinetCommitteeonEnvironmentandClimateChange,supportedbytheassociatedseniorofficialsgroup,willbecentraltoclimatepolicyformulationandimplementationonawhole-of-governmentbasis.

AdeliveryreportwillbeprovidedtotheCabinetCommitteeonEnvironmentandClimateChangeandtheCabineteachquarteraheadofitspublication.Wewillstreamlinethereportingprocesstodistinguishbetweenkeyactionsthatdeliversignificantemissionsabatement,andsupportingactions.Thisallowforgreatertransparencyonprogresstowardsdecarbonisation.

Wewillensurethatcapacityexistsacrossalldepartmentstodeliveronclimateaction.

5.3 Carbon Proofing of Government PolicyWewillcontinuetheprocess,incorporatedintoCabinetprocedures,ofensuringthatall governmentmemorandaandmajorinvestmentdecisionsaresubjecttoaclimatemitigationandadaptationevaluation.

5.4 Carbon Budgets and Sectoral Emissions Ceilings

Carbon BudgetsTheClimateActionandLowCarbonDevelopment(Amendment)Act2021establishesasystemofcarbonbudgetingwiththreefive-yeareconomy-widebudgetsincludedineachcarbonbudgetprogramme.Thecarbonbudgetswillbeconsistentwithfurtheringtheachievementofournationalclimateobjectivesandincludeallgreenhousegases(GHGs).Thefirstcarbonbudgetprogrammewillcomprisecarbonbudgetsforthefollowingperiods:2021-2025;2026-2030and2031-2035.Eachfive-yearcarbonbudgetsetalimitonaneconomy-widebasistotheamountofGHGsthatcanbeemittedinthe period�


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Sectoral CeilingsTheeconomywidecarbonbudgetswillbesupplementedbysectoralemissionsceilings,settingthemaximumamountofGHGemissionsthatarepermittedinagivensectoroftheeconomyduringeachfiveyearcarbonbudget.TheMinisterfortheEnvironment,ClimateandCommunications,inconsultationwithotherrelevantMinisters,willdevelopasectoralemissionsceilingforeachrelevantsectorwithineachfive-yearbudget,oncetheoverallcarbonbudgethasbeenadopted.Thesesectoralemissionceilingswillbeapprovedbygovernment.

Adopting Carbon Budgets and Sectoral CeilingsUndertheAct,theClimateChangeAdvisoryCouncil(CCAC)willproposeaprogrammeofthreesuccessivefive-yearcarbonbudgetstotheMinisterfortheEnvironment,ClimateandCommunications.Thedetailedprocessfromsubmissionofthebudgetstotheirfinaladoptionbygovernment,andincludingtheroleoftheOireachtasintheprocess,issetoutatSection9oftheAct.

Oncecarbonbudgetsandsectoralceilingshavebeenadopted,theywillbereflectedintheClimateActionPlan2022.Aspartofthatprocess,adecisionwillbetakenbygovernmentontheallocationofsectoralresponsibilityforemissionsacrosstherelevantMinisters.

What happens if sectoral targets and carbon budgets are not achieved?Ifrequired,correctiveoradditionalmeasuresmaybeintroducedtoensuretargetsareachieved.However,attheendofafiveyearcarbonbudgetperiod,anyexcessemissionswillbecarriedforwardtothenextbudgetperiod,whichwillbereducedaccordingly.InadditiontotheprovisionsoftheAct,wewillconsultonhowindividualsectorscouldbearanycompliancecostsforthestatearisingfromfailuretoreachsectoraltargets.

5.5 Oversight of GovernmentTheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency’sannualGHGinventoryandprojectionreports,andtheCCACannualreport,willinformmonitoringofcompliancewithnationalandsectoralprogresstowardseachcarbonbudgetandsectoralemissionsceiling.

Eachyear,theCCACmustreportby30October,followingwhichrelevantMinisterswillberequiredtogiveaccounttoanOireachtasCommitteeonperformancebothinimplementingClimateActionPlanactionsandinadheringtotheirsector’semissionceilingunderthecarbonbudgetperiod.WhereMinistersarenotincompliancewiththetargets,theywillneedtooutlinewhatcorrectivemeasuresareenvisaged.MinisterswillhavetorespondtoanyrecommendationsmadebytheCommitteewithin3months.This‘complyorexplain’approachwillensuregreaterscrutinyandaccountabilityisprovided.

TheannualrevisiontotheClimateActionPlanactsasafurtherreviewmechanismandopportunitytore-adjustorrefocusactionstoensuretargetsareachieved.


35



3 Streamlinethereportingprocesstodistinguishbetweenkeyactionsthatdeliversignificantemissionsabatement,andsupportingactions,toallowforgreatertransparencyonprogresstowardsdecarbonisation

4 Activateaprocess,incorporatedinCabinetprocedures,toensurethatallGovernmentmemorandaandmajorinvestmentdecisionsaresubjecttoaclimatemitigationandadaptationevaluation

5 Undertakeacapacityreviewacrossalldepartmentstoensurethatboththepeopleandsystemsareconfiguredtodeliveronclimateaction

6 Completetheadoptionofeconomy-widecarbonbudgetsandsectoralceilings

7 PrepareClimateActionPlan2022tofullyreflectthelegallyadoptedcarbonbudgetsandsectoralceilings

8 ConsultonhowindividualsectorscouldbearanyEUcompliancecostsfortheStatearisingfromfailuretoreachsectoraltargets

9 IdentifycommonchallengestoclimateactionimplementationwithintheCivilServiceanddevelopaproposaltoaddressanychallengesidentified

Enterprise

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Ensuring a Just Transition to a Climate Neutral Ireland 6

Ensuring a Just Transition to a Climate Neutral Ireland 6

Ensuring a Just Transition to a Climate Neutral Ireland

37

6. Ensuring a Just Transition to a Climate Neutral Ireland

6.1 IntroductionTheClimateActionandLowCarbonDevelopment(Amendment)Act2021setsIrelandonthepathtoa51%reductioninemissionsbytheendofthisdecadeandtonet-zeroemissionsnolaterthan2050.

Deliveringajusttransitionisbasedonrecognisingthetransformationallevelofchangerequiredtomeetthesetargetsandhavingasharedunderstandingthatthetransitionisfair,just,andthatthecostsaresharedequitably.Ourclimatepoliciesshould,therefore,seektoprotectthemostvulnerable.

AjusttransitionrequiresaframeworktostructurehowIreland’seconomyandsocietywilltransitiontoalowcarbonfuture.ImportantelementsofthisarealreadyinplaceinIreland.StrongclimategovernanceandprogressivepoliciescontainedinthisClimateActionPlanareenablingIrelandrespondtothechallengesandopportunitiesahead.ArefreshedNationalDialogueonClimateActionwillhavejusttransitionatitscore.TheNationalEconomicandSocialCouncil(NESC)willcontinuetoprovidestrategicadvice,researchandanalyticalsupportforajusttransition.Wearedevelopinganenterprise,educationtrainingsystemthatisresponsive,targetedandeffective,andwearecommittedtoensuringthatourcarbontaxationpoliciesareprogressivebycomplementingfutureincreaseswithtargetedincreasesinsocialwelfareandotherinitiativestoaddressfuelpoverty.

Irelandhasalreadybeendemonstratingleadershipinajusttransitionbyexplicitlyrecognisingandaligningitwithourclimatepolicyframeworkthrough:thepredecessortothisClimateActionPlan;theClimateActionandLowCarbonDevelopment(Amendment)Act2021;theappointmentofaJustTransitionCommissioner;andtheestablishmentofarangeoffinancialsupportsfortheMidlandsregioninitstransitionawayfrompeatharvestingforpowergeneration.

AjusttransitionframeworkforIrelandwillbeaboutensuringthatweeffectivelymonitorandmanageourtransitionthroughthestructuresandresponsesalreadyinplaceandplanned,thatourresponsesremainflexiblesothatwecanrespondtofuturetransitionchallenges,andthatwetargettheareasinneed of support�

6.2 Defining a Just Climate TransitionThereisnosingleinternationallyagreeddefinitionofa‘justtransition’andtherearemanydifferentwaystounderstandtheterm.InIreland,theNationalEconomicandSocialCouncil(NESC)hasproposedthefollowingdefinition:“A just transition is one which seeks to ensure transition is fair, equitable, and inclusive in terms of processes and outcomes”.9Ajusttransitioncan,therefore,referbothtothebroaderpolicyframeworkofclimateactiontosupportindividualsandcommunitiesinthetransition,aswellastheprocessofensuringthatindividualsandcommunitieshaveavoiceandaroleininformingandshapingthesesupports.

Buildingonthis,theClimateActionandLowCarbonDevelopment(Amendment)Act2021situatesajusttransitiontoaclimateneutraleconomyasaprocess,withinthewiderstatutoryframeworkofclimateaction,whichendeavours,insofarasispracticable,tomaximiseemploymentopportunities,andsupportpersonsandcommunitiesthatmaybenegativelyaffectedbythetransition.

9 NESC(2020)AddressingEmploymentVulnerabilityasPartofaJustTransitioninIrelandhttp://files.nesc.ie/nesc_reports/en/149_Transition.pdf


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Whilejusttransitioncanalsobeappliedinotherpolicycontextstorefertopolicyconsiderationswhichrequirefairness,inclusionandprotectionofthemostvulnerable,inthecontextofclimatepolicythetermisusedspecificallyinrelationtothetransitiontoaclimateresilient,biodiversityrich,environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy�

Ourclimatepolicieshavehugepotentialtoopenupnewemploymentandenterpriseopportunities.Ajusttransitioncanmeannewjobs,newskills,newinvestmentopportunities,andthechancetocreateamoreproductiveandresilienteconomy.Whilethetransitionwillrequiretargetedsupportstohelpparticularlyimpactedgroups,regionsandcommunitiesadapt,wearealsoworkingtosupportourcitizens,communitiesandregionstorealisethebenefitoftheseopportunities.

Figure 6.1 – Our Principles for a Just Transition

6.3 Just Transition Framework

Thejusttransitionframeworkismadeupoffourprinciples:

1� An integrated, structured, and evidence-based approachtoidentifyandplanourresponsetojusttransitionrequirements

2� Peopleareequipped with the right skills to be able to participate in and benefit from the future net zeroeconomy

3� The costs are shared so that the impact is equitableandexistinginequalitiesarenotexacerbated4� Social dialogue to ensure impacted citizens and communities are empowered and are core to the transitionprocess

Theinstruments,policiesandregulationsdeployedinthedeliveryofourclimatepolicywillneedtoalignwiththesefourprinciples,andensuretheyaretakenintoaccountintheirdesignandimplementation.


39

6.3.1 Principle 1: An integrated, structured, and evidence-based approach to identify and respond to just transition needs as they emerge

IntheMidlandsregiontheimpactfromtheendofpeatasapowergeneratorhasbeenregionallyconcentrated.Basedonourcurrentunderstanding,itislikelythatthefutureimpactsofourtransitiontoaclimateneutraleconomywillbebothincrementalandbroadly-based,affectingoccupationsmostcloselylinkedtoconsumptionoffossilfuels,arisingfromincreasesinheating,energyandtransportcosts,orresultingfromchangesinagriculturalpractices.

Thisdoesnotexcludethepossibilityofconcentratedimpactsindifferentpartsofthecountryorincomegroups(e.g.withhigherrelianceonprivatecarsformobility,onsolidfuelsfordomesticheating,oronparticulartypesofagriculturalproduction).

Forthetransitiontobejust,itmustbestructuredinsuchawayastoallowthestatetoidentifyandrespondtojusttransitionneedsastheyarelikelytoemerge.

OurresponsetotheacutecrisisthatemergedintheMidlandsregionintheelectricitygenerationsectorrequiredtheappointmentofaJustTransitionCommissionertoassisttheGovernmentinitsresponse.TheCommissionerhasbeenveryeffectiveinactingasamediatorintheaffectedregion,facilitatingdialogue,andbringingforwardconcernsfromaffectedcommunities,residents,workersandbusinesses.

However,giventheincrementalandbroad-basednatureofthetransitionchallengeswhichlieahead,apermanentCommissionerroleisnotenvisaged,thoughtheoptionwillremaintoappointaCommissionerifspecificandacutechallengesariseinparticularsectorsorregionswhichrequireatargetedresponse.Affectedregionsandsectorsmayalsorequirespecificstructurestoassistthemineffectivelymanagingthetransition,supportedbyaleaddepartmentwhererequired.

Atanationallevel,thelong-termagendaofajusttransitiontoaclimate-neutraleconomyandsocietywillbemanagedthroughtheestablishmentofanewJustTransitionCommissionandintegratingitsrolewithourexistinggovernanceandengagementstructures,whichwillallowustodeliveramoreintegratedapproachthatfullyembedsourjusttransitionprinciplesintothedeliveryofclimatepolicy.

An Integrated and Structured ApproachWewillfullyintegrateourapproachtothemanagementofajusttransitionintotheannualpolicydevelopmentandreportingcycleprovidedforundertheClimateActionandLowCarbonDevelopment(Amendment)Act2021.Thiswillinclude:

• WewillestablishaJustTransitionCommissionsupportedbyasecretariattoensurepolicyisdevelopedandcloselyalignedwiththeClimateActionPlan.TheJustTransitionCommissionwillmakerecommendationstoGovernment,buildingonresearch,engagementthroughtheNationalDialogueonClimateAction,andtheannualreviewfromtheCCAC,onhowGovernmentpolicycanfurthertheJustTransition

• TheMinisterandtheGovernmenthavingregardtotherequirementforajusttransitiontoaclimateneutraleconomywhichendeavours,insofarasispracticable,tomaximiseemploymentopportunities,andsupportpersonsandcommunitiesthatmaybenegativelyaffectedbythetransitioninthepreparationoftheClimate Action Plan and National Long-term Climate Action Strategy

• Eachdepartmentneedingtoconsidertheirclimatepolicydevelopmentandimplementation againstthefourprinciplesforajusttransitionsetoutaboveandtherecommendationsoftheJustTransitionCommission


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• TheNationalDialogueonClimateActiongatheringinput,onarollingbasis,aboutthekeychallengesfacingindividualsandcommunitiesinthetransition,andthiswillbecomplementedbythedevelopmentofasetofindicatorsforajusttransition.

• TheNationalEconomicandSocialCouncilprovidinganalysisanddialogueofsectoralissues,toincludeinthefirstphaseoftheplanworkonagriculture,climateandjusttransition

• Progressreporting,byeachrelevantMinister,totheOireachtasonhowourprinciplesforajustclimatetransitionarebeingaddressedunderthemostrecentlyapprovedClimateActionPlan,includingthepolicies,mitigationmeasuresandadaptationmeasuresforeachsector

Inaddition,theClimateChangeAdvisoryCouncilisaddressingjusttransitionissuesinitsAnnual Review andtheCouncilwillcontinuetodosoaspartofitsgeneralmandate(underSection12ofthe2015ClimateActionandLowCarbonDevelopmentAct),toreviewandreportandtomakerecommendationsasitconsidersnecessaryorappropriateinordertoenabletheachievementofthenationaltransitionobjective.TheCCACreviewwillbeanintegralpartoftheJustTransitionCommission’sconsiderationsinformingtheirrecommendationstogovernment.

Figure 6.2 – Incorporation of Just Transition into Annual Climate Policy Cycle

ExamplesofwherewearealreadyintegratingjustclimateconsiderationsintoourpolicydevelopmentthroughthisClimateActionPlaninclude:

• IntegrationofcommunityparticipationmechanismsintheRenewableElectricitySupportScheme• Provisionof100%grantfundingforretrofittingtolowerincomehouseholdsundertheWarmerHomesScheme

• CommitmenttoanewConnectingIrelandRuralMobilityPlantoreduceourrelianceonprivatecars• Establishment of a 'Future of Farming in Ireland’DialogueundertheAg-ClimatiseRoadmapfortheagriculturesector

• Integrationofjusttransitionintoournationalruraldevelopmentpolicy,Our Rural Future,asanessentialbuildingblocktoachieveasustainable,resilientandclimateneutraleconomyandsociety

• InclusionofclimatechangeandjusttransitionactionsandassociatedthemesinthenewSocial Inclusion and Community Activation Programme,andsupportfortheprovisionoftrainingandcapacitybuildinginrelationtoclimatechangewithafocusonjusttransition,socialinclusionandanti-povertyforLocalCommunityDevelopmentCommitteesandLocalDevelopmentCompanies

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Figure 6.2 – Incorporation of Just Transition into Annual Climate Policy Cycle

Examples of where we are already integrating just climate considerations into our policy development through this Climate Action Plan include:

• Integration of community participation mechanisms in the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme

• Provision of 100% grant funding for retrofitting to lower income households under the Warmer Homes Scheme

• Commitment to a new Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan to reduce our reliance on private cars

• Establishment of a 'Future of Farming in Ireland’ Dialogue under the Ag-Climatise Roadmap for the agriculture sector

• Integration of just transition into our national rural development policy, Our Rural Future, as an essential building block to achieve a sustainable, resilient and climate neutral economy and society

• Inclusion of climate change and just transition actions and associated themes in the new Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, and support for the provision of training and capacity building in relation to climate change with a focus on just transition, social inclusion and anti-poverty for Local Community Development Committees and Local Development Companies

Publication of annual Climate Action Plan

Annual review by Climate Change Advisory Council

Input from National Dialogue and Just

Transition Commission

Ministers report to Oireachtas Commitee

Reivew and update of sectoral climate

measues


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Developing our Evidence BaseOurcapacitytoanticipateandplanforajusttransitionrequiresthedevelopmentofarobustevidencebasetosupportpolicydevelopmentandeffectiveongoingmonitoring.

Asourclimateactionprogresses,thereareincrementalrisksandopportunitiesinthecontextofajusttransition.Thesewilloccurthroughoutthecountry,inparticularregions,sectorsoroccupations.Identifyingtheseshiftsrequiresastructuredapproachinformedbythemostup-to-dateevidencebasewhichprovidestheinformationrequiredtomakeinformeddecisions.

Datawillplayacriticalroleinassistingthelocalauthoritiesinforecastingwherechangeswilloccur(orarealreadyunderway),andwhowillbemostimpacted.

Anumberofmethodologiesarealreadyavailable,orareunderdevelopment,toprovideaquantitativeevidencebaseline,aswellastoinformqualitativeconsiderationsforpolicydesignandimplementation.These include:

• TheNationalEconomicandSocialCouncilreport,‘Addressing Employment Vulnerability as Part of a Just Transition in Ireland’,andrelatedpublicationsfromtheCouncil

• A2020ClimateChangeAdvisoryCouncilworkingpaper,on‘Designing and Implementing Policy for a Just Transition’

• ESRIresearchintothedistributionalimpactsofincreasesincarbontaxthatinformedrecentBudgets

• Teagascanalysis,basedontheannualNationalFarmSurvey,toexaminethemicro-economic,environmentalandothersocio-economicandsociodemographicindicatorsrelatingtotheprincipalIrish economic farm types

• OngoingworktodeveloptheevidencebaseofimpactstoinformtheIreland’s Territorial Just Transition PlanfortheEUJustTransitionFund

• TheforthcomingreportoftheExpertGrouponFutureSkillsNeeds(EGFSN)onSkillstoEnabletheLowCarbonEconomy

TheforthcomingEPAFiveYearClimateResearchAssessment,whichwillincludeavolumeonrealisingthebenefitsoftransitionandtransformation

Developingastrongevidencebasewillbecriticaltodefiningabaselineofrisk,tothedesignandtargetingofactions,andfortheobjectivemeasurementofimpactsthatparticularactionswillhaveinordertomanageafairandequitablejusttransitionovertime.ThiswillprovideMinistersandtheGovernmentwithastrongbasefromwhichtoprogressivelyembedjusttransitionprinciplesintothedeliveryofclimateactionthrougheachannualClimateActionPlan.

WewillestablisharesearchandpolicyworkinggrouptocoordinatetheprovisionofstrategicadviceandresearchtotheproposedJustTransitionCommissionincludingthe,NESC,EPAandotherstakeholders.Thisgroupwillhavefourcorefunctions:

• Commission,reviewandassessworktosupportthedevelopmentofindicatorsandensurethattargetedandtimelydataisavailabletoguidetheoverarchingassessmentofjusttransition

• Commissionanticipatoryresearchanddialoguework,throughNESCorotherwise,oncurrentandfutureanticipatedtransitionstoensureactionstoprovideforajusttransitionareimplemented

• Tosupportaresearchfellowshiptoexaminehowassessmentandreviewofjusttransitioncanbemoresystematicallyembeddedintotheannualclimatepolicycycle.Thiswillincludeconsideration


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ofexistingIrishandinternationalmethodologies,processesofdialogueandengagement,includingwiththesocialpartners,andeffectiveinstitutionalarrangements

• ReviewinputfromCCACannualreviewandmakerecommendationstotheJust TransitionCommission.

• Toreviewtheimpactsof,andmakerecommendationstoimprove,existingjusttransition policyinitiatives

WewilldevelopasuiteofthesuitableindicatorsforadoptionbyGovernment,guidedbymeasurementtoolsthatcurrentlyexist,andbytheprocessesthathavebeenputinplacetodevelopandreportonourprogresstowardstheSustainableDevelopmentGoals,aswellasthedevelopmentofanationalwell-beingframework.SuchindicatorswillalsobeimportanttoinformourpublicengagementprocessesundertheNationalDialogueonClimateActionandtocomplementboththequantitativeandqualitativedatathatwillbegathereddirectlyfromthesepublicengagementprocesses.

Developmentofindicatorswillalsobecomplementedbyongoing,relevantresearchandreportsonajustclimatetransitionfromtheNationalEconomicandSocialCouncil,fromotherpublicbodies,andfromIreland’swiderresearchsystem.

6.3.2 Principle 2: People are equipped with the right skills to be able to participate in and benefit from the future net zero economy

Ireland’s Decarbonisation Opportunity AclimateneutralIrelandwillbringnew,greenemploymentopportunities.TheClimateActionPlansetsoutanumberofkeymeasureswhichwilldrivethecreationofnewjobswithnewskillsrequirementsinanumberofsectors,inparticularbuildingretrofits,renewableenergygeneration,ourmovetosustainablemobility,andnewfarmingpractices.

MeetingIreland’srenewableenergytargetswillincreasedemandforarangeofengineeringandtechnicianroles,including:civil;electrical/electronic;mechanical;marine;productionandprocess;qualitycontrolandplanning;telecommunications;IT;andenergy.

Therewillalsobedemandforarangeofbuiltenvironmentjobs,including:constructionandbuildingtrades;supervisors;constructionoccupations;healthandsafetyofficers;charteredsurveyors;aswellasotherrolessuchas:environmentprofessionals;financeandinvestmentanalysts;advisers;physicalscientists;solicitors;accountants;andtaxexperts.

AccordingtotheExpertGrouponFutureSkillsNeedsestimates,thiscouldraisedemandforrolesintheseactivitiesfroma2020estimateofapproximately5,000topotentially22,000–27,000by2030.

Thereisalsoscopeforadditionaljobcreationasweseektodecarboniseandembedsustainabilitypracticesacrossallsectorsoftheeconomy.

Climateactionpresentsopportunitiesforexistingsupplychainsandnewbusinessesformation.Findingtherightbalancebetweenregulationandincentivestoprogressdecarbonisationwillbecrucialtomaintainingournationalcompetitivenessandabilitytocreatejobs.Asprogressismadeinthetransitiontoacarbonneutraleconomy,changesinregulatoryrequirements(nationallyandinternationally),ahighercarbonprice,supplychainpatterns,andevolvingconsumerpreferences,willdrivegrowthandinnovationinourenterprisebase.Asbusinessestakestepstowardsdecarbonisationandreducingtheirclimateimpact,thereisaneedtoensurethatthenewemploymentopportunitiestheseofferareseized.Climateactionandtheregionalskillsneedswill,therefore,bekeythemesintherefresh of the nine Regional Enterprise Plans for the period to 2024�


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Ireland’s System of Skills Development Developingagreenereconomywillnotbesociallyinclusivebydefaultandcoherentpoliciesareneededtomaximiseopportunitiesandcushionthesocialcostofthetransition.Peopleneedtobeequippedwiththeskillstobeabletoparticipateinandbenefitfromourfutureclimateneutraleconomy.Tomaximisetheseopportunities,continuouspre-emptiveworkforcedevelopmentisrequired.Forindividuals,thismeansreskillingandlifelonglearningtohavethecapacitytobeabletoaccess,andcreate,futureopportunities.

TheIrishhigherandfurthereducationsystemshavebeenrespondingwelltoprovidingin-demandtrainingtorespondtothedecarbonisationoftheeconomybyadaptingprovisionandputtinginplaceadditionaltrainingspaceswhereneeded.Ireland’sfurthereducationmodeliscentredonapprenticeships,transferrableskillsandlifelonglearningtokeeppacewithfuturechanges.Ireland’sskillsarchitecturewillminimiseskillsmismatchesandensureourapproachtoskillsdevelopmentisroutedtowardsthegreentransitionandbroaderareasofopportunityandgrowth.

As set out in the National Economic Recovery Plan,reskillingandupskillingarecentraltoaddressingtheemploymenttransitionandanadditional50,000educationandtrainingplaceswillberolledout.ThisisbeingfurtherenhancedthroughSOLAS’sRecovery Skills Response Programme and further support for the Technological University Transformation Fund.Lifelongpathwaysbetween,andwithin,furthereducationandtraining,andhighereducationwilladvancelifelongleaningratesandthenewActionPlanforApprenticeship2021–2025willgrownewapprenticeregistrationto10,000perannumby2025.

TheProgrammeforGovernmenthascommittedtodevelopingaGreen Further Education and Skills Development Plan,ensuringthatlearnersareequippedwiththeenvironmentalawarenessandgreenskillsthatcandrivefuturechange.Buildingcapacityforgreenapprenticeshipswillbeanimportantelement of this plan�

Forecasting Future Skills NeedsTheEGFSN,whichadvisestheIrishGovernmentoncurrentandfutureskillsneedsoftheIrisheconomy,willshortlyfinaliseitsstudyon‘Skills to Enable the Low Carbon Economy to 2030’� This research willdeterminethedemandfor,andnatureof,theskillsrequiredtodeliveronkeyelementsofIreland’sClimateActionPlanovertheperiodto2030.Itwillidentifythenatureandquantifythescaleoftheskillsneedsofenterprisessupportingthetransitiontoalowcarboneconomy,anddevelopasuiteofrecommendationsthatcanbedrawnupontoensurethatthesefutureskillsneedsarefullyaddressed.

TheRegionalSkillsForawillalsoplayanimportantroleinidentifyingfutureskillsneedsemergingfromthegreenereconomyastheyfeeddirectlyintotheregionalskillsdevelopmentpipelinesthroughEducationandTrainingBoardsatregionallevel.Ongoingregionalengagementfromtheemployment,enterprise,education,andskillssectorsisalsorequired,suchasfromLocalEnterpriseOffices,EnterpriseIreland,theDepartmentofFurtherandHigherEducation,Skillnet,EducationandTrainingBoards,Teagasc,andtheExpertGroupofFutureSkillsNeeds.

Support for Employees at Risk and Labour Market ActivationAnupcomingchallengefortrainingproviderswillbetoidentifywhichjobsareatriskandindemand,andthiswillrequiremonitoringthetypesofnewjobsemerging.Linkedtothisiscontinuallyreviewingtheskillsneedsofthesenewemploymentopportunities.Itwillbeimportanttoassessthetypesofopportunitiesemergingandtheirskillslevels,andtoworkwithemployersindevelopingopportunitiesacrossarangeofskilllevelsandjobtypes.Ongoinghorizonscanningisrequiredtoidentifyemploymentopportunitiesfromthegreentransition,andmappingthesetocurrenttrainingprovision,settingoutwherenewtrainingandeducationcoursesareneeded.


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Existingresearchontheimpactonemployeesindecliningsectorsshowsthatitiscriticallyimportanttoenhancetheskillsandtrainingadviceandsupportstoworkersbeforetheymaybecomeunemployed,deliveringone-to-onecoaching,counsellingandmentoring.Thiscanbesupportedbymakinggreateruseofskillsauditswithat-riskworkerstobetteridentifytransferableskillsandcompetencies,includinginformaloccupationalskills,whichmaylinkworkerstonewopportunitiestheyhadnotconsideredordidnotthinktheyhadthequalificationfor.ThiswillbealsobeinformedbycloseralignmentbetweentheworkoftheRegional Enterprise PlansandRegionalSkillsFora.

Finally,employmentactivationforthoseontheLive Register,andalsocreatingsupportedjobplacements,willplayakeyroleinprovidingopportunitiesforpeopleatthemarginstobepartofIreland’stransitiontoagreenereconomy.Thiscouldincludethelong-termunemployed,peoplekeentoreturntotheworkplaceaftertakingtimeoutforcaringduties,thoserecoveringfromillness,andpeoplewithdisabilitiesorsevereneeds.Developingadditionalcommunity-basedprojectsandsupportedemploymentplacesingreensectorswillprovideopportunitiesforindividualstocontributeanddevelopnewskillsandexperience.

6.3.3 Principle 3: The costs are shared so that the impact is equitable and existing inequalities are not exacerbated

ToensureajusttransitiontoaclimateneutralIreland,thecostsmustbesharedsothattheimpactisequitableandthatexistinginequalitiesarenotexacerbated.

Ifcompensatorymeasuresarenottaken,increasesinthecarbontaxcanhavearegressiveeffectonlow-incomehouseholdsastheyspendagreatershareoftheirincomeoncarbonintensivegoods,suchasheatingfuel.However,theGovernmenthasensuredthatincreasesinthecarbontaxareprogressivethroughtargetedsocialwelfareandotherinitiativestopreventfuelpovertyandensureajusttransition.

TheGovernmenthassoughttoensurethatrevenuefromincreasesinthecarbontaxwillbering-fencedtoprotectthosewhoaremostexposedtohigherfuelandenergycosts,toprovidesupportfordisplacedworkers,andtoinvestinnewclimateactions.Thisincludesexpenditureonasociallyprogressivenationalretrofittingprogrammeandanagri-environmentprogrammetoencourageandincentivisefarmerstofarminagreenerandmoresustainableway.Wehavealsocommittedtouseapproximatelyone-thirdofalladditionalcarbontaxrevenuesoverthenextdecadeontargetedmeasurestoensurethatthecarbontaxincreasesareprogressive.

AnalysisundertakenbytheESRIonthedistributionalimpactsofincreasingcarbontaxhasinformedourdecisionsinBudgets2021and2022toprovideatargetedpackageofsocialprotectionsupportsthatoffsetimpactsonlower-incomehouseholds.AsaresultofBudget2022,forexample,analysishasdemonstratedthathouseholdsinthebottomfourincomedecileswillseeallofthecostofthecarbontaxincreaseoffset,withthebottomthreedecilesbeingbetteroffasaresultofthecompensatorymeasures�

Considerationsaroundcostsandequityarenotlimitedtothecarbontaxandwillalsoapplytootherfiscalmeasures,aswellastotheprovisionofgrantsorothersupportstoassisttheimplementationofclimate policy�

Ajusttransitionisaboutensuringthatpeopleexperiencethebenefitsofagreenerfutureandarenothitwithdisproportionatelyhighcostsiftheywishtoparticipate.Anexampleisthecostofretrofittinga


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hometoupdateitsenergyefficiencylevel.Governmenthasinvestedadditionalfundinginsupportinglowerincomehouseholdstoparticipateintheseschemesbasedontheirabilitytopay,andtheNational Home Retrofit Schemewillcontinuetoprovideadditionalsupporttohomeownersinlowerincomecategorieswhowanttoupgradetheenergyefficiencyoftheirhometoahigh(BERB2)level.

Thisadditionalinvestmentinenergyefficiencybringsarangeofbenefitstotheeconomyandalsototheindividual.Homesalsobecomecheapertorun,leadingtoenergybillsavingsandreducedenergypoverty,andcanimprovehealthandwellbeing,particularlyfortheyoungandelderly,throughbetterinternaldwellingtemperaturesandairquality.

6.3.4 Principle 4: Social dialogue to ensure impacted citizens and communities are empowered and are core to the transition process.

Socialdialogueiscoretodevelopingavisionforhowtoimplementthejusttransitionframework,andimpactedcitizens,businesses(includingtheself-employed)mustbeapartoftheconversationsonclimatepoliciesandclimateimpacts,andtheprocessestomanagethese.

NESC’sresearchonjusttransitionhasfoundthatco-designinganinclusive,focusedandparticipatoryprocesswiththosemostimpactedatanearlystageiskeytoensuringthatatransitionisjust.Therearemanywaysofensuringengagementwiththoseimpacted,includingmeaningfuldialogue,engagementfromlocal,regionalandnationalagencies,bringingincommunityleaders,andclusteringsupportnetworks.

TheNationalDialogueonClimateAction(NDCA)willbethekeymechanismforfacilitatingthesocialdialogueprocessaspartofthejusttransition.TheNDCAwillincludeprocessesofawareness-raising,communicationsandactivation,andensurecommunityengagementandparticipation,usingamodelthathasbeenco-designedwithstakeholderparticipationandinformedbybroadpublicparticipationandsocialandbehaviouralresearch.Citizenengagementsessionswillbeheldthroughouttheyearandwillbesupportedbyongoingresearch.Inparticular,theplannedNational Climate Stakeholder Forumwillbeakeyeventinengagingallrelevantstakeholdersinajusttransition.

ThestrongparticipativeapproachoftheNDCAwillassistallstakeholdersinidentifyingandprioritisingwhatthechallengesoftransitioningare,andhowtorespondtothem.

TheNDCAwillcomplementengagementactivitiesundertakenbydepartmentsandagenciesatsectoral,local,regionalandnationallevels,includingthroughlocalauthorities,PublicParticipationNetworks,SEAISustainableEnergyCommunities,LocalCommunityDevelopmentCommittees,ClimateActionRegionalOffices,theLabourEmployerEconomicForum(LEEF),NESC,andotherkeynationalandsectoraldialogues.

BuildingonthemodeloftheMidlandsRegionalTransitionTeam,establishedbytheMidlandslocalauthoritiestocoordinatealllocalactorsintheirresponsetotheendingofpeat-firedpowergeneration,affectedregionsandsectorsmayalsorequirespecificstructurestoassistthemineffectivelymanagingthetransition,includingtodesignandimplementlocal-led,bottom-upresponses.

Mediationapproachesmayalsobedeployedasatooltofacilitatedialoguebetweenaffectedgroups,andthiscouldinvolveimpactedcommunities,employees,enterprises,andpublicbodies,dependingontheparticularsituation.Considerationofthepotentialroleformediatoryprocesses,inwhichissuescanberaisedanddiscussed,willbetakenforwardaspartofourongoingimplementationoftheNDCA.


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10 EstablishaJustTransitionCommission

11 IntegratejusttransitionconsiderationsintosectoralpolicydevelopmentthroughtheClimateActionPlan

12 SupporttheprovisionofstrategicadviceandresearchonjusttransitioninIreland,includingfutureprioritiesandspatialandsectoralimpacts

13 DelivertheProgrammeforGovernmentcommitmenttodevelopaGreenFurtherEducationandSkillsDevelopmentPlan

14 Promotetheimplementationofthestudy“SkillsforZeroCarbon-TheDemandforRenewableEnergy,ResidentialRetrofitandElectricVehicleDeploymentSkillsto2030”

15 IncludeclimateactionandjusttransitionasthemesforstakeholderconsultationaspartoftherefreshofthenineRegionalEnterprisePlans

16 Promotetimelyandtailoredactivationandtrainingresponsesforworkerswhosejobsareatriskbythedecarbonisationprocess

17 Createadditionalcommunityworkplacesandsupportedworkplacesingreensectorsforpeoplewhoareeconomicallyinactive,long-termunemployed,and/orwithsevereneeds

18 InlinewiththeProgrammeforGovernment,ensurethattargetedsocialwelfaremeasuresareputinplacetopreventfuelpovertyandsupportajusttransition

Enterprise

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Enterprise

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A Just Transition Implementation Plan for the Midlands Region 7

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7. A Just Transition Implementation Plan for the Midlands Region

7.1 Peat in the Midlands RegionTheMidlandsregionisthefirstinIrelandtodirectlyexperiencethenegativeimpactsofthetransitionawayfromfossilfuelswiththeendingofpeatextractionforpowergeneration.PeatextractioninIrelandishighlyconcentratedintheMidlands(countiesLaois,Longford,Offaly,Westmeath),andextendsintoadjoiningcounties,includingKildare,Roscommon,EastGalway,andNorthTipperary.

Irelandhasextensivepeatresources,muchofwhichhasbeenmanagedforcommercial-scalepeatextractionoveranumberofdecadesbythesemi-statecompanyBordnaMóna.

ThelandundermanagementbyBordnaMónaextendstoabout80,000hectares,withover130individualbogsorganisedandmanagedbythecompanyasboggroups.Commerciallyextractedpeathasbeenusedasafeedstockforpowergeneration,fortheproductionofpeatbriquettesfordomesticheating,andasaninputforthehorticulturalindustry.

ThepeatindustryandrelatedpowergenerationhavebeenhugelysignificantfortheMidlandsregioneconomically,culturallyandsocially.BordnaMónaandtheESBhavebeenkeysourcesofemploymentwhilecontributingtomaintainingcommunitieswhichhavetraditionallybeeneconomicallydependentonagriculture,peatharvestingandtheenergyindustry.Bothcompanieshavehadastrongeconomicandsocialroleforseveraldecadesthroughtheprovisionofwell-paidemployment,housingforemployees,andsupportforlocalcommunities.

Attheendof2020,anumberofyearsearlierthanhadbeenplanned,twoofthethreepeat-firedpowerstationsoperatingintheMidlandsregion,ESB’sWestOffalyPowerStationinCountyOffalyandLoughReePowerStationinCountyLongford,ceasedoperations.Thesoleremainingpeatpowerstation,BordnaMóna'sEdenderryPowerStation,isscheduledtocontinuetooperateusingbiomassandpeatunderitscurrentconfigurationandplanningpermissionsuntil2023.

Theexitfrompeatfrompowergenerationwillbringclimate,biodiversityandeconomicbenefits.Atleast1.25milliontonnesofcarbonwillbesavedeachyear,andemissionswillreducebyupto9milliontonnesupto2027asaresultofpeatnolongerbeingcombustedinpowerstations.

Notwithstandingthesebenefits,theacceleratedclosureofthetwoESBpowerstationsandthedecisionofBordnaMónatoceaseallpeatharvestinghashadasignificantimpactontheregionaleconomy, aswellastheaffectedemployeesandcommunities,andhasrequiredtheregiontorapidlyrespondtoandputinplaceresourcestomanageatransitionwhichhadpreviouslybeenplannedtotakeanumber of years�

A Just Transition Implementation Plan for the Midlands Region

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7.2 Responding to the Transition Thegovernmenthasalreadycommittedsignificantresources,supportedbycarbontaxrevenues,tosupportingtheregionthroughthistransitionandwillcontinueitsprogrammeofinvestmentintheregionoverthecomingyears.ThisincludesthelargestprogrammeofbogrehabilitationintheState’shistorytoavalueofupto€108million,matchedwithacontributionof€18mfromBordnaMóna,aJustTransitionFundtoassistlocalcommunitiesandbusinessestoadjusttothelowcarbontransition,and€20millioninfundingtodelivertargetedsocialhousingupgradesintheregion.

Ourkeyfocushasbeentosupportthetransitionoftheexistingworkforcesandthecreationofnewenterpriseandemploymentopportunitiessothattheregionremainsvibrantandinnovative,andmakesthemostoftheopportunitiesthatdecarbonisationwillbring.

TheappointmentbythegovernmentofaJustTransitionCommissionerinlate2019,andhisextensiveengagementswithintheregion,hasinformedthegovernment’sapproachtodateandthisimplementationplanrespondsandbuildsontherecommendationsthathavebeenmadebytheCommissioner.OurapproachisalsoinlinewiththeprinciplesforajusttransitionsetoutinChapter6.

Otherregionsorsectorsarelikelybeaffectedbyfuturetransitionchallengesemanatingfromthemovetoacarbonneutraleconomy,andourapproachintheMidlandswillalsohelptoinformfuturejusttransitionresponses.

7.3 Measures to Deliver a Just Transition in the Midlands 7.3.1 The Just Transition Commissioner and Regional Coordination StructuresRecognisingthekeyroleofwidestakeholderengagementandsocialdialogueinthedesignofthetransitionprocess,aJustTransitionCommissionerwasappointedbythegovernmentinNovember2019.HismandatehasbeentoengagewiththoseaffectedbytheacceleratedexitfrompeatforelectricitygenerationintheMidlandsregionandrecommendtothegovernmenttheessentialelementsofajusttransitionforthoseworkersandcommunities.Theworkofthecommissionerwillcontinuetobesupportedbygovernmenttoensurethesuccessfulimplementationofjusttransitionmeasuresforthe remainder of the commissioner’s current mandate to the end of 2021�

AMidlandsRegionalTransitionTeam(MRTT)wasestablishedbytheMidlands’localauthoritiesinlate2018andhasworkedcloselywiththeJustTransitionCommissionertodevelopandcoordinateregionalandlocalstrategicpartnerships.Itsmandateistopursuefundingopportunitiestomitigatetheimpactofjoblossesonindividualsandtheregionaleconomy,developalternativeformsofemployment,attractinvestment,andmaximiseexistingemploymentopportunitiesandresources.TheMRTThasestablishedfourworkinggroupstofocusonspecificstrandsofactivitiescreatingviableenterpriseandemploymentopportunitiesandsustainingimpactedcommunitiesintheregion.

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7.3.2 Peatlands Restoration MeasuresReturningpeatlandstomorenaturalconditionswilldeliverarangeofclimatebenefitsthroughreducedcarbonemissions,long-termcarbonstorage,increasedcarbonsequestration,andenhancedresiliencetothelocked-inimpactsofclimatechange.TheimprovementstopeatlandswillenrichIreland’snaturalcapital,increaseecosystemservices,strengthenbiodiversity,andimprovewaterqualityandstorageattenuation,aswellasdevelopingamenitypotential.

Bord na Móna Peatlands Climate Action SchemeThegovernmenthasapprovedfundingofupto€108millionforBordnaMóna’slarge-scalepeatlandsrestorationproject.Thiswillinvolveawidearrayofengineeringandecologyworksdesignedtoencourageandacceleratenaturalprocessesand,oncerehabilitated,thepeatlandswillincludepeat-formingbogsandamosaicofwetlands,grasslandsandnativewoodlands.Thesemeasureswillprotectthestorageof100milliontonnesofcarbon,enhancebiodiversityandcontributetoIreland’stargetofbeingcarbon-neutralnolaterthan2050,whilesupportinglocalcommunitiesbydevelopingtheircapacitytorespondtochallengesfacedbytransitioningtoalow-carboneconomy.Throughtheimplementationofthescheme,itisalsoestimatedthatovertheperiodto2050,3.3milliontonnesofCO2emissionswillbeavoidedincomparisontostandardrehabilitationprocesses.

National Parks and Wildlife Service Peatlands Restoration Programme €19millionhasbeenallocatedin2020and2021tocommencerestorationmeasuresonalmost4,400hectaresofprotectedraisedbogsintheMidlandsregion,alongwithotherpeatlandmanagementandconservationmeasures.BordnaMónawasengagedtoprojectmanageandundertakerestorationworkswithintheprotectedraisedbognetwork,andlocalcontractorshavealsobeenappointedforsmallerscalerestorationprojects.

EU LIFE Peatlands and People Project Fundingofalmost€10millionisbeingprovidedundertheEULIFEProgrammeforaPeatlandsandPeopleIntegratedProject10,whichwillhighlightthepowerofpeatlandstoeffectsignificantclimatebenefit.Thissevenyearproject,beingcoordinatedbyBordnaMóna,isamajorinitiativewhichwillengagepeoplewiththebenefitsofpeatlandsrestoration.TheprojectwillworkwithpeatlandsinIreland'sMidlands,andthecommunitiesintheregion,todelivercapacityandsupportrelatedtoadecarbonisingeconomy.ItwillestablishaPeatlandsKnowledgeCentreofExcellencethatwillexploreandcarryoutbestpracticesinpeatlandrestorationandrehabilitation,anddesignmethodologiestomonitorandanalysecarbonfluxes.ItwillalsoestablishaJustTransitionAcceleratorProgrammethatwillfocusonlow-carbonandcirculareconomyopportunities,aswellasdevelopingplansforanimmersivePeople'sDiscoveryAttractiontointroducetheimportanceofclimateactionandpeatlandstocitizens.

10 (LIFE19IPC/IE/000007)Furtherdetailsoftheprojectcanbefoundhere:https://peatlandsandpeople.ie/


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7.3.3 Agricultural and Geological Research and Development Projects European Innovation Partnership ProjectsTheDepartmentofAgriculture,FoodandtheMarineisfundingEuropeanInnovationPartnership(EIP)projectsintheMidlands,includingforWetlandsSurveysIreland,GreenRestorationIreland,andtheDanúFarmingGroup.

• TheobjectivesoftheWetlandsSurveysIrelandMidlandsprojectaretodesignanddevelopapilot,results-basedagri-environmentalprogramme,withtheaimofimprovingtheenvironmentalqualityofagriculturallandssurroundingaselectionofraisedbogsinRoscommon,OffalyandWestmeath.Thisprojectincludesacentraleducationalandcommunityoutreachprogrammetoenhanceunderstandingofthetransitionrequiredtowardssustainableuseofthepeatlandresourceforthebenefitoflocalcommunitiesandtheenvironment

• TheGreenRestorationIrelandco-operativeprojectaimstodevelopclear,workableguidelinesforatransitionprogrammetocarbonfarming.Theproject’spracticalimplementationaspectwillengageacohortofpilot‘lighthousefarms’inLaois,OffalyandWestmeathas‘livinglaboratories’usingacitizen/farmer-sciencestrategy,supportedbytherelevantexpertise

• TheDanúFarmingGroupprojectinvolvessettingupcontrolandtrialplotsintheMidlandswiththeaimofdevelopingclear,workableguidelinesforatransitionprogrammetobiologicalfarmingbasedonasoundunderstandingofsoilstructure,chemistry,biology,andplantnutrition

Investigation and Evaluation of Potential Geological Resources in the Midlands GeologicalSurveyIrelandwillcarryoutarangeofinvestigationsandevaluatethegeologicalpotentialoftheMidlands,includingproducingamapandreportoutliningavailableresourcesandpotentialassociatedmanagementconsiderations.Itwillalsoevaluatethepossibilityforcommunitiesandlocaleconomiestouseresources,suchasgroundwaterorgeothermalenergy,aspartofthejusttransition,includingassessingthefeasibilityofsuchuse.

7.3.4 Midlands Retrofit Programme for Local Authority HomesTheMidlandsRetrofitProgrammeisagovernment-fundedprogrammetocompleteretrofittingworkstohomesownedbylocalauthorities.Fundingforthisprogrammehasbeenprovidedthroughcarbontaxrevenuesandwillprovideforenergyefficiencyrenovations,aimingtomakethesehomeswarmer,morecomfortable,andmoreefficienttoheat.HomeswillberetrofittedtoaBuildingEnergyRatingofB2,orthemostappropriatecost-optimallevel,andtheprogrammeintendstobenefitatleast750homesintheMidlands.Retrofittingworkstypicallyincludeinsulationofatticsandwalls;upgradingofwindowsanddoors;replacementofheatingsystems;andtheinstallationofLEDlighting.Retrofittingisparticularlybeneficialforthoseinlow-incomehouseholdswhooftenspendahigherproportionofincomeonfuelthantheaveragehouseholdand,forthisreason,hasbeentargetedatthesehouseholds.TheMidlandsRetrofitProgrammehasalsohelpedtoinformthedevelopmentofournewretrofitdeliveryframeworksetoutChapter14.


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7.3.5 Tailored Just Transition Fund Measures National Just Transition Fund ThegovernmentestablishedaJustTransitionFundin2020toprovidecompetitivefundingforproposalsfromtheMidlandsregiontosupportthetransitionawayfromemploymentinpeatharvestingintheaffectedcommunities,tonewareasofopportunity.Thefundwillsupportprojectsthatcontributetotheeconomic,socialandenvironmentalsustainabilityoftheregion,andwhichhaveemploymentandenterprisepotential.Projectshavebeenapprovedunderthefollowingcategories:

• Business development• Education,trainingandupskilling• Developmentofco-Workingandenterprisehubs• Renewableenergiesandretrofitting• Tourism,heritageandrestoration• Communitydevelopmentandcapacitybuilding• Greenwaysandwalking

Case Study: National Just Transition Fund ProjectsDeveloping a Green HQ in Offaly OffalyLocalDevelopmentCompanyhasbeenawardedagrantof€960,349tosetupaClimateActionandGreenEnterpriseCentreinCountyOffaly.Itinvolvestheconversionofanolddancehall–FiestaHall,Kilcormac–intoacentralisedheadquartersforclimateactionresearch,greenbusinessenterprisesandsustainabilitytrainingprogrammesforCountyOffaly.

Expanding a Green Energy Park in Offaly OffalyCountyCouncilwillcarryoutinfrastructureworkstocompletetheRhodeGreenEnergyParkatthesiteoftheformerRhodePowerStation,andwillalsocommissionafeasibilitystudytoexploretheintegrationofrenewableenergyandgreenhydrogenintheregionwithdatacentres,supportedbyagrantof€738,820.

A Midlands Retrofit One-Stop-Shop Not-for-profitSuperhomesIreland,willleadthisprojectacrossalleightcountiesofthewiderMidlandsregiontoprovideaone-stop-shopservicefordeepretrofits.Theprojectwillworkwith30contractorstoprovidearetrofittingservicetohomeownersintheregion,andwilldeliveraminimumof175deepretrofitsby2023,employingengineering,customerserviceandsalesstaffforanewMidlandsregionaloffice.Theyreceivedgrantfundingof€407,576.

New Digital Learning Hub in Longford Town LongfordWestmeathEducationandTrainingBoard(ETB)hasbeenawardedagrantof€1milliontodevelopafurthereducationandtrainingdigitallearninghubtobenefitindividualsandcommunitiesinLongford,WestmeathandRoscommon.AnoldmilitarybarracksontheETBcampuswillberestoredtohostanonlinetestcentre,andaudio-visualfacilitiesforupskillingandre-skillingprogrammes;andtodeliverpracticalworkshopson,forexample,energyconservation, construction,andhorticulture.


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EU Just Transition FundTheEUJustTransitionFundhasbeenestablishedaspartoftheEUGreenDeal,tosupportthemostaffectedregionsinEUmemberstatestomeetthechallengesassociatedwithachievingtheEU’sclimatetargetsfor2030andclimateneutralityby2050.Itwillinvestinareasthatwillcontributetoalleviatingtheimpactofthetransition,byfinancingthediversificationandmodernisationofthelocaleconomy,andbymitigatingthenegativerepercussionsonemploymentintheterritoriesmostimpactedbythetransitionawayfromfossilfueluse.Irelandhassecured€84.5million(incurrentprices)undertheEUJustTransitionFundforinvestmentsovertheperiod2021to2027.ThegovernmentwillshortlyfinaliseaTerritorialJustTransitionPlanwhichwillsetouttheproposedinvestmentsandtargetedsectorsandregionsunderthisFund.

7.3.6 Training, Education and Enterprise Supports

Regional Enterprise Plans 2021 - 2024ThepreparationofRegionalEnterprisePlansforthe2021-2024periodiscurrentlyunderway,ledbytheeightregionalenterprisecommittees,inabottom-up,collaborativeapproachinvolvingdevelopmentagencies,EnterpriseIrelandandIDAIreland,localenterpriseoffices,localauthorities,higherandfurthereducationbodies,andbusinesses.TheMidlandsRegionalEnterprisePlanwillhaveakeyfocusonsupportingajusttransitionintheMidlandsregion.

Reskilling and Training Opportunities Therehasbeensignificantinvestmentintheregiontoensurethataffectedworkersandthoselivingintheregioncanaccesstrainingcourseswhichopenupfutureemploymentopportunities,particularlyingreensectors.EducationandTrainingBoardshavebeencoordinatingeventsacrosstheimpactedcountiestoconnectwithaffectedemployeesthroughapprenticeships,traineeships,andprovidinginformationonfundedopportunities.Retrofittingcentresofexcellence,suchastheSOLASNZEBTrainingFacilityatMountLucas,providehighstandardsoftrainingandqualificationstopeopleattendingthem.

LaoisOffalyEducationandTrainingBoard(ETB)haspartneredwithBordnaMónatoprovideemployedtraineeshipsthatfocusonenhancedpeatlandrehabilitation.SkillnetIrelandhasinvestedtodeliveranumberofcoursestoupskillBordnaMónaworkers,includingprogrammessuchas:logisticalandtransportationoperators;micro-solarphotovoltaicsystems–QQILevel6;andmicro-generatorelectricalinstallations-QQILevel6.TheETBisalsorollingoutfurthertrainingprovisionforformerBordnaMónaemployeesduring2021,andisworkingwithlocalcommunitiestodevelopcommunity-basedinitiativestosupportformeremployeestocontributetotheircommunities,retainsocialsupports,andtransfertheirskillsetstofuturegenerations.

ThegovernmenthasgrantedtechnologicaluniversitystatustoAthloneandLimerickinstitutesoftechnology,andtheresultingnewTechnologicalUniversityoftheShannon:MidlandsMidwestwasformallyestablishedon1October2021.Thiswillincreasehighereducationaccess,driveenhancedregionaldevelopment,andincreaseopportunitiesforstudents,staff,businessandenterprise,andlocalcommunities.Thisnewunified,multi-campus,highereducationinstitutionwillserveanumber ofcountiesintheMidlandsandadjoiningregions,andwillactasanimportantcatalystforbalancedregionaldevelopment.


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Enterprise Hubs and Co-Working SpacesThemovetogreaterlevelsofremoteworkisaccelerating,andhaspotentialfortheMidlandsregionwhichexperiencedhighlevelsofoutwardcommutingtothegreaterDublinareapriortoCOVID-19.Increasingprovisionforpeopletoworkonapart/full-orflexi-timebasis,fromalocallybasedco-working/remoteworkinghub,andtraveltotheofficeifandwhenneeded,willretainvibrancyandeconomicactivitywithintheregionandmakeitmoreattractivetoenterprisesandemployers.PuttinginplacetheframeworkforremoteworkingsetoutinMaking Remote Work: National Remote Working Strategy,isakeyactionofOur Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021 – 2025,andisbeingfacilitated,interalia,throughtheprovisionofbroadbandconnectionpointsundertheNational Broadband Plan�

Tourism and Recreational OfferingsTourismand‘slowtourism’havebeenidentifiedaskeyareasofopportunityfortheMidlands.Localauthorities,FáilteIreland,WaterwaysIreland,Coillte,theESBandBordnaMónaareworkingtogethertoprogressthedevelopmentofanumberofimportanttourisminfrastructureopportunitiesincluding:theGalway-DublinCycleway;theMidlandsCyclingDestination;theSlieveBloomMountainBikeTrail;andtheShannonMasterPlan.Scopingworkwillalsobecarriedouttoexploretheeco-tourismpotentialforthepeatlands,includingforanetworkofpeatlandtrailsandalignedindustrialheritagestory�

Renewable Energy Infrastructure and Community Participation TherenewableenergypotentialoftheMidlandscouldbefurtherdevelopedusingexistinggrid-connectedinfrastructure,aswellasgreenfieldinvestmentopportunities.BothBordnaMónaand theESBhaveannouncedmajorinvestmentplansfortheregionduring2021,whichwillsupportcontinuedemploymentgrowthoverthecomingyears.Anumberofprivateenergycompaniesare alsoplanninginvestments.

Therewillalsobesupportforthedevelopmentofcommunity-basedenergymasterplanning,ledbytheSustainableEnergyAuthorityofIreland(SEAI).ThiswillprovideastrongplatformforcommunityparticipationinfuturecallsundertheRenewableElectricitySupportScheme.

TheSEAISustainableEnergyCommunitiesProgrammewillprovidesupporttoMidlands’communities,throughlocalmentorsandco-ordinators,toassistontheirdecarbonisationjourney.Thementorsprovidefreeguidanceonhowtoformasustainableenergycommunityanddevelopanenergymasterplan,includingestablishingabaselineforenergyusedinthecommunityandaregisterofopportunitiesforprojects.Bytheendof2024,itisestimatedthatinvestmentof€450,000willhavesupportedthedevelopmentof30energymasterplansintheMidlandsregion.


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7.4 Actions

Thedetailedimplementationmapsforactions,includingtimelinesandresponsibleorganisations,aresetoutintheaccompanyingAnnex.


19 SupporttheworkoftheJustTransitionCommissionerintheMidlandsregionforthesuccessfulimplementationofjusttransitionmeasures

20 DevelopandcoordinateregionalandlocalstrategicpartnershipsintheMidlandsregiontoaddressthespecificchallengesposedbythetransitiontoalow-carboneconomy

21 DelivertheNPWSPeatlandsRestorationProgrammefortheraisedboghabitatwithintheSpecialAreaofConservationandNaturalHeritageAreanetworks

22 DelivertheEULIFEPeatlandsandPeopleProject

23 DelivertheEuropeanInnovationPartnershipprojectsintheMidlands

24 SupportfeasibilitystudiesonbiomassandanaerobicdigestionintheMidlandsthroughtheJustTransitionFund

25 InvestigateandevaluatepotentialgeologicalresourcesintheMidlandstoprovidesupportinginformationforjusttransitionandclimatemitigationplanning

26 SupportdeliveryofprojectsundertheJustTransitionFund

27 DeveloptheEUJustTransitionFundwithafocusonthemostimpactedterritoriesintheMidlandsregion

28 SupportenterprisedevelopmentintheMidlandsregion,centredontheroleofthenewRegionalEnterprisePlansto2024

29 EnhancedeliveryoffurtherandhighereducationintheMidlandsregiontoequippeopleforfutureemploymentopportunitiesingreengrowthsectors

30 Developandexpandenterprisehubsandremoteworkinghubinfrastructureintheregion

31 Examineopportunitiestofurtherdeveloptourism,outdoorandrecreationamenities/facilitiesfortheMidlandsregion

32 DevelopthepotentialforrenewableenergyhubsintheMidlandsthroughexistingandplannedinvestmentsbyStateOwnedEntitiesandsupportfromJustTransitionFund

33 DelivertheEnhancedDecommissioning,RehabilitationandRestorationSchemeforBordnaMónapeatlands


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Citizen Engagement 8

Citizen Engagement 8

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8. Citizen Engagement

8.1 State of PlayScientificresearchisunequivocalinitsviewthatclimatechangeistheresultofhumanactivity;thattheimpactsofclimatechangewillbeprofound;buttheseimpactswillnotbefeltequallybyeveryoneinsociety.Tominimisetheimpactsofclimatechangeweneedtolimitglobalwarmingto1.5°to2°Cabovepre-industriallevelsasreflectedintheParisAgreement.Toachievethisrequiresasignificantandimmediatereductioninourcarbonemissions.

InDecember2019,theEuropeanGreenDeal11waspublishedwhichaimstotransformtheEUintoamodern,resource-efficient,andcompetitiveeconomywithnetzeroemissionsofgreenhousegasesby2050.InApril2021,theEuropeanClimateLaw12turnedthispoliticalcommitmentintoalegalobligation.Thisistobesupported,inpart,throughtheEuropeanClimatePact13,whichisanEU-wideinitiativeinvitingpeople,communitiesandorganisationstoparticipateinclimateactionbysharingknowledgeandimplementingsolutions.

TheProgrammeforGovernmentcommitstoa51%reductionincarbonemissionsby2030withanobjectivetoachieveaclimate-neutraleconomynolaterthan2050.ThesecommitmentsarenowreflectedintheClimateActionandLowCarbonDevelopment(Amendment)Act2021.

Thetransitiontoclimate-neutralitywillrequirechangesacrossoursocietyandeconomy,includinginthebuiltenvironment,energy,transport,waste,andagriculture.Thiswillrequireacollaborativeeffortbygovernment,business,communities,andindividualstoimplementnewandambitiouspolicies,technologicalinnovations,systemsandinfrastructures.Thiswillalsorequirechangesinindividualbehaviours,includinghowwework,heatourhomes,travel,consumegoodsandservices,andmanageourwaste.Deliveringonthisambitionistheresponsibilityofeveryoneinsociety.

In2021,aspartoftheNationalDialogueforClimateAction(NDCA),aseriesofin-depthclimateconversationstookplacewhichcapturedtheviewsofover3,800people,includinginputsfromover200individuals,16publicparticipationnetworks(PPNs),100youngpeoplefrom12ComhairlenanÓggroups,and70peoplefrom12yearsofageandupwards.Theseconversationsgavevoicetoapublicwhoareresponsivetothiscrisisandfeelasenseofurgencyaroundclimateaction.Itdemonstratedanenthusiasmtoworkwiththegovernment,agencies,andorganisationsacrosssocietytodeliveronmoreambitioustargets.Itidentifiedareaswherepeoplearealreadymakingchangesandwhereindividualsandcommunitiesfeeltheylackinformation,knowledgeandresources,orthecapacitytopursuethesechanges.Inparticular,manyexpressedtheviewthatthereisaneedforinnovationinfinance(e.g.removingbureaucracy,providinglow-costfinanceoptions),andaneedtoenhancethecapacityoflocalauthoritiesandthecommunitysector,inordertomeetourambitions.

Ourexperiencetodateshowsthat,aswemoveforward,weneedsystematicandactiveengagementwithstakeholdersandthepublicacrossIrelandatlocalandnationallevel.TheNDCAwillbetheprimaryvehiclethroughwhichthiswillbedelivered.

11 https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en12 https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/eu-climate-action/law_en13 https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/eu-climate-action/pact_en

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8.2 TargetsFollowingonfromthesuccessfulpilotingoftheNDCAbetween2017and2019,andinformedbytheoutputsfromthepublicconsultationfortheClimateActionPlan,anewstructurefortheNDCAhas been devised�

TheNDCAwillbeledbytheDepartmentoftheEnvironment,ClimateandCommunications(DECC)withasecretariatprovidedbytheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA).TheNDCAwillbecoordinatedthroughanInterdepartmentalWorkingGrouponCitizenEngagementandDialoguewhichwillincludegovernmentaldepartmentsandagencieswhoareactivelyinvolvedindeliveringonclimateactiongoalsacrosskeysectors.

ThevisionoftheNDCAistoempowereveryoneinsocietytohelpdeliveronourgoalofreducingIreland’scarbonemissionsandtoactivelyparticipateinthetransitiontowardsaclimateneutraleconomy by 2050�

ThepurposeoftheNDCAistocreateacomprehensivestructuretosupportwidespreadpublicandstakeholderengagementonclimatechange,empowerpeopleacrossallofsocietytoadoptmoresustainablebehaviours,andbeavehicletofacilitatepublicparticipationintheClimateActionPlan.

ThevisionandpurposeoftheNDCAwillberealisedthroughthreekeyobjectives:

1� Improvingclimateliteracybycreatingawarenessabout,andpromotingunderstandingof, climatechange.

2� Funding,supporting,andenablingactiveengagementinclimateactionatalocalandnationallevel,conductingpublicconsultations,andpromotingself-efficacybyempoweringthepublictoadoptmore sustainable behaviours�

3� CapturinginsightsfromengagementactivitiesandconductingsocialandbehaviouralresearchtomeasurebehaviouralchangeandprovideanevidencebasetoinformtheClimateActionPlanandsectoral climate policies�

Thevision,purposeandobjectivesabovewillbedeliveredthroughasystematicandcyclicalprocessthatwillrun,onanannualbasis,inparallelwiththeannualreviewoftheClimateActionPlanasillustratedbelow(Figure8.1).Thisapproachwillensurethatactivitiesfrominputstooutputsarelinked,andtheimpactsoftheseactivitiesaremeasuredasoutcomes.

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Figure 8.1: NDCA Work Programme Annual Cycle

Inadoptingthisapproach,theNDCAwillhaveastrongfocusonmeasuresthatleadtopublic,sectoralandregionalinvolvementindeliveringactionswhichenablelong-termbehaviouralchange.Thiswillsupportthosewhoarealreadyactive,empowerthosenotengagedtogetinvolved,andsupportthosewhoarelikelytobemostaffectedbyclimatechange.

Aspartoftheannualimplementationofitsworkprogramme,theNDCAwillalsomonitorprogressonthedeliveryofoutputsandwillcarryoutanannualevaluationoftheprogrammetoensurethatbestpracticeisbeingappliedandobjectivesarebeingmet.

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Figure 8.1: NDCA Work Programme Annual Cycle

In adopting this approach, the NDCA will have a strong focus on measures that lead to public, sectoral and regional involvement in delivering actions which enable long-term behavioural change. This will support those who are already active, empower those not engaged to get involved, and support those who are likely to be most affected by climate change.

As part of the annual implementation of its work programme, the NDCA will also monitor progress on the delivery of outputs and will carry out an annual evaluation of the programme to ensure that best practice is being applied and objectives are being met.

8.3 Measures to Deliver Targets

8.3.1 Climate Literacy Climate literacy involves empowering people to understand sometimes complex information about the climate. Improvements in climate literacy can best be achieved through the promotion of evidence-based communications and through the national education system. Improving climate literacy will enhance our capacity to make small changes in our daily lives, to engage with climate action at a local level, and to participate at national level in the co-design of policy.

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8.3.1 Climate Literacy Climateliteracyinvolvesempoweringpeopletounderstandsometimescomplexinformationabouttheclimate.Improvementsinclimateliteracycanbestbeachievedthroughthepromotionofevidence-basedcommunicationsandthroughthenationaleducationsystem.Improvingclimateliteracywillenhanceourcapacitytomakesmallchangesinourdailylives,toengagewithclimateactionatalocallevel,andtoparticipateatnationallevelintheco-designofpolicy.

Evidence-based Communications TheNDCAwillsupportthedeliveryofanevidence-basewhichwillunderpincommunicationson climateaction,buildingoninsightsgainedfromourengagementwithpeopleandfromsocialandbehaviouralresearch.Ouraimwillbetocommunicateandengageinactivitiesinaclear,consistent and accessible manner�

EducationTheNDCAwillworktosupportthedevelopmentanddeliveryofeducationmoduleswhichbuildclimateliteracyintothenationaleducationsystematprimaryandsecondarylevels,andinadulteducationprogrammeswithourpartnersintheDepartmentofEducationandSkills,DepartmentofFurtherandHigherEducation,Research,InnovationandScienceandtheDepartmentofChildren,Equality,Disability,IntegrationandYouth(DCEDIY).

8.3.2 Engagement and EmpowermentThemajorityoftheNDCAworkprogrammewillinvolvethedesignanddeliveryofactivitiestohelppeopleandstakeholderstakeanactiveroleindeliveringonclimateaction.Thisincludesprovidingfundingforinnovativeprojectsandideas,organisingandhostingevents,promotingnetworkingandcapacitybuilding,andempoweringpeopletomakechangesintheirdailylives.Theseactivitieswillberuninparallelatnationalandlocallevel.

National Activities AtnationalleveltheNDCAwillfacilitate,support,andcoordinateaseriesofclimateconversations,anationalstakeholderforum,ayouthclimateassembly,anopenpublicconsultation,andwillhostaseriesofconferencesandlectures.Thepurposeofthesenationalleveldialoguesistoallowabroadrangeofstakeholdersandthepublictocommunicatewitheachotherandwithpolicymakers.EachoftheseactionswillrunatleastonceayearaspartofourprogrammetoprovideinputintotheannualClimateActionPlan.

• National Climate Stakeholder Forum ANationalClimateStakeholderForum(NCSF)willbeestablishedbyDECCtofunctionasaconsultativeforumonclimateissues,withadministrativesupportbeingprovidedbytheEPA.Theparticipantswillincludeabroadrangeofstakeholdersfromacrosssocietyincludingelectedpoliticians;governmentdepartmentsandlocalauthorities;stateagenciesandnationalorganisations;academics;representativebodies;community,localandvoluntarygroups;andrepresentativesofstakeholdersandcommunitiesmostatriskfromtheimpactsofclimatechangeorthetransitiontoacarbonneutralsociety.TheNCSFwillbeestablishedandruninamannersimilartotheNationalEconomicDialogueandwillmeetatleasttwiceayear.ItwillinformstakeholdersofthelatestscientificandpolicydevelopmentsandwillactasacoremechanismtofacilitateinputsintotheClimateActionPlanandsectoralpoliciesrelatingtoclimatechange.

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• Youth Climate Assembly AYouthClimateAssembly(YCA)willbeestablishedbyDCEDIYtofunctionasaconsultativeforumonclimateissues.Theassemblywillincludechildrenandyoungpeoplebetweentheagesof12and24andwillfacilitateinputsfromyoungpeopletotheClimateActionPlan.DECCwillbethepolicyleadformattersbroughtbeforetheYCA.ThiswillincludedeterminingpolicyprioritiesemergingfromtheClimateActionPlan,fromresearch,fromyoungpeople,andissuesofimportancetootherdepartmentsandagencieswishingtoconsulttheAssembly.TheYCAwillalsoberepresented ontheNCSF.

• Climate Conversations: Public Consultation on Climate Action TheNDCAwillco-designandrunanannualpublicconsultationontheClimateActionPlan.ThiswillbuildonthesuccessoftheClimateConversationsheldin2021andwillbeinlinewiththeprovisionsoftheClimateActionandLowCarbonDevelopment(Amendment)Act2021.Itwillallowfortheexplorationofnewpolicypriorities,emergentsectoralchallenges,andexamineinsightsfromengagementactivities,fundedprojects,andresearch.

• EPA National Dialogue – Climate Conference, Climate Lecture Series and Support Workshops TheEPAwillhostaseriesofannualengagementevents,includinganannualclimateconference,climatelectureseriesandworkshopsonengagementandparticipationwithpractitioners,academicsandtheClimateActionRegionalOffices(CAROs).Thiswillprovideanopportunityfortheresearchandacademiccommunity,andforlocalorganisationstosharefindingsfrominnovationsandresearch,todebatetheapproachestaken,andtoexaminetheirscalability.ItwillalsofacilitatecommunicationanddebateonthefindingsoftheEPA’sbehaviouralresearchprogramme.

Local and Community ActivitiesCentraltothedeliveryoftheClimateActionPlanisempoweringlocalcommunitiestoaddressthechallengestheyfaceintransitioningtoacarbonneutrality.TheNDCAwillprovidefinancialsupportforlocalinnovations,hostclimateconversationsallowinglocalactorstoshareideas,supportnetworkingandcapacitybuilding,andhostanannuallocalclimateactionconference.

• Financial Supports TheCommunityClimateActionProgrammeundertheClimateActionFund(CAF)willuseoutputsfromthepublicconsultations,research,andotherengagementactivitiestoensurethatthereisalignmentbetweenlocalactivationmeasuresandavailablefunding.TheaimofthecommunitycallundertheCAFistoengageandempowercommunitiestoshapeandbuildlowcarbon,sustainablecommunities. Twostrandsareproposedtoprogressthis:

• Strand1–BuildingLowCarbonCommunities• Strand2–Education,CapacityBuildingandLearningbyDoing

UnderStrand2,theCreativeIrelandProgramme,incollaborationwithDECC,isprovidingaCreativeFundthatwilldeliver,throughculturalandcreativeprojects,individualandcommunityawarenessoftheneedforclimate-relatedbehaviouralchange.TheprojectsfundedundertheCAFwillprovideinsight,innovativeideas,andscalablesolutionstothechallengesofclimatechange.TheNDCAwillensurethatinnovationsemergingintheseprojectswillberecordedandtheirscalabilityinotherareasexamined.

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• Climate Conversations: Local Climate Conversations TheNDCAwillorganiseaseriesofClimateConversationsonanannualbasisdesignedtoinformpeopleaboutwhatactionsarebeingundertakenbygovernmentandlocalactorsinrelationtoclimatechange,andtheactionsandsolutionstheycanundertaketoovercomeclimate-relatedchallenges.TheseconversationswilltaketheformofdiscussionandworkshopsledbytheNDCAatthenationallevel,andsupportedbythelocalauthorities,CAROs,DCEDIYandtheDepartmentofRuralandCommunityDevelopment.TheywillalsoengageexistingstructuresandnetworkssuchasthePPNsandComhairlenanÓg.

• Network and Capacity Building between OrganisationsTheNDCAwillsupportexistingnetworksandorganisationstohelpempowercommunitiestoexplorenewinitiatives,expandexistingactivities,andencouragewiderparticipationinexistingactions.Theseinclude:

• CAROsandlocalauthoritieswhoseclimateworkprogrammesalreadyincludecommunicationsandoutreachonclimateawarenessandengagement

• AnTaiscethroughtheirGreenSchools,GreenFlagscampaigns,YoungReporterfortheEnvironment,andClimateAmbassadorsProgramme

• TidyTowns• CommunitynetworksincludinglocalgroupssuchastheGaelicAthleticAssociation,IrishCountrywomen’sAssociation,religiousgroups,aswellasindustryspecificinitiativessuchasSmartFarmingandsmallandmedium-sizedenterprisesupports

• Voluntaryorganisations,non-governmentalorganisations,otherlocalorganisations, and individuals�

Areviewofdigitalassetsthatsupportstakeholderandpublicengagementwillalsobepartofourengagementactivities.

• National Climate Conversation on Local ActionsTheoutputsoflocalengagementactivitiesandtheclimateconversationswillbeanalysedandinformtheprogrammefortheNationalClimateConversationonLocalActions(NCCLA).TheNCCLAwillbeaforumtoallowcommunitiesandorganisationstoshowcaseprojects,engageinpracticaldiscussions,sharebestpractice,andexplorethescalabilityoflocalactivityorindividualinnovations.Thiseventwillbeheldannuallyandtaketheformofworkshopshostedinvariouslocationsaroundthecountry.Thiswillservetocriticallyreflectonactivities,buildcapacity,examinebestpracticeanditsscalability,informpolicy,andprovideinsightswhichwillfeedintotheannualClimateActionPlanandtheNDCAworkprogrammecycle.

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8.3.3 Research and Evidence ThedeliveryoftheobjectivesoftheNDCAwillbemeasuredthroughqualitativeandquantitativeresearch.TheNDCAworkprogrammeannualcyclewillbeimplementedinamannerthatfacilitatestheanalysisofinsightsgainedfromresearchandfromengagementactivity.TheseinsightswillconstituteanevidencebasetoinformtheNDCA,sectoralplans,andtheClimateActionPlan.Tofacilitatethis,abehaviouralstudywillbecarriedeverytwoyears,togetherwithad-hocqualitativeresearch.AnationalclimatechangebehaviouralinsightsandimplementationunitwillbeestablishedintheEPA,andanationalsocialandbehaviouraladvisorygrouponclimateactionwillalsobeestablished.

Behavioural Survey Thisstudy,tobeundertakenbytheNationalClimateChangeBehaviouralInsightsandImplementationUnit,willproducenationallyrepresentativedataandallowfortheexaminationofchallengestorealisingbehaviouralchangeacrossdifferentdemographicsinsocietyandindifferentsectoralareas.Itwill bebasedontheYaleUniversitySixAmericasstudy,tailoredforanIrishcontext.Itisenvisagedthat thestudywillactasabenchmarkandruneverytwoyearstoallowmeasurementofbehavioural changeovertime.

Ad-hoc Qualitative and Behavioural Studies Aseriesofad-hocresearchstudies,undertakenbyDECCandtheEPAwillexaminespecificissuesandaugmentthefindingsofthebehaviouralsurvey.Thiswillincludeaseriesofqualitativestudies,includingin-depthinterviewsorfocusgroupswithabroadrangeofstakeholdersandthepublic.Thesestudieswillfurtherhelpidentifychallengesspecifictoindividualsectorsstakeholdersandsuggestpracticalsolutionsinawaythatsupportsajusttransition.

Synthesising Outputs, Measuring Outcomes, Informing Policy, and Providing Sectoral Support. TheNDCAwillworkwiththeNationalClimateChangeBehaviouralInsightsandImplementationUnittoestablishthenationalsocialandbehaviouraladvisorygrouponclimateaction,madeupofleadingnationalandinternationalsocialandbehaviouralscientistsactiveinclimateresearch,tooverseethesynthesis of the outputs of these research studies and broader research in the area� The outputs of thesestudiesandsynthesisreportswillbepresentedtorelevantgovernmentdepartments,agencies,andstakeholders,andpublishedinanannualreport.

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8.4 ActionsTheNDCAwillbethekeymechanismthroughwhichclimateactionsrelatedtopublicengagement,participation,communityaction,networkingandcapacitybuildingisdeliveredinIreland.Itwillfunctionasthecoordinatingstructurefacilitatingbroadpublicandstakeholderdialogueacrosssociety.Itwillgiveeveryoneinsocietytheopportunitytofullyengageindeliveringonclimateactioninafair,just,andequitablemanner.TheNDCAwillalsoactasanationalvehicletocoordinatesocialandbehaviouralresearchonclimateaction.Insightsgainedfromengagement,consultationsandtheresearchprogrammewillbeconsolidatedandsharedwithgovernment,statebodiesandthepublic.

Thedetailedimplementationmapsforactions,includingtimelinesandresponsibleorganisations,aresetoutintheaccompanyingAnnex.


34 AdvancecoordinatedclimateactioncommunicationsfromthecentreofGovernment

35 Providesupportforthedevelopmentofrelevantmediacontent,includingintheindependentproductionsector

36 BuildClimateLiteracythroughprimary,secondarycurriculum,andadulteducation

37 Support,throughtheeducationsystem,therequiredinitiativestosupportthedevelopment of a climate neutral economy

38 Undertakestakeholderengagementonafollow-onNationalStrategyonEducationforSustainableDevelopment(ESD)to2030

39 DelivertheNationalClimateChangeActionandAwarenessProgrammetosupporttheinternationalFoundationforEnvironmentalEducationprogrammesthroughGreen-Schools,Green-CampusandYoungReportersfortheEnvironment

40 Supportinitiativesandactivitiesthatdeliverpracticalandinnovativesolutionstoaddressclimatechangeatthelocallevel

41 BuildanewnationalandlocalcitizenengagementmodelthroughtheNationalDialogueonClimateAction

42 DesignandconductannualClimateConversationsandPublicConsultationontheClimateActionPlan

43 ContinuetosupportthedeliveryofprojectsapprovedforfundingaspartofthefirstroundofsupportfromtheClimateActionFund

44 Supporttheprovisionoftrainingandcapacitybuildinginrelationtoclimatechangetocommunitydevelopmentandlocaldevelopmentorganisations

45 Implementanenhancedapproachtoenergyperformanceandrenewableenergycapabilityinschoolbuildings

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46 EmploythelatestresearchtoprovideanevidencebasetosupportworkoftheNDCA,communicationsandtheInterdepartmentalWorkingGroup,drivesectoraldemandshiftsandbehaviouralchange,andprovideinputintopolicy

47 Establishanevidencebasedandtimeboundroadmapforembeddinginnovative,effectiveandsustainablemodelsoflocalengagementwithnationalpolicy-makingprocessesacrossthepublicservicetofacilitatetheco-creationofsustainablesolutions

48 DesignandimplementarobustprojectmanagementsystemtomonitorNDCAprogress

49 ProvidefundingtotheBroadcastingAuthorityofIrelandforaroundoftheSoundandVisionSchemeinQ22022withthecorethemeofClimateChangeandClimateAction

50 Promotesustainabledestinationmanagement

51 Furtherdevelopandembedacomprehensivewell-beingframeworkforIreland,withastrongfocusonsustainability

52 ProgresstheestablishmentofaCitizens’AssemblyonBiodiversity

53 SupportingClimateandBiodiversityprogressthroughrelevantstrategicadvicetoenhanceevidence-baseddecision-making

Enterprise

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Public Sector Leading by Example 9

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The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 now gives legal underpinning to climate action by the public sector. It requires all public bodies to perform their functions in a manner consistent with our climate ambition.

Local authorities, in particular, have a pivotal role to play in the decarbonisation transition, including through spatial planning, the provision of public housing and transport infrastructure, and the maintenance of biodiversity. Under the act, each must now prepare their own Climate Action Plan. These plans are to cover both mitigation and adaptation, and must be updated at least once every five years.

Table 9.2 – Trends in Public Sector Buildings GHG Emissions

Timeframe Percentage Change Absolute Change, CO2 eq.

2005-11 -12.4% -0.1 Mt

2011-18 12.9% 0.1 Mt

While emissions by public sector buildings showed modest improvement in the period to 2011, that pattern has not continued and emissions have risen over the period to 2018.

9.2 Targets

To meet the required level of emissions reduction, by 2030 we will:

• Reduce CO2eq. from the sector by 51% • Increase the improvement in energy efficiency in the public sector from the 33% target

in 2020 to 50% by 2030

Public Sector Leading by Example 9

Public Sector Leading by Example

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9. Public Sector Leading by Example

9.1 State of PlayThepublicsectorwillleadbyexample,inspiringthenecessaryclimateactioninwidersocietytoreduceIreland’sgreenhousegas(GHG)emissionsby51%by2030,andtobecomeclimateneutralnolaterthan2050.Itcandothisinmanyways.Forinstance,asalargepurchaserofgoodsandservices,thepublicsectorcaninfluencesuppliersintoofferinggreenerproductsthroughitsprocurementpractices.

Publicsectorbuildingsaccountedfor1.4%ofIreland’sGHGemissionsin2018.Addinginthesector’selectricityandtransportuse,aswellasemissionsfromcommercialsemi-statebodies,emissionsin2018amountedto3.3%ofIreland’sGHGs.Althoughthesector’sshareofemissionsisrelativelysmall,itwillplayabroaderleadershiproleasacatalystforambitiousclimateaction.

Table 9.1 – Public Sector Buildings GHG Emissions, 201814

Public Sector Buildings Emissions CO2eq.

Share of Total GHG Emissions Public Services Emissions CO2eq. per person

0.9Mt 1.4% 0�2 t Thegovernment-fundedPublicSectorEnergyEfficiencyProgramme,administeredbytheSustainableEnergyAuthorityofIreland(SEAI),supportedpublicbodiesachievinga29%improvementinenergyefficiencyperformancebytheendof2019(againsta2020targetof33%).Underthisprogramme,allpublicsectorbodiesarerequiredtosubmittheirannualenergyconsumptiondatasoastotracktheprogressofthesector.

Figure 9.1

TheClimateActionandLowCarbonDevelopment(Amendment)Act2021nowgiveslegalunderpinningtoclimateactionbythepublicsector.Itrequiresallpublicbodiestoperformtheirfunctionsinamannerconsistentwithourclimateambition.

Localauthorities,inparticular,haveapivotalroletoplayinthedecarbonisationtransition,includingthroughspatialplanning,theprovisionofpublichousingandtransportinfrastructure,andthemaintenanceofbiodiversity.Undertheact,eachmustnowpreparetheirownClimateActionPlan.Theseplansaretocoverbothmitigationandadaptation,andmustbeupdatedatleastonceeveryfiveyears�

14 SEAIPublicSectorAnnualReport–2017,2018,2019


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Table 9.2 – Trends in Public Sector Buildings GHG Emissions

Timeframe Percentage Change Absolute Change, CO2 eq.2005-11 -12.4% -0.1Mt2011-18 12.9% 0.1Mt

Whileemissionsbypublicsectorbuildingsshowedmodestimprovementintheperiodto2011,thatpatternhasnotcontinuedandemissionshaverisenovertheperiodto2018.

9.2 Targets

To meet the required level of emissions reduction, by 2030 we will:• ReduceCO2eq.fromthesectorby51%

• Increasetheimprovementinenergyefficiencyinthepublicsectorfromthe33%targetin 2020to50%by2030

• Mandatepublicsectoremployers,colleges,andotherpublicsectorbodiestomoveto20% homeandremoteworking

• IntroduceaSustainableMobilityPolicyinthepublicsector

• Replaceallbuseswithelectricvehiclesnationallyby2035

• Triplethelengthofelectrifiedrailonthenetworkby2030


9.3.1 Public Sector Target SettingInordertoachievea51%reductioninGHGsfromthepublicsectorby2030:

• Anoverallsectoraltargetforschoolsof51%willapply• Eachotherpublicsectorbodywillbeassignedanindividualtargettomeetinaccordancewiththemethodologyformeasuring,accounting,reportingandrecordingsetoutbelow.


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Box 9.1 – Setting Public Sector Decarbonisation Targets

Nature of Target EmissionreductiontargetswillbebasedonanabsolutetonnageofGHGemissions.Thetotaltonnagetargetwillbea51%reductionofdirectenergy-relatedemissions(thermalandtransportconsumption),plusprojectedsupplysidereductionsinindirectenergy-relatedemissions(i.e.electricity–asaresultoftheachievementoftheupto80%renewableelectricitytarget). Thebaselineforthemethodologyistheperiod2016-18,withascalingfactorappliedtoensure theindividualtargetsequalthetotalambition.

Application Thedefinitionofpublicsectorbodyforthepurposeoftrackingemissionsisbasedonthatusedin S.I. No. 426/2014 – European Union (Energy Efficiency) Regulations 2014. This means that all public bodiesthatreportundertheEnergyEfficiencyMonitoringandReporting(M&R)Systemwillbeassignedanemissionsreductiontarget.

Scope of Emissions Thetablebelowsetsoutstheemissionswithinthescopeofthetarget,andthesemustbereportedannuallyviatheM&Rsystem.

Allowed Savings Thetargetwillbeachievedthroughenergyefficiencymeasures,electrification,andtheuseofon-siterenewables(e.g.rooftopsolarpanels,andgeothermalheatsources).Emissionsreductionsfrompurchasingenergyfroma“green”energysupplier,orthroughtheuseofoffsets,cannotbeusedtomeetapublicsectorbody’starget.

Growth If an increase in a public sector body’s emissions can be demonstrated to lead to an overall net economy-wideemissionsreduction,andis‘additional’(e.g.expandingthepublictransportfleetremovesprivatevehicles),an‘emissionscredit’canapply.Tocountthiscredittowardsemissionsreductions,approvalfortheassociatedemissionsimpactshouldbesoughtandgranted,inadvanceoftheworkscommencingorinvestmentbeingmade.


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Governance TheSEAIwillsupportthecaptureofdatausingitsM&Rsystem,andprovideguidanceandsupporttopublicsectorbodiesinreducingtheiremissionsfromenergyuse.Eachpublicsectorbodywillberequired to:

• Individuallyreportontheirprogresstowardsanabsolutetonnagetarget

• Bepartofasectoralgroup,whichincludesagivengovernmentdepartmentandallpublicbodiesundertheiraegis.Eachpublicsectorbodywillbeassignedtothesamesectoralgroupastheyareinforenergyefficiencytargetmeasurement.Thekeyprogressindicatorforthepublicsectortomeetitstargetwillbethesectoralgroups

Reporting ThecurrentAnnualReportonPublicSectorEnergyPerformancewillbewidenedtoincludethepublicsectordecarbonisationtarget.TheSEAIandtheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)willcollaborateontheelementsofthisreportrelatedtothepublicsectordecarbonisationtarget,whichwillbecombinedwithenergyefficiencyperformanceinasingle‘AnnualPublicSectorEnergyPerformanceandGreenhouseGasEmissionsReport’.

• TheSEAIandtheEPAwillcollaborateinsupportingpublicsectorbodiesinrelationtotargets,includingpublishingguidelinesandestablishinganewPublicSectorMonitoringandReportingSystem

• Areviewwillbeundertakentoassessthepotentialtowidenthescopeoftheemissionscapturedinthepublicsectortarget,toincludeScope3emissions15

9.3.2 Climate Action Mandate Tosupportpublicsectorbodiesleadingbyexample,aClimateActionMandatewillapplytoallbodiescoveredbythedecarbonisationtargets,withtheexceptionoflocalauthoritiesandcommercialsemi-statebodies(wheresector-specificmandateshavealreadybeendeveloped),andtheschoolsector(forwhichaclimateactionmandatespecifictotheparticularcircumstancesinschoolswillbepublishedin2022).BoththeClimateActionMandate,andtheSchoolSectorClimateActionMandate,willbereviewedannually.

15 Scope1coversdirectemissionsfromownedorcontrolledsources.Scope2coversindirectemissionsfromthegenerationofpurchasedelectricity,steam,heatingandcoolingconsumedbythereportingbody.Scope3includesallotherindirectemissionsthat occur in a body’s value chain


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Box 9.2 – Climate Action Mandate

Our Targets• ReduceGHGemissionsby51%in2030

• Increasetheimprovementinenergyefficiencyinthepublicsectorfromthe33%target in2020to50%by2030

• PutinplaceaClimateActionRoadmapbytheendof2022

Our People• EstablishandresourceGreenTeams,reportingtoseniormanagement,tobecomeintegrated

drivers of sustainability in every public sector body

• NominateamemberoftheManagementBoardastheClimateandSustainabilityChampionwithresponsibilityforimplementingandreportingonthemandate

• Incorporateappropriateclimateactionandsustainabilitytraining(technicalandbehavioural)intolearninganddevelopmentstrategiesforstaff

• Organisestaffworkshops(atleastannually)toengageonclimateissues,includingafocusondecreasingtheorganisation’scarbonfootprint

Our Way of Working • ReportGHGemissionsandsustainabilityactivitiesintheannualreport

• Reviewanypaper-basedprocesses,andevaluatethepossibilitiesfordigitisationsoitbecomesthe default approach

• Achieveformalenvironmentalaccreditationforlargepublicsectorbodies,suchasISO50001(EnergyManagementStandard)orISO14001(EnvironmentalManagementSystem),withaviewtoachievingEMASISO14001(EcoManagementandAuditScheme)

Our Buildings and Vehicles • Createbicyclefriendlybuildingsforemployeesandvisitors,byputtingbicycleparkinginplaceby2022–whichissecure,accessible,andsimpleforcycliststorecogniseanduse

• Displayanup-to-dateDisplayEnergyCertificateineverypublicbuildingthatisopentothepublictoclearlyshowenergyuse

• Thepublicsectorwillnotinstallheatingsystemsthatusefossilfuelsafter2023,unlessatleastoneofthefollowingexceptionsapplies:

• thefossil-fueluseisonlythroughtheuseofelectricityfromthegrid

• thereisnotechnicallyviablenon-fossilalternative(generallyonlyrelatedtoapplications forapurposeotherthanspaceheating)

• theinstallationofarenewablespaceheatingsystemwouldincreasefinalCO2 emissions

• thefossil-fueluseisprovidedforbackup,peaking,oroperationalpurposes(andmakesuplessthan10%ofannualheatingenergy)

• wherethedirectreplacementofexistingfossilfuelheatingisrequiredforanemergencymaintenance purpose

• Purchaseonlyzero-emissionvehicleswhereavailableandoperationallyfeasiblefromendof2022,enablingIrelandtogobeyondtherequirementsoftheCleanVehicleDirectiveandactasaninternationalleaderinthisarea


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• TheleaddepartmentofeachsectoralgroupwilladvisetherelevantpublicsectorbodiesoftherequirementsoftheClimateActionMandate

• ThenewPublicSectorMonitoringandReportingSystem,forenergyefficiencyanddecarbonisationtargets,willalsobedevelopedtotrackimplementationoftheClimateActionMandate

9.3.3 Public Sector Bodies Climate Action Roadmaps Publicsectorbodiesvarybysize,role,activitylocation,andmanyotherfactors.EachbodywilldevelopaClimateActionRoadmapsettingouthowitwilldeliveronitsenergyefficiencyandGHGemissionsreductiontargets.Whilelargepublicbodieswillrequirebespokeplans,smallerpublicbodiescanuseamoregenerictemplate.Largepublicbodiesinclude:governmentdepartments(smallerdepartmentsmaybeaggregatedasstrategicallyappropriate);organisationsthatconsumeover50GWhofenergyperannum;andhomogenoussectorssuchaseducationandhealth.Theselargepublicbodies,togetherwiththe31localauthorities,coverapproximately90%ofpublicsectoremissions.

• WewillprepareanewPublicSectorEnergyEfficiencyandDecarbonisationStrategy• PublicsectorbodieswillcompleteClimateActionRoadmapsbytheendof2022,andthesewillbemonitoredatsectoralgrouplevel.TheleadbodyofthesectoralgroupwillberesponsibleforensuringthattheroadmapsareinlinewiththeClimateActionMandate

• TheSEAIandtheEPAwillcollaboratetopublishguidanceforpreparingClimateActionRoadmaps,includingprovidingforbespokeroadmapsforlargepublicbodies,andstandardisedplansforsmallerones.UseoftheSEAI‘GaptoTarget’toolwillalloworganisationstounderstandthestepsandinvestmentsrequiredtomeettheirtargets

9.3.4 Local Authorities TheClimateActionRegionalOfficeswillcontinuetoplayacentralroleinsupportingandcoordinatingclimateactionbylocalauthoritiesincluding:developingcapacitythroughtraining;supportingbehaviouralchangeinitiatives;identifyingandsourcingfundingopportunities;andmeasuringandrecordingperformance.

• EachlocalauthoritywillprepareaClimateActionPlanatleastonceeveryfiveyears,containingbothmitigationandadaptationmeasures

• Eachlocalauthoritywilldevelopadecarbonisationzonewithinitsadministrativeareathatwillbecomethefocusforarangeofclimatemitigation,adaptationandbiodiversitymeasures.Thisprocesswillincludetheidentificationofprojectsandtheirassociatedoutcomesthatwillcontributetoachievingournationalclimatetargets

9.3.5 Commercial Semi-state CompaniesTheNewEconomyandRecoveryAuthority(NewERA)hasdesignedaClimateActionFrameworkforcommercialsemi-statebodies,reflectingtheexemplarroletheyaretoplayindecarbonisation,whilealsorecognisingtheneedforcommercialindependenceintheirrespectiveoperatingenvironments.Ministerswillcommunicatetheirexpectationsonclimateactiontothesebodiesthroughtheshareholderexpectationletter.


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Box 9.3 - Climate Action Framework for Commercial Semi-state Bodies

Thisframeworkcontainsaseriesoffivecommitmentsbycompaniesinrelationtotheirclimate actionobjectives.Byadopting,theframeworkeachcompanywillbeenteringintoeachofthesecommitmentsasfollows:

Governance of Climate Action Objectives • Thecompany’sclimateactionobjectiveswillbeintegratedintostrategicbusinessplanningandtherewillbeoversightatBoardlevel,includingreportingtotherelevantminister

Reduction Target and Emissions Measurement• Thecompanywillformallyadoptthegovernment’semissionreductiontargetforthepublicsectorandtheSEAImeasurementmethodology

Measuring and Valuing Emissions in Investment Appraisals • Thevalueofemissionswillbeconsideredbythecompanyaspartofitsinvestmentdecision-makingprocess

Circular Economy and Green Procurement• Thecompanywillpromotecirculareconomymeasuresandgreenprocurement

Climate-Related Disclosures in Financial • Thecompanywillidentifyaclimate-relatedfinancialdisclosuresframeworkthatisrelevantandappropriatetothecompany’sactivitiesandsector(s)

Thisframeworkwillbesubjecttoperiodicreview.

9.3.6 Retrofitting and Improving the Energy Efficiency of Public Sector BuildingsThereareabout12,500(ofwhich20%areleased)publicsectorbuildings,accountingforapproximatelyhalfofthesector’soverallGHGemissions.Inordertoachievethe51%emissionsreductionand50%energyefficiencytargets,buildingswillneedtoundergodeepretrofit.Publicbodies’ClimateActionRoadmapswilltargetanatleasta50%overallcontributionfromrenewablespaceheating(heatpumps,biomass,anddistrictheating)by2030.ThetargetcontributionfortheschoolsectorwillbeconfirmedaspartoftheSchoolSectorClimateActionRoadmap.

• AnewPublicSectorEnergyEfficiencyandDecarbonisationProgrammewilladdressallmajorbuildingportfoliosinthesector

• InitialscalingsupportfundingforpublicsectorenergyefficiencyanddecarbonisationwillbeprovidedunderthePublicSectorPathfinderProgramme,withmajorinvestmentstobefundedfromwithinbodies’owncapitalallocationsundertheNationalDevelopmentPlancombinedwithinnovativeprojectdeliverymechanisms,suchasEnergyPerformanceContracts(EPCs),whichwillbedevelopedwithamoreflexibleapproachtotheiruse

• WewillpublishupdatedguidanceforbodiesontheuseofEPCsforenergyefficiencyanddecarbonisationprojects,includinginrelationtovalueformoneyassessmentandoffbalance sheet treatment

• WewilldevelopanEPCdeliveryvehicleforupto€1billionofprivately-fundedEPCsin publicbuildings


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• AtargetedreviewofPublicPrivatePartnerships(PPPs)willbeundertaken.ThisworkwillbeprogressedwiththeexistingPPPsteeringgroupwithaseriesofrecommendationstobe finalisedshortly

• Wewillacceleratetheremovalofobstaclestothewideradoptionofrenewablespaceheating,anddistrictheating,innewandretrofittedpublicbuildings,proactivelyaddressingtechnicalandregulatorybarriers.ThiswillincludeconsiderationoftheoutcomeoftheOfficeofPublicWorksstudyexaminingwhenandhowfossil-fuelheatingsystemscouldbephased-outofpublicbuildings,andelectricitysectorenablerstosupportwiderscaledeployment

• TheSEAIwillassistinsupportingpublicsectorretrofittingthroughthedisseminationofbestpracticeguidance/lessonslearned,andthetrackingofprogress

9.3.7 Decarbonisation of Public Sector Transport Emissionsfromtransportaccountforabout30%ofthepublicsector’soverallGHGemissions,thesecondlargestportionafterbuildings.Increaseduseofelectricvehicles(EVs)bythepublicsectorwillhelptodemonstratetheirvaluetowidersociety,improveurbanairquality,andreducenoisepollution,supportingsustainableurbancommunitiesinlinewiththeNationalPlanningFramework.

• WewillensurethatpublicsectorfleetsusethePublicProcurementFrameworkforEVs,whereappropriate

• Wewilltransitionpublicbusfleetstozeroemissionsmodelsthoughtherenewalandexpansionofthefleet,allowingforthefullelectrificationofdouble-deckerbusesinDublin,Cork,Waterford,LimerickandGalwayby2035

• Wewilltransitiontherailfleettowardsanelectricmodel,increasingthelengthofelectrifiedrailnetworkfrom50kilometresto150kilometresby2030,includingtheDART+projectwhichwillextendDARTservicestoDroghedainthenorth;Maynoothinthewest;Hazelhatchinthesouthwest;andGreystonesinthesoutheast

• Wewillacceleratetheremovalofobstaclestodecarbonisationofourtransportfleet,proactivelyaddressingtechnicalandregulatorybarriers

9.3.8 The Capacity of the Public Sector to Deliver Climate ActionItisessentialthatthepublicservicehasthecapacitytodeliverambitiousclimateaction.WehavealreadyestablishedaClimateActionDeliveryBoardatsecretary-generallevel,aswellasClimateActionUnitswithineverygovernmentdepartment.

• Wewillreviewthecapacity,skillsandstructureswithinthepublicsectortotacklethechallengesemergingduetoclimatechange

• TheSEAIandEPAwillcollaboratetodeviseasingleprogrammetosupportdecarbonisation,andenergyandresourceefficiency,withinthepublicsector

• Wewillreviewtheskillsrequirementsforcivilservantsandprovidenewtrainingopportunitiestocloseanyemergingskillsgaps

• Wewillputinplaceacommunicationsframeworkonclimateactionacrossallgovernmentdepartments

9.3.9 Greener Public ProcurementTheProgrammeforGovernmentcommitstodevelopingandimplementingasustainablepublicprocurementpolicy,toensurethatwhatarewebuyingandbuildingisconsistentwithourclimateambition.


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• TheOfficeofGovernmentProcurementwillupdateallprocurementframeworks,inlinewithgreenprocurementpracticeby2023

• Wewillreviewfoodprocurementpoliciesforthepublicsector,withtheaimofintroducingprocurementofnutritious,locally-sourcedfood

• Wewillmandatethepurchaseofzero-emissionelectricvehicleswhereavailableandoperationallyfeasible by end of 2022



54 Developastrategytoachieveatleasta51%reductioninGHGemissionsanda50%improvementinpublicsectorenergyefficiencyby2030

55 ExpandthesuccessfulpublicsectorenergyefficiencymonitoringandreportingprogrammetoincorporateGHGemissionsreduction

56 IntroduceaClimateActionMandateforeverypublicbody

57 StrengthensupportstoenableClimateandSustainabilityChampionstodeliveronpublicsectortargets

58 Supporttheretrofitofpublicsectorbuildings

59 Mandatetheinclusionofgreencriteriainallprocurementsusingpublicfunds,introducingrequirementsonaphasedbasisandprovidingappropriatesupportto procurers

60 DevisearevisedmileageratestructurethatreflectschangingdrivingpatternsincludingincreaseduseofEVsandhybrids

61 EnhancecommunicationsonClimateAgendainschoolssectorwithaparticularfocusonpilotdeepenergyretrofitprojectsdeliveredunderPathfinderProgrammeinpartnershipwithSEAI

62 Setatrajectoryforcommencingandimplementingadeepenergyretrofitprogrammeforeducationsectors

Enterprise

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Carbon Pricing and Cross-cutting Policies 10

Carbon Pricing and Cross-cutting Policies 10

Carbon Pricing and Cross-cutting Policies

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10. Carbon Pricing and Cross-cutting Policies

10.1 IntroductionWhiletheevaluationofadoptingdifferenttechnologieshasdeliveredapathwaytoachievinga51%reductioningreenhousegas(GHG)emissionsby2030,thesuccessfuldeploymentofthesetechnologieswillrequirespecificpoliciestoremovebarriersatsectorallevelandabroadnationalpolicyframeworkdesignedtopromotethetransition.Governmentpoliciesontaxation,expenditure,sustainablefinance,spatialplanning,andresearchanddevelopmentprovideanimportantenablingframeworkforindividual,household,community,andcompany-levelclimateaction.Thesepoliciesalsoactasenablersforawiderangeofothergovernmentpoliciesandactivitieswithinindividualsectors.

10.2 Targets

To meet the required level of emissions reduction, by 2030 we will:• Implementsuccessivecarbontaxincreasesaslegislatedforinthe2020FinanceAct

• Continuetoexamineenvironmentaltaxationmeasuresacrossthetaxationsystem

• Mobilisepublicandprivateinvestmentforclimateaction

• Promotethedevelopmentofasustainableandclimateresilientfinancialsystem

• FullyimplementtheNationalPlanningFramework

• Implementdecarbonisingzonesineachlocalauthority

• IncreasethenumberofSustainableEnergyCommunitiesto1,500by2030

• Supportresearch,developmentandinnovationinclimateaction

• Promotethedigitaltransformation,sustainableremoteworkingpracticesandtheroll-outoftheNationalBroadbandPlan


10.3.1 Environmental Taxation and Carbon Pricing TaxationpolicycanplayacentralroleinincentivisingthebehaviouralchangenecessarytoreduceourGHGemissionsandtosupportadditionalenvironmentalbenefits.Wearecommittedtohavinginplaceataxationframework,whichplaysitsfullpartinincentivising,alongwithotheravailablepolicylevers,thenecessaryactionstoreduceouremissions.TherearealreadyanumberofenvironmentallyprogressiveelementstoIreland’staxationregime:

• Acarbontax,inplacesince2010,isabroadly-basedsystem,applyingtocarbondioxideemissions intheheatandtransportsectors,withlegislationinplacetoincreasetheannualrateuntilatleast2030aswellasoffsettheimpactonthemostvulnerablethroughring-fencedfundingforsocialwelfaremeasures

• AgenerousregimeoftaxationincentivestopromotetheuptakeofElectricVehicles(EVs),includingsubstantialVehicleRegistrationTax(VRT)reliefandBenefit-in-Kind(BIK)exemptions

• ACO2emissions-basedVRTandmotortaxregimeforprivatemotorcarsthatimposesahighertaxliabilityonvehicleswithhigheremissions


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Wearecommittedtoannuallyreviewingandreformingkeyenvironmentaltaxmeasuresincluding:

• Examiningtheintroductionofanemissions-basedtaxregimeforlightgoodsvehicles• ExamininggraduallyphasingoutVATrebatesoncommercialfuelusewhereelectricalternatives

exist• Examiningthegradualequalisationofthedieselandpetrolexciserates• IntroducingenvironmentalcriteriaintothevehicleBIKregime,withitscommencementsensitivetotypicalfleetrenewaltimescales

• Supportingtheuseoftheacceleratedcapitalallowanceregimetopromotebusinessinvestmentinenergyefficientequipmentandgas-poweredcommercialvehicles.Theseregimeswillbereviewedinadvanceoftheirrespectivesunsetclauses

• Assessingtherolefortaxationmeasuresinmeetingbuildingretrofittargetssetoutinthisplan

AllEUmemberstatesimplementcarbonpricingthroughtheEUEmissionsTradingSystem(ETS)andIrelandisalsooneofelevenmemberstatestohaveeconomy-widepricingthroughtheETSandaseparatedomesticcarbontaxappliedtosectorsnotincludedintheETS.AspartoftheEU’s‘Fitfor55’legislativepackage,theEuropeanCommissionhasproposedfurtherrevisionstotheEUETS;changestotheEnergyTaxationDirectivetoalignthetaxationofenergyproductswithEUenergyandclimatepoliciesandtopromotecleantechnologies;andanewcarbonborderadjustmentmechanismthatwouldplaceacarbonpriceonimportsofcertaingoodsfromoutsidetheEU,inordertoencourageEUpartnerstoraisetheirclimateambitionandreducetheriskofcarbonleakage.

Our Commitment on Carbon Taxation WehavelegislatedforincreasingtherateofcarbontaxthatappliesinIrelandonaphasedbasisto€100pertonneby2030andtoring-fencingalladditionalrevenuesformeasuresthatsupporttheachievementofourclimateactionobjectives.Theplannedcarbontaxincreasesareexpectedtoraiseanadditional€9.5billioninrevenueoverthatperiod.Thisrevenuewillbeallocatedtoprogrammessuchasenergyefficientretrofits(€5billion);addressingfuelpovertyandprovidingforajusttransition(€3billion);andthepromotionofsustainableagriculturepractices(€1.5billion).

Carbontaxrevenueof€412millionhasbeenallocatedtotheprogrammesbelowfor2022:

• €174millionontargetedsocialwelfareandotherinitiativestopreventfuelpovertyandensure ajusttransition

• €202milliontopartfundanationalretrofittingprogrammetargetingallhomes,butwithaparticularemphasisonhouseholdsinoratriskofenergypoverty

• €36milliontoothersectorstosupportprogrammessuchaspeatlandsrehabilitationandtheMidlandsJustTransitionFund

Shadow Price of Carbon ThePublicSpendingCodeisthetoolthatthegovernmentusestoevaluatetheconsequencesofthecapitalinvestmentdecisionsitfaces.Everypublicinvestmentprojectwithavalueabove€20millionmustconductafullanalysisonallthepotentialcostsandbenefitsassociatedwiththatproject,usingrulessetbytheDepartmentofPublicExpenditureandReform(DPER).

In2019,thegovernmenttripledthepriceofcarbonthatisappliedinthecode.Thisupdatewasbasedontheestimatedcostsassociatedwithachievinga30%reductioningreenhousegasemissionsby2030.Sincethen,thegovernment’sclimateambitionshavebeenconsiderablystrengthened.NowIrelandintendstocutGHGemissionsby51%by2030andtoreachaclimateneutraleconomyno


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laterthan2050,withanyremainingemissionsbalancedbytheremovalofGHGemissionsfromtheatmosphere.ThismeansthatthePublicSpendingCodemustbeupdatedtoreflectthisenhancedambition.

ThegovernmentwillimplementaprogrammeofrevisionsthePublicSpendingCodetoensurethatitiscompatiblewithIreland’senhancedclimateambition,includingincreasingthecostassociatedwithanyreleaseofadditionalGHGsintotheatmosphere.

ThiswillincludeworkwiththeOrganisationforEconomicCo-operationandDevelopment(OECD),fundedbytheEUCommissionthroughDGREFORM’sTechnicalSupportInstrument,onprogressinganewmodelforassessingtheemissionsimpactofinfrastructureinvestment.Thisistoensurethatthefullrangeofpotentialconsequencesforthistypeofinvestmentarecapturedandvaluedappropriately.Secondly,ourworkwiththeOECDwillexaminehowgovernmentshouldconsiderandappraiseinvestmentsthatmaybevulnerabletotheimpactsofclimatechange.

OverthelongertermwewillalsoexaminetherolethatthePublicSpendingCodecanplayintheachievementofbroaderenvironmentalobjectives.

10.3.2 Mobilisation Investment for Climate Action National Development Plan 2021-2030TherevisedNationalDevelopmentPlan(NDP),publishedinOctober2021,setsoutaten-yearcapitalexpenditureframeworkthatwillsupportourtransitiontoalow-carbonsocietyovertheperiodto2030.TherevisedNDPincorporatesaninvestmentpackageof€165billionacrossallsectorsoftheeconomy.Theinvestmentitwillsupportisnecessarytomeetourclimateambition,inareassuchasrenewableelectricitygeneration,retrofitandpublictransport.TherevisedNDPwasalsoinformed,forthefirsttime,byaclimateandenvironmentalassessmentoftheimpactthateachproposedmeasurewaslikelytohaveonsevenspecificclimateandenvironmentaloutcomes:

• Climatemitigation• Climateadaptation• Water quality• Air quality• Waste and the circular economy• Nature and biodiversity• Justtransition

Theapproachtothisassessmentwillberefinedfurther,basedoninternationalbestpractice,andsupplementsappraisalandevaluationunderthePublicSpendingCode.

Project Ireland 2040 Funds ThefourProjectIreland2040funds,comprisingtheClimateActionFund;DisruptiveTechnologiesInnovationFund;theUrbanRegenerationandDevelopmentFund;andtheRuralRegenerationandDevelopmentFund,willhaveacollectivebudgetamountingtoanestimated€4billionto2027.Eachofthefourfundswillcontinuetopromoteinvestmentsforclimateactionwithinthescopeof their mandates�

TheClimateActionFundwillcontinuetofundinitiativesthatcontributetotheachievementofIreland’sclimateandenergytargetsinacost-effectivemanner.Itoffersthepotentialforinnovativeinterventions


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inthesesectorswhich,intheabsenceofsupportfromthefund,wouldnototherwisebedeveloped.Sevenprojectsspanningtheelectricity,heat,transport,andagriculturesectors,withbothanurbanandruralfocus,havebeenapprovedforfundingofupto€77millionunderthefirstcallfromthisfund.Byrequiringaminimumcontributionfromeachproject,thefund’scommitmentwillleverageatotalinvestmentofover€300million.Thegovernmentwillshortlylaunchanewcallforproposalsunder theClimateActionFund.

Green Budgeting Greenbudgetingistheuseofthebudgetarysystemitselftopromoteandachieveimprovedenvironmentaloutcomes.Itisanexplicitrecognitionthatthebudgetaryprocessisnotaneutralprocessbutreflectslongstandingsocietalchoicesabouthowresourcesaredeployed.Thisprocessbuildsontheimplementationofgenderandequalitybudgeting,whichisalreadyatanadvancedstageinIrelandandthedevelopmentofwellbeingbudgeting,ascommittedtointheProgrammeforGovernment.Irelandcommittedtotheimplantationofaseriesofprogressivegreenbudgetingreformsin2018andjoinedtheParisCollaborativeongreenbudgetingshortlythereafter.

WhilespecificreformswouldbeguidedbytheinternationalbestpracticeemergingfromgroupssuchastheOECD-ledParisCollaborativeonGreenBudgetingandtheCoalitionofFinanceMinistersforClimateAction,wewillalsobeguidedinthedevelopmentofourmethodologicalapproach,bytwokeyprinciples:

Transparency • Reportingongreenexpenditureshasbeenprogressedthroughtheinclusionofmaterialinbudgetarydocumentation.Inparticular,theannualRevisedEstimatesforthePublicServicesprovidesdetailedprogramme-by-programmeallocationsonexpenditurethatthegovernmenthasdeemedtobe“green”.Wewillcontinuetorefineourmethodology,informedbyinternationalexperience,fordefiningclimaterelatedexpenditures.

• Wewillalsodevelopandapplydefinitionstoidentifyandtrackgovernmentspendingthatmaybehavinganegativeimpactonclimateandenvironmentaloutcomes.Assessingspendingthatmaybehavinganegativeimpactonclimateandenvironmentaloutcomeswillbeinformedbytheex-postassessmentoffossilfuelandsimilarsubsidesconductedbytheCentralStatisticsOfficeandinternationalbestpractice.Wewillalsopublishsupportinginformationonmethodologiesused to arrive at our assessments�

Effectiveness • Wewillcontinueourin-depthex-postexaminationsofindividualprogrammesthroughtheIrishGovernmentEconomicEvaluationService’sspendingreviewprogramme.Reportsalreadypublishedincludeexaminationsoftheeffectivenessofgovernmentincentivesforelectricvehicletake-up,grantschemesforenergyefficiencyandthebeefdatagenomicsprogramme.

• Wewillalsodevelopcomplementaryhigh-levelmetricsontheperformanceofindividualclimateandenvironmentalprogrammes,includingthosefundedbythecarbontax,infuturePerformanceBudgetReports.Thismeansthatspendinglevelswillbetrackedviabudgetarydocumentationandtherevisedestimatesvolumebuttheperformanceinformation,whichcaninformconclusionsontheeffectivenessofgovernmentclimateandenvironmentalexpenditure,willbecontainedinadedicatedsectioninfutureiterationsofthisreport.DPERisworkingwithalldepartments responsible for climate and environmental related expenditures to develop impact metricsthataremeaningfulandrelevanttogaugingtheperformanceoftheseprogrammes.Wewillbeguidedinthisareabyemerginginternationalbestpracticeongreenbudgetingandworktodateongeneralperformancebudgeting.


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Green BondsIn2018,theNationalTreasuryManagementAgency(NTMA)issuedIreland’sfirstSovereignGreenBondof€3billiontoprovideanewfundingchannelforgreenprojectsaimedatmitigatingclimatechange.ThesewereissuedusingGreenBondPrinciplesdevelopedbytheInternationalCapitalMarketAssociation,andtheNTMAreportsstrongdemandfortheissuancessincethisinitialbond,withadditionalauctionsbringingthetotalraisedtoover€6billion.TheNTMAwillcontinuetosupportthegovernment’sclimateagendathroughengagementwiththesovereigngreenbondmarket.

Mobilising Private Sector Investment Thelow-carbontransitionwillrequiresignificantprivateinvestmentalongsideExchequerexpenditureonasustainedbasisoveranumberofdecades.Thisinvestmentwillcoverarangeofactivities:

• Developingdisruptiveinnovations• Expandingnewtypesofinfrastructure,includingforcleansourcesofenergy• Adaptingexistinginfrastructures,suchasretrofittingexistinghomesandofficestomakethemmoreenergyefficient

InordertomeetIreland’sclimateandenergytargetsfor2030,itisnecessarytodirectprivatesectorinvestmentstowardsmeetingthetargetsandobjectivesofthisClimateActionPlan.Thisinvestmentwillneedtobefinanced.Wearetakingtheleadindevelopinginnovativeapproachestofinancingourdecarbonisationobjectivesandarecommitted,forexample,torollingoutaresidentialloanguaranteescheme.Tomeetthescaleofthischallenge,thefinancialsectorwillalsoneedtobringinnovativesolutionstothemarket.

Throughthecommercialstatesectorandotherpublicbodies,wewillseektoleveragethesignificantvolumesofprivatesectorcapitalthatisavailableforwell-structuredprojects,includingwindandsolarelectricitygeneration,interconnectionandmajortransportinfrastructure.

TheNewEconomyandRecoveryAuthoritywillcontinuetoworkwiththecommercialstatecompanies,theIrelandStrategicInvestmentFund,theStrategicBankingCorporationofIreland,andotherpublicbodies,toidentifypriorityopportunitiesinkeysectorstomobiliseprivateinvestmenttowardsassistinginmeetingourclimateobjectives.

Promoting a Sustainable Financial System Financialinstitutions,whentheyarefundingtheacquisitionofassets,mustpayfargreaterattentiontotheclimateresilienceofassetswheretheyrisklockingintohigh-carbontechnologies,orotherclimatevulnerabilities,andinturn,showagreaterwillingnesstofundinvestmentinchangeswhichcanmakethose assets more climate resilient�

Forlargefirms,theproposednewCorporateSustainabilityReportingDirectiveandtheSustainableFinanceDisclosuresRegulation,whichisinforceasof2021,willimposenewdisclosureobligationsonfinancialproductsellers/advisors,andrequirethatinformationonfinancialproducts’sustainabilityrisksand adverse impacts on sustainability is made available to investors�

Tosupportthefinancialsystemindirectingessentialinvestmentsintoclimateaction,theEUhasdevelopedanewtaxonomytoscaleupsustainableinvestment,tobothunderpintheambitions


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oftheEuropeanGreenDealandtosupporttheachievementofthememberstates’ownclimateactionobjectives.Byprovidingaconsistentclassificationframeworktocompanies,investorsandpolicymakers,throughwhicheconomicactivitiescanbeconsideredenvironmentallysustainable,theEUtaxonomywillprovidegreatercertaintyforinvestors,protectprivateinvestorsfromgreenwashing,helpcompaniestoplanforthedecarbonisationtransition,reducemarketfragmentation,andeventuallyhelpshiftinvestmentswheretheyaremostneeded.Thetaxonomywillcomeintoforceduring2022and2023�

WewillmaintainandgrowourexistingInternationalFinancialServices(IFS)sectorbyexploitingopportunitiesandmeetinganyemergingchallengesinthissector.WehavepublishedanewIFSstrategy,IrelandforFinance,whichincludesthedevelopmentofIreland’ssustainablefinancesectorasakeyhorizontalpriority.SustainableFinanceIreland,apublic-privateinitiative,haspublishedIreland’sSustainableFinanceRoadmap.TheroadmapsetsouttargetedmeasuresthatwillresultinIrelandbeingaleadingsustainablefinancecentreby2025.

TheCentralBankofIrelandworkscloselywithEuropeanSupervisoryAuthoritiesandasamemberoftheNetworkforGreeningtheFinancialSystem,todevelopsupervisionofclimaterisksandtomobilisecapitalforgreenandlow-carboninvestments.TheCentralBankisalsodirectlyengagingwithfinancialserviceproviders,withclimateandenvironmentalrisksbeingassessedforbanksandinsurers,aswellasinvestmentfirmsandintermediaries.

AtEU-level,theEuropeanCommissionhaspublishedarenewedEUStrategyforSustainableFinancetobuildonprogresstodateintermsofboostinginvestments,managingrisks,andembeddingalong-termperspective.Itisalsotargetingtheinclusionofsocialandgovernanceobjectivesinthetaxonomy.

10.3.3 Spatial and Planning Policy UndertheNationalPlanningFramework,Ireland’sfivecitiesaretargetedfor50%ofoverallgrowthby2040,withthefourcitiesofCork,Limerick,GalwayandWaterfordeachtargetedtogrowbyatleast50%withinthatperiod.Thiswillmeanensuringmorecompactformsofgrowthinthedevelopmentofsettlementsofallsizes,withafocusonurbaninfillandthere-useofbrownfieldlands.‘Brownfield’sitesaretodeliveratleast40%ofallnewhomesnationallywithinthebuilt-upfootprintofexistingsettlements,comprisedofatleast50%ofallnewhomesinthefivecities,andatleast30%ofallnewhomesinsettlementselsewhere.

Betterspatialplanningwillreducethecarbonemissionsofnewdevelopments,anddeliverabetterqualityoflife,includingshortercommutetimes,betterconnectionsbetweenourplacesofworkandhomes,andmorevibrant,people-focusedenvironments.Changingthepatternofdevelopmentwillbebuttressedbynewpolicytoolsintheplanningsystem,includingthoseplannedaspartofthegovernment’sHousingforAllstrategy.Implementationoftheapproachsetoutinourplanningandhousingpolicieswillsupportourclimateambitionthrough:

• Reducedtraveldistancesbetweenhome,workandservices,whichwillenableagreaterproportion ofjourneysbybicycleoronfoot(zeroemissions)

• Greaterurbandensitywillensuremoreviablepublictransportleadingtoreducedtransportemissions• Higherdensityresidentialdevelopment,whichtendstocomprisesmallerunitsand,therefore,requirelessenergytoheat–NPFtargetsrequiretheproportionofapartmentstotreble,from13%in2019,to39%by2030

• Closerproximityofmulti-storeyandterracedbuildings,whichwillrequirelessenergyandmakerenewables-basedsystemsofenergydistribution,suchasdistrictheating,orarea-widetechnologyupgrades,morefeasible


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ThenextCensusofPopulation,duetotakeplacein2022,willprovideimportantinsightsinrespectofthecurrentspatialdistributionofthepopulation,includinginformationoncommutingpatternsandtransportmodeshare.Integratedmeasurestoinfluencethespatialpatternofdevelopment,urbanstructureandmobilitywillhaveapositiveimpactoncommutingandsustainablemodeshare.

TheestablishmentoftheLandDevelopmentAgencyandtheOfficeofthePlanningRegulatorhasprovidedadditionalstructurestodelivercompact,lowcarbonandsustainabledevelopment.

TheLandDevelopmentAgency,establishedin2020,hasaparticularfocusonco-ordinatingtheprovisionoflandwithinstatecontrolforhousinganditsfunctionsinclude:

• Enablingthesustainabledevelopmentofnewandregeneratedcommunities,wellservedby essentialservices

• Developingsustainablecommunitieswithaparticularfocusonenhancingthestockofclimateresistant,lowcarbonandaffordablehousing

TheOfficeofthePlanningRegulatorhasarangeoffunctions,includingindependentassessmentofalllocalauthorityandregionalassemblyforwardplanning,includingzoningdecisions.

10.3.4 Action at Community LevelLocalcommunitiesneedtobeempoweredtoaddressthechallengesthattheyfaceintransitioningtoacarbonneutraleconomyandsociety.TheNationalDialogueonClimateAction(NDCA)willbethekeymechanismforpublicengagement,participation,communityaction,networking,andcapacitybuilding,givingeveryonetheopportunitytofullyengageconstructivelyinclimateaction.TheNDCAwillhostClimateConversationsallowinglocalactorsshareideasforconcreteclimateaction,culminatinginanannualLocalClimateActionconference.

FollowingonfromtherecentClimateConversations,anewCommunityClimateActionProgrammewillbefundedfromtheClimateActionFundtosupportactionbycommunities.Theprogrammeisdesignedtosupportandempowercommunitiestoshapeandbuildlow-carbon,sustainablecommunities,includingusingnature-basedsolutions,inacoherentwaytocontributetoournationalclimateandenergytargets.Inadditiontoprovidingfundingopportunitiesforrelevantcommunityprojectsandinitiatives,thisprogrammealsoaimstobuildcapacitytoactwithincommunities,aimedatfacilitatingandencouragingenduringbehaviouralchangeandvoluntaryaction.Localauthoritieswillplayakeyroleindevelopingpartnershipswithlocalcommunitiesandcommunitydevelopmentorganisationstoprogresscommunityactivationandclimateaction.

InitiativessuchasSustainableEnergyCommunities;RenewableEnergyCommunities;EnergyCooperatives;andtheRenewableElectricitySupportSchemewillprovideenablingframeworksforcommunityparticipationinrenewableandlowcarbonenergyprojects.ThenationwidenetworkofSustainableEnergyCommunities,underpinnedbygovernmentgrantassistanceandSEAImentors,hasbeenamajordriverofengaginglocalactorstoworktogethertopromotedecarbonisation.Thesecommunitieshavebeenabletoundertakeambitiouschangesacrossmultiplelocations,oftenincooperationwithenergyproviders.

Wewillcontinuetoscale-upandimprovetheSustainableEnergyCommunitiesprogrammeandseektoenlistawiderrangeoforganisations,includingworkingwithlocalauthorities,toanchorthecollectiveapproachoftheprogrammewithinlocalcommunities.Thiswillbedonethroughdevelopingnewpartners,creatingmorevisibilitywithincommunities,andintroducingnewsupportmechanisms.SustainableEnergyCommunitieswillbesupportedas‘activators’intheircommunityandbringtogetherhomesforretrofittingunderanewCommunityLocalEnergyActionFund.


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TheLocalAuthorityClimateActionTrainingProgramme,fundedbygovernment,supportsbuildingclimateactionleadershipcapacitywithinlocalauthorities.Thetrainingprogrammeiscurrentlyunderwayandwillbecompletedby2023.

WewillintroducespecificsupportsforGaeltachtareas,includingenhancingtheenergyefficiencyofcommunityinfrastructureintheGaeltacht,supportsforclientcompaniesofÚdarásnaGaeltachta,andensuringthatclimate-relatedassessmentsareintegratedintocapitalfundingprovidedundertheActionPlanfortheIrishLangauage.

10.3.5 Research, Development and Innovation

National Research Policy Supporting Climate Action Wearecommittedtointroducingatransformationalprogrammeofresearchanddevelopment,toensurethatIrelandisatthecuttingedgeofscientificandtechnologicalinnovationinordertomeetourclimatechangeandinter-relatedenvironmenttargets,spanningGHGemissionmitigation;climateadaptation;waterandairquality;thecirculareconomyandwaste;andnatureandbiodiversity.Thiswillincludedevelopmentsinareassuchasclimatescience;biodiversityscience;geoscience;energy-systemdecarbonisation;thebioeconomy;carbonsequestrationandutilisation(includingnature-basedsolutions);naturalcapitalandecosystemservices;greenhydrogen;marineresearch(includingmarinerenewableenergy,floatingoffshorewindturbines);andinagriculture,toimprovebreedingprogrammes;feedadditivestoreducebiogenicmethane;agroforestry;paludiculture;nutrientmanagement;andsmartanddata-drivenagriculture.

Irelandhasstrategicallyprogrammedandbuiltastrongclimateresearchandinnovationinfrastructureinrecentyears,withfundingprovidedtoIreland’sresearchproducingorganisationstocarryoutscienceandpolicy-relevantresearch,aswellasestablishingdedicatedEnterpriseIreland(EI)technologycentresandScienceFoundationIreland(SFI)researchcentres.

ThegovernmentispreparinganewNationalStrategyforResearchandInnovation.Thisstrategywillunderpintheroleofresearchandinnovationinaddressingkeyeconomicandsocietalchallenges,includingpositioningresearchandinnovationattheheartofdeliveringonIreland’sclimateaction.Itwillensurethatthebestscientificevidenceandadviceisavailabletounderpingovernmentpolicyandsupporttheimplementationofclimateaction,andtoensurethatIreland’sresearchandinnovationinfrastructureprogressivelybuildscapacityandcapabilitytosupportthefundamentaltransitionthatIreland’seconomywillundergooverthenextthreedecades.

Furthermore,initsstrategy,ShapingourFuture,SFIhighlightsclimatechangeasakeyresearchpriority–asacriticalglobalissue,butalsoasanopportunityforIrelandtobecomealeaderindevelopingclimateactionsolutions.Climatechangeresearchiscriticalifwearetodevelopthetechnologicalandothersolutionstoreduceemissions,andcreatejustandsustainablejobsandopportunitiesforIrishpeople�

WehaveintroducedaNationalGrandChallengesProgrammeofmission-orientatedfundingwhichisbeingrolledoutbySFI.Throughthisprogramme,SFIwillseektosupportthedevelopmentofinnovativesolutionsthatwilldirectlycontributetoaddressingIreland’sclimatetargets.SFIwillfurthersupportfundamentalandappliedresearch,recruitresearchtalent,supportskillsdevelopment,andinvestinresearchinfrastructurerelevanttoclimateactionacrossitsstrategicthemes,rangingfromindividualresearchgrants,toresearchcentres,tocommunityandpublicengagement.


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TheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)hasrecentlypublisheditsEPAResearch2030,aten-yearhigh-levelframeworkfortheEPA'sresearchprogrammingfortheperiod2021to2030,whichwillprovidepublicfundingthroughannualcompetitiveresearchcallsforfocusonfourkeythemes:

• Addressingclimatechangeevidenceneeds• Facilitatingagreenandcirculareconomy• Deliveringahealthyenvironment• Protectingandrestoringournaturalenvironment

Inlinewithitsstatutoryrole,theEPAhasestablishedanationalcoordinationgrouptofacilitatethespecificationofknowledgeneedswhichinvolves11governmentdepartmentsand34nationalagenciesandbodies.Membershipalsoincludesnon-governmentalorganisationsandNorthernIrelandExecutiverepresentation.TheEPAalsoleadstheNationalClimateResearchCoordinationGroupandtheproductionofitsannualreportonclimateresearchactivity.

Thegovernmentalsoprovidespublicfunding,throughtheSEAI’sNationalEnergyResearchDevelopmentandDemonstration(RDD)FundingProgramme,toinvestininnovativeenergyresearchprojects,whichcontributetoIreland'stransitiontoacleanandsecureenergyfuture.Itaimsto:

• AcceleratethedevelopmentanddeploymentintheIrishmarketplaceofcompetitiveenergy-relatedproducts,processesandsystems

• Supportsolutionsthatenabletechnicalandotherbarrierstomarketuptaketobeovercome• GrowIreland'snationalcapacitytoaccess,developandapplyinternationalclassRDD• Provideguidanceandsupporttopolicymakersandpublicbodiesthroughresults,outcomesandlearningfromsupportedenergyprojects

Theprogrammerunsanannualcompetitivecall,withapplicationsacceptedfrom:privateenterprises;universities,institutesoftechnology,andstate-fundedresearchorganisations;andpublicsectorbodiesandsemi-statebodies,basedinIreland.Theprogrammeinvitesco-funderstocontributetoresearchthemesand,todate,anumberoffundingcollaborationshavebeenestablishedtohelpdirectandfundresearch topics�

Thegovernment’snewagri-foodstrategyto2030,‘Food Vision 2030 – A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems’,setsouttoembedtheroleofresearchandinnovationinthedevelopmentofaninnovative,competitiveandresilientagri-foodsectoroverthecomingdecade.Thiswillbeachievedthroughanumberofinter-linkedresearch-relatedgoals,including:movingtoachallenge-focusedinnovationsystem,withafocusonsustainablefoodsystems;providingastrategicfundingapproachforresearch,developmentandinnovation;anddevelopingadynamicknowledgeexchangeenvironment.

ThestrategicapproachoftheDepartmentofAgriculture,FoodandtheMarine’s(DAFM)ResearchandInnovationProgrammesupportsthedevelopmentandapplicationofcutting-edgeandemergingscientificandtechnologicalinnovationstoprovidethebasisforclimateactionandpolicyimplementation.Thedepartment’smission-orientatedresearchcallssupportthedevelopmentofasustainable,climateresilientandneutral,agri-food,forestandbio-basedsystemandpromotesanopenknowledgeeconomythatfosterstheoutputsofresearchfortheclimatechallengesfacedbyindustry,policy,theenvironment,andsociety.Theresearchprogrammealsoembedsresearchcollaborationandinnovationwithotherfundingandresearchpartnersbothnationallyandinternationallyinareasofstrategicrelevanceandsharedauspicestocombatoursharedchallengesandprioritiesto climatechange.


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Significantpublicinvestmenthasalreadybeenmade(€157millionin2018),andfurtherinvestmentisplanned,throughDAFM,Teagasc,BordIascaighMhara,SFI,andEIinthedevelopmentofscience-ledresearchcentres,industryled-technologycentres,regionalclusters,innovationforpilotinganddemonstration,tosupporttheIrishagri-foodindustryintheimplementationofitsinnovationagenda,includingtorespondtotheclimatechangeandbiodiversitychallengesfacedbythesector.

10.3.6 Building the Supply and Use of Renewable GasesScenariosfornetzeroemissionsby2050includeapotentiallysignificantrolefortheuseofzero-emissionsgases(inparticularbiomethaneandgreenhydrogen)and,inplanningforthelonger-term,wemustensurethattheycanmeettheirfullpotential.Itiscriticalhoweverthattheuseofzero-emissionsgasesaredirectedtowardssectorsthatmaximiseemissionsabatementinhardtoabatesectors.Thatinvolvesdecidingoncleartargetsandsupportingmeasures–with2030asakeymilestone–butwiththeclearunderstandingthatthegroundworkfordeploymentneedstobeginnow.

Givenlongertermdecarbonisationscenarios,itisimportantnowtoconsiderthepotentialfuturerolefortheexistinggasnetworktofacilitatethedeploymentofbiomethane,aswellastoexplorethepotentialofsustainablefeedstocksfromwaste,agricultureandothersourcesfortheproductionofrenewablegasforuseinhardtoabatesectorssuchashightemperatureindustrialheat.

Greenhydrogenhasbeenidentifiedashavingthepotentialtosupportdecarbonisationacrossseveralsectors,andinparticular,inhigh-temperatureheatforindustryandinelectricitygeneration.Hydrogenisaversatileenergycarrierthatmaystoreexcessrenewableenergyfromthegrid.Greenhydrogen,producedfromrenewableenergy,hasasignificantroletoplayinsectorcoupling(theincreasedintegrationofenergyend-useandsupplysectorswithoneanother),andminimisingtheoverallcostofdecarbonisationacrossallsectors.Sectorcouplingisalreadyhappening,withtheincreasedelectrificationoftheheatandtransportsectors.Someofthechallengesthatthispresentsfortheelectricitysectorcanbesolvedbyrenewablegreenhydrogen,includingasback-upforintermittentrenewables;seasonalstorageofrenewableenergytoreplacetoday'sfossilfuelstoragesystems(usedinelectricity,industry,heatinginbuildings,andtransport);andtoensuresecurityandresilienceinenergysupplies.

InorderforarenewablegasessupplychaintobedevelopedinIreland,therewillneedtobemeasurestakentoensureaneconomic,steady,resilient,andreliablesupply.Keymeasurestodeveloparenewablegasindustryarecapturedacrossvarioussectoralchaptersofthisplan.

10.3.7 Digital Transformation and Remote working

Digital TransformationThepandemichasacceleratedthepaceofdigitaltransformationofoureconomyandsociety,includingthemovetoonlineanddigitalservices,remoteworking,andautomation.Asthesetrendscontinue,newopportunitieswillopenuptoaccelerateourclimateaction.Wearecommittedtodevelopinganewcross-governmentNationalDigitalStrategytoensurewefullyharnesstheseopportunities.ThroughinitiativessuchaseHealth,thedigitaltransformationofenterprise,andtheuseof5Gtechnologies,wewilldriveagreener,moreinnovativeIreland,fullyalignedwithourclimateobjectives.

Remote Working Thesuddenandlarge-scaleadoptionofremoteworkingformanymembersoftheworkforcehasledtoamajortransformationinhowandwherewework.Wehaveadaptedtonewtechnologies,suchasvideoconferencingplatforms,inaveryshortspaceoftime.InJanuary2021,thegovernmentpublishedMakingRemoteWork:NationalRemoteWorkingStrategythataimstosupporttheadoptionofremote


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workingasalong-termpolicy.Thestrategywillbuildonthebenefitsofremoteworkingthatcametolightin2020,butalsoaddresssomeofthechallengesthatitpresentsincludingaccesstoconnectivity.Thestrategyisbuiltonthreepillars:

• Creatingaconduciveenvironment• Developingandleveragingremoteworkinfrastructure• Buildingaremoteworkpolicyandguidanceframework

MakingRemoteWorkwillfacilitateremoteworkinginawaythatmaximisestheeconomic,socialandenvironmentalbenefits,includingincreasingparticipationinthelabourmarket;enablingbalancedregionaldevelopment;improvingwork/lifebalance;reducingcommutingtimes;andreducingtransport-related carbon emissions�

National Broadband Plan TheNationalBroadbandPlan(NBP)willdeliverhigh-speedbroadbandservicestoover1.1millionpeopleinareaswherethereisnoexistingorplannedcommercialnetwork.Theinterventionareaincludes544,000premises,including56,000farms,44,000businesses,and695schools.TheNBPnetworkwillofferthosepremisesahigh-speedbroadbandservicewithaminimumdownloadspeedof500Mbpsfromtheoutset.TheNBPwillensurethathouseholdsandbusinessesinruralpartsofIrelandwillhaveasimilarlevelofconnectivityashouseholdsandbusinessesinurbanareas.

OverthelifetimeoftheNDP,everyhome,schoolandbusinessinIreland,regardlessofhowremoteorrural,willbeprovidedwithhigh-speedbroadband.ThiswillbeachievedthroughacombinationofExchequerinvestmentof€2.7billionundertheNBP,complementedbymulti-billioneuroinvestmentprogrammesbycommercialoperatorsprimarilyincities,townsandvillages.Duringdeploymentofthenetwork,reuseofexistinginfrastructureandmaterials(i.e.existingpolesandundergroundducts)willbemaximised;thiswillincreaseresource-efficiencyandreduceemissionsassociatedwithfabrication,transportandinstallationofnewphysicalnetworkmaterials.

Thehigh-speedbroadbandnetworkwilldeliverarangeofenvironmentalbenefits.Foreachnewremoteworker,anestimatedaveragenetsavingofupto10kWhperdaywillbeachieved,reducingcommutertransportenergyuseandcarbonemissions.Availabilityofbetteronlineconferencingandcollaborationtoolswillreducetheneedforbusinesstravelandtheassociatedcarbonemissions.

High-speedbroadbandalsoincreasesthecreationoflocalemploymentopportunities,whichallowsmorepeopletoworkclosertotheirhomes,reducingtheemissionsassociatedwithlongercommuterjourneys.Astandardpetrolcarwillemit0.876tCO2overthecourseofayear,whiletheaveragedieselcaremits0.742tCO2overthesameperiod(accordingto2016EUaverages).Theprovisionofhigh-speedbroadbandwillincreaseopportunitiesforremoteworking,resultinginapotentialmitigationof0.7-0.9tCO2perannumormore,peremployee,fromournationalGHGemissions.Thisreductionwillhavealongtermpositiveclimateimpact.‘SmartHomes’technologieswillallowtheremotemanagementofdomesticenergyconsumptionthroughsmartmetering,heatingandlightingsystems;andenableconsumerautonomyovertheirdomesticenergyconsumption.Thiswillplayanimportantcontributoryroleindecarbonisingtheresidentialsector.

Asopportunitiesfor‘Smart Agriculture’areleveraged,lowercarbonemissionsfromnationalagriculturaloutputwillresult,asprecisionfarminggeneratesahigher-yieldperanimalandhectarethroughdata-drivenherdandcropmanagement.


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10.3.8 Tourism and Media Sectors

Thequalityofournaturalandphysicalenvironmentsiscriticaltoournationaltourismproductandthestatehasakeyroletoplayinsupportingthetourismsectortocreateuniquevisitorexperienceswhichcelebrateandpreserveournaturalheritageandenvironment.InDecember2019,thegovernmentadoptedtheeightGuidingPrinciplesforSustainableTourismDevelopment,andthedevelopmentofanewnationaltourismpolicybasedontheseprincipleswillbeginbeforetheendof2021.Thenewpolicywillmainstreamsustainability,fromanenvironmentalbutalsosocialandeconomicperspective,andwillacttohelptourismcontributetotheachievementofIreland’sclimatetargets.

Intheaudio-visualsector,thegovernmentwillimplementgreensustainablecertificationcriteriaasarequirementforproductionssupportedthroughfuturefundingschemes.AllproductionscurrentlyinreceiptofSection481fundinghavetoreportontheproduction’seffortstoreducetheircarbonfootprintand,whensubmittingskillsdevelopmentplans,outlinedetailsofanyenvironmentallysustainableinitiativesundertakenontheirproductiontoScreenIreland.

In2019theBroadcastingAuthorityofIrelandestablishedtheBroadcastingSustainabilityNetwork,followingconsultationwiththesector,inthecontextofitsstrategiccommitmenttodemonstrateandshowleadershipinenvironmental,socialandeconomicbestpractice.Thenetworkisavoluntarysector-widesustainabilitygroupofIrishbroadcastersandrepresentativesoftheirsupplychainsthataimstofosterbestpracticeandtoprovidethesupporttomaketheIrishbroadcastingsectorasustainabilityleaderthatusesitscollectivevoicetocreateagreener,moreinclusive,moreresilientfutureforall.Aroadmaphasbeendevelopedtosupportindividualorganisationsinthebroadcastingindustrytodeveloptheirownsustainabilityplan,andtocreateacollectiveapproachtotheimplementationoftheUNSustainableDevelopmentGoals.



Expenditure and Taxation Policies

63 ContinuetoworkwithallDepartmentstoensurethatthecentralpoliciesadoptedinrelationtoexpenditureandtaxationareconducivetotheachievementoftheGovernment’sclimateobjectives

64 Monitorandreviewsuccessivecarbontaxincreasesaslegislatedinthe2020FinanceAct

65 Ongoingexaminationofenvironmentaltaxationmeasuresacrossallrelevanttaxheadsaspartoftheannualbudgetaryprocess

66 ContinuetoimplementgreenreformstoprovidetransparencyontheGovernment’sfinancialcommitmentstotheclimatechangeagenda

67 KeepthePublicSpendingCodeunderongoingreviewinlinewithinternationalbestpracticetoensurethatitincludestoolstoevaluatetheclimateandenvironmental consequences of investments

68 EngagetoensurebestenvironmentaloutcomesinEUnegotiationsonrevisionstoEnergyTaxDirectiveandonnewCarbonBorderAdjustmentMechanismproposalaspartofFitfor55package

69 Examinegreenbudgetingpracticesfromataxperspective


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Mobilisation of Investment and Sustainable Finance

70 SupportsustainableStateinfrastructureprojectsthroughtheNationalDevelopmentFinanceAgency

71 UsethemandateoftheNewEconomyandRecoveryAuthority(NewERA)tosupportthemobilisationofprivatefinanceforclimate-relatedinvestment

72 ExploreopportunitiesforfinancingmitigationinagricultureandfoodsectorsthroughtheIrelandStrategicInvestmentFund

73 Promotethefurtherdevelopmentofthesustainablefinancesectortofacilitateincreasedinvestmentinzero-emissionsectorsinIreland

74 ConsideropportunitiesforissuanceofnewIrishSovereignGreenBonds,andmonitorallocationandimpactoffundsraisedthroughexistingIrishSovereignGreen Bonds

75 PromoteopportunitiesforEIBinvestmentinrelevantclimateprojectsinIrelandthroughEIBFinancingIreland

Spatial and Planning Policy and Action at Community Level

76 ImplementtheNationalPlanningFramework

77 DevelopandincludeamoduleonclimatechangeintotheGuidelinesforthedevelopmentofnewLocalEconomicandCommunityPlans(LECPs)

78 Support,monitorandassessLocalAuthorityClimateAction

79 EnhancetheenergyefficiencyofcommunityinfrastructureintheGaeltacht

Research, Development, and Innovation and Digital Transformation

80 Strengthendeliveryofpublicfundingforbasicandappliedresearchtomeetclimateactionobjectives

81 Supportclimateandbiodiversityprogressthroughrelevantstrategicadvicetoenhanceevidence-baseddecision-making

82 Continuetoprovideflexibleandeffectiveresearchfundingmechanismstoenablethedeliveryandcontinuousimprovementofnationalpredictivecapabilityandcapacityintheareasofweather,climateandhydrology

83 ImplementandmonitortheNationalRemoteWorkStrategytoensureoptimalalignmentwithclimateactionobjectives

Irish Language, Media, Sport and Tourism

84 Applysector-specificclimateappraisalmethodologytoprogrammes,schemesandprojectsfundedbyDTCAGSM

85 CreateanationalSustainableTourismPolicy

86 Improve evidence base for sustainable tourism

87 Minimisenegativeenvironmentalimpactoftourism

88 Growawarenessandunderstandingofsustainabilityintourism

89 DevelopaMajorSportsEventsPolicyandStrategythatincludessustainabilityasakeypartoftheassessmentofpotentialevents

90 Supportthemodificationofsportsfacilitiesinordertoreduceenergyconsumption

91 SupportenvironmentallyfriendlyinitiativesthroughtheActionPlanfortheIrishLanguage

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92 Enhance the sustainability of Screen Ireland

93 Facilitatethedevelopmentofsustainablepracticesinthewidermediasectorandtheincreasedproductionofclimateandsustainabilityrelatedprogramming

94 ImproveenvironmentalperformanceofIreland'screativeandculturalsector

95 Investindevelopingouroutdoortourismoffering,includingoutdooractivities,thatenhancesIreland’sinternationalreputationofbeingagreen,cleanandsustainabledestination

96 Increase nature connectedness and promote pro-environmental behaviours by developingoutdoorrecreation


Enterprise

91

Enterprise

91

Electricity 11

92

Electricity

11. Electricity

11.1 State of PlayElectricityaccountedfor16.2%ofIreland’sgreenhousegas(GHG)emissionsin2018.Wewillcontinuetodecarbonisetheelectricitysectorbytakingadvantageofoursignificantrenewableenergyresources,inacompetitivecost-effectiveway,whilealsoensuringthesecurityofourelectricitysupply.Bydoingthis,wewillalsodecreaseourdependenceonimportedfossilfuels.

Table 11.1 – Electricity GHG Emissions, 2018

Electricity Emissions CO2eq. Share of Total GHG Emissions Electricity Emissions CO2eq. per person

10.6 Mt 17.0% 2.2 t

Overall,electricityemissionsreducedbyone-thirdbetween2005and2018,underpinnedbythegrowthofgenerationfromrenewablesandhigherefficiencyconventionalgeneration.Emissionsfromthesectorwereonadownwardtrendbetween2005and2011,andthistrendcontinuedbetween2011and2018,whentherewasa11.8%decreaseinGHGemissions.Thisequatestoanabsolutechangeof1.4MtCO2eq�

Table 11.2 – Trends in Electricity GHG Emissions

Timeframe Percentage Change Absolute Change, CO2 eq.2005-11 -24.2% -3.7Mt2011-18 11.8% -1.4Mt

Theshareofelectricityfromrenewableenergyincreasedalmostfive-foldbetween2005and2018–from7.2%to33.7%–anincreaseofover26percentagepointsin13years.Thisincreaseintheshareofrenewablescamedespiteariseinthetotaldemandforelectricity.Inabsoluteterms,therehasbeenamorethansix-foldincreaseinthevolumeofrenewableelectricitygenerated,from1,873GWhin2005to11,780GWhin2019.

Table 11.3 – Electricity GHG Emissions International Comparisons, 2018

Ireland Denmark Austria Finland EU 27Share of Total GHG 17.0% 19.3% 8.9% 29.7% 23.4%Emissions, CO2eq. per person 2�2 1�6 0�8 3�0 2�0Change Since 2005 -33.1% -54.8% -45.3% -12.5% -26.5%

Ireland’sshareofemissionsfromelectricityasapercentageofouroverallGHGemissionsislessthantheEU27overall.Aslateas2016,Irishelectricityemissionsperpersonwere13%abovetheEUaverage,duetoouruseofhigh-carbonfuels,suchascoalandpeat.By2018,ourelectricityemissionsperpersonhadreducedclosetoEU27level.

93

Electricity

Additionalelectricitygenerationandtransmissioninfrastructurewillbeacriticalenablertoachieveourrenewableenergyandemissionstargets.Publicacceptanceofthatadditionalgenerationandtransmissioninfrastructurewillbecrucialtothistransition,whichwillhaveimpactsrightacrossthestate.Communityinvestmentandparticipationinrenewableenergyprojects,aswellascommunitybenefitschemes,willhelpensurefairnessinthetransitiontoazero-carbonpowersystem.Achievingdecarbonisationoftheelectricitysectorwillnotbepossiblewithoutthesociallicencegivenbylocalcommunities,makingitvitalthatwebringthemwithusontheenergytransition.Electricitypriceimpactsonconsumers,particularlythoseexperiencingenergypoverty,aswellasimpactsonIreland’sinternationalbusinesscompetitiveness,willneedtobemonitoredandmitigated.Therewillbecostsassociatedwithmeetingahigherdemandforelectricity.Someofthesecostswillbeoffsetbyreductionsinexpenditureonfossilfuels,particularlyintheheatandtransportsector.

Table 11.4 – Required Level of Decarbonisation in Electricity

2018 Emissions 2030 Required Emissions Based on CAP 2021 10�6Mt ~2-4Mt

In2018,emissionsfromelectricitywere10.1MtCO2eq.Implementationofexistingpoliciesandmeasureswouldreduceelectricityemissionsto4-5MtCO2eq.by2030.Asignificantstep-upinambitionnowrequired,notonlytomeetourmoreambitious2030target,butalsotosetusoncoursetodeliversubstantivedecarbonisationofoureconomyandsocietynolaterthan2050.Theelectricitysectorwillalsoenablefurtheremissionsreductionsintheregionof6MtCO2eqinthebusiness,residentialandtransportsectors,throughsignificantlyexpandingelectricityoutputtomeetadditionaldemandfromtheelectrificationofheatinbusinessandbuildings,andoftransportvehicles.

InIreland,totalelectricitydemandoverthenexttenyearsisforecasttogrowbybetween19%and50%,largelydrivenbynewlargeenergyusers,manyofwhicharedatacentres,basedonexistingpoliciesandstrategies.InthehighdemandscenariooutlinedintheProgrammeforGovernment,electricitydemandwillalmostdoubleby2030,whileelectricityemissionsaretobereducedby60-80%atthesametime.Underlyingdriversofchangesinelectricitydemandinclude:

• Datacentresareforecasttocontinuetogrowbyupto~9TWhin2030(~2316%oftotaldemand)• Transportelectricitydemandisforecasttogrow(~23%p.a.)asaresultoffastuptakeofEVcharging• Electricalheatinginindustrywillincreasebymorethan2.5timesin2030from2017levels• Buildingenergyefficiencyimprovementsfromanextensiveretrofitprogrammewillmoderatethegrowthinelectricitydemandfromnewheatpumpsinbuildings

Thesechangesindemandforelectricitywillalsoaltertheprofileofdemand.Forexample,increaseduseofelectricityforheatingwillpresentsupplychallenges,particularlyinwinter.

TheforecastgrowthofdatacentresclearlyrepresentsachallengetoIreland’semissionstargets.Todealwiththis,thegovernmentwillreviewitsstrategyondatacentrestoensurethatgrowthofsuchuserscanonlyhappeninalignmentwithoursectoralemissionsceilingsandrenewableenergytargets.Theimpactofdatacentregrowthonsecurityofsupplywillalsobeconsidered.Furtherregulatorymeasureswillbeconsideredtomanagedemandfromlargeusers,suchasdatacentres,inthecontextofclimatetargetsandfuturenetworkneeds.

16 PerMedianscenariofromGenerationCapacityStatement2021-2030,EirGrid

94

Table 11.5 – Potential Metrics to Deliver Further Abatement in Electricity

Key Metrics KPI 2030 Additional Abatement Impact, MtCO2eq.

Core MeasuresShareofRenewableElectricity,% Upto80

6-8

IndicativeOnshoreWindCapacity,GW Upto~8*

IndicativeOffshoreWindCapacity,GW Atleast~5*

IndicativeSolarPVCapacity,GW ~1.5-2.5*

Further MeasuresZero-emissionGasGeneration,TWh 1-3 0�2-0�4

*Electricitytechnologieswillcompetewitheachotheroncostthroughcompetitiveauctions

11.2 Targets

To meet the required level of emissions reduction, by 2030 we will: • ReduceCO2eq.emissionsfromthesectortoarangeof2to4MtCO2eq� by 2030

• Carryoutaworkprogrammetoidentifyaroutetodeliver1-3TWhofzeroemissionsgas(includinggreenhydrogen)by2030,potentiallyequivalentto0.2-0.4MtCO2eq.abatement

Ourclimatetargetswillbedeliveredthroughasetofenablingtargetsby2030:

• Increasingtheshareofelectricitydemandgeneratedfromrenewablesourcestoupto80%whereachievableandcosteffective,withoutcompromisingsecurityofelectricitysupply17

• Atleast500MWoftheserenewableswillbedeliveredthroughlocalcommunity-basedprojects,subjecttocompetitionasappropriate

• Delivercirca2GWofnewflexiblegas-firedpowerstationsinsupportofahighvariablerenewableelectricitysystem

• DeliveryofthreenewtransmissiongridconnectionsorinterconnectorstoNorthernIreland,GreatBritain,andtheEU

• Explorefurtherinterconnection,includinghybridinterconnectors(combinedcrossbordertransmissionnetworkwithoffshorerenewablegeneration),toothercountries

• Expandandreinforcethegrid–throughtheadditionoflines,substations,andnewtechnologies

• Completethephase-outofcoalandpeat-firedelectricitygeneration

• Ensurethat20-30%ofsystemdemandisflexibleby2030

17 Electricitytechnologieswillcompetewitheachotheroncostthroughcompetitiveauctionstoreachtheabovetarget.

Electricity

95

Thegridinfrastructureprojectsneededareatbothtransmissionanddistributionlevel,includingthe1,500MWNorth-SouthInterconnectorandothernetworkreinforcementsidentifiedbyEirGridandESBNetworks.Itwillbeessentialtodeliveratleast2GWofadditionalgasgenerationcapacityby2030toensuresecurityofsupply,underpinourincreasedrenewabletargets,andgiveinvestmentcertainty.Ingeneral,increaseduseofvariablerenewableelectricitygenerationwillrequirecontinuedimprovementsinareassuchaspowersystemstability,networkloading,andconstraints.

Theseprojectswillincorporateadvancedtechnologiesthatprovideincreasedflexibilityofoperation,andimplementarrangementsforenhancedsystemservicesfromgenerators,interconnectors,andelectricitydemand,facilitatedbyflexibleelectricalnetworks.

Allofthesechallengeswillhavetobemetwhileensuringoursecurityofelectricitysupply,andacost-effectivedeliveryofnewelectricitygenerationonthesystem.

Unlockingtheflexibilityoflargeelectricitydemanduserswillbeakeychallengeastheelectricitysystemisdecarbonised.Energydemand,includingdatacentres,willbeexpectedtooperatewithinsectoralemissionsceilingsandfurthersignalswillberequiredtolocatedemandwhereexistingorfutureelectricitygridisavailableandclosetorenewableenergygeneration.Researchanddevelopment(suchasciencechallengetoindustry),toputIrelandonapathwaytonet-zero-carbondatacentres,willberequired�

UndertheNationalSmartMeteringProgramme18,newelectricitymeters,systemsandprocessesarebeingimplementedbyESBNetworkstoprovideenergyuserswithimprovedandmoreaccessibleinformationthatwillhelpthemtobetterunderstandandmanagetheirenergyconsumption,andtoenablehigherrenewableelectricitybyencouragingflexibledemand.Smartmeterswillgiveaccesstonewtariffsandservices,andsupportparticipationinthetransitiontoacarbonneutraleconomyandsociety�

Ourabilitytouseandstorerenewableenergywhenitisavailablewillbecriticaltohowquickly,securelyandefficientlywecanachievethetargetssetoutinthisClimateActionPlan.ESBNetworkshasestablishedtheNationalNetworks,LocalConnectionsProgrammewhichisaddressingtherangeofissuesneededtomakethispossible.

11.3 Measures to Deliver Targets 11.3.1 Electricity Demand ManagementThemanagementofelectricitydemandwillbeacentralpartofourapproachtoachievingemissionsreductions.Thesignificantincreaseinelectricitydemandexpectedfromdatacentres,aswellasfromtheelectrificationofindustry,heatandtransportmeanthatIrelandneedsanewapproachtoelectricitydemandmanagement:

• The‘GovernmentStatementontheRoleofDataCentresinIreland’sEnterpriseStrategy2018’willbereviewedtoensurealignmentwith:sectoralemissionsceilingsandourrenewableenergytargets;ongoingsecurityofsupplyconcerns;andthedemandflexibilitymeasuresthatarenowneeded.Furtherregulatoryleverswillalsobeconsideredtomanagedemandfromlargeenergyusersinthecontextofemissionsandfuturenetworkneeds

• TheCommissionfortheRegulationofUtilities(CRU)willdeliveranewDemandSideStrategywhichwillaimtohaveindustrial,commercialandresidentialdemandfullyparticipatinginsupporting

18 TheNSMPisaplanfortransforminghowelectricityandgasretailmarketsoperateandsupportthetransitiontoalowcarbonenergynetwork

Electricity

96

systemneedswithhighlevelsofrenewablegeneration,andseektofacilitateactiveparticipationbyconsumersandcommunitiesintheenergymarket

• TheSustainableEnergyAuthorityofIreland(SEAI),theCRUandthesystemoperators,willworkwithlargeenergyusersandenterprisedevelopmentagencies,todevelopapproachestoenhancereportingandusageoflowercarbonenergysources,includingincreasedtransparencyofelectricityemissionsdatatoenablelargeenergyuserstoaddresstheirelectricityemissionsacrosstime(hourly)andgeographiclocations

• EirGridandESBNetworkswillundertakeanin-depthanalysisoflocal,regionalandsystemlevelflexibilityrequirements,andmodifytheirownapproachesandprocedurestofacilitatedemandflexibility,todrivedowncoststotheconsumerandprovidethenecessaryflexibilitytomeettheneedsoftheenergytransitionto2030

11.3.2 Large Scale Renewable Generation• Achievingtherenewableelectricitytargetofupto80%willentailinvestmentoftensofbillionsofeuro,includingintheinstallationandmaintenanceofgenerationassets,andassociatedinfrastructureandservices,aswellasinthedevelopmentofsupplychainsandportinfrastructure

• TheSEAI’sMethodologyforLocalAuthorityRenewableEnergyStrategies(LARES)willberevised,withinputfromrelevantbodies,toprovideabestpracticeapproachtoidentifyingandassessingrenewableenergyresourcesinspatialplanningatlocalauthoritylevel.Basedontheindicativetargetsforonshorewindenergyandgrid-scalesolardeployment,theDepartmentoftheEnvironment,ClimateandCommunications(DECC)willsetoutatargetforthetotalonshorecapacitythatshouldbeplannedforonanationalandregionallevel.Theregionalassemblieswillberequiredtodevelopandimplementregionalrenewableelectricitystrategiesbasedontheoverallnationaltargets,renewableenergyobjectivescontainedineachoftheRegionalSpatialandEconomicStrategies,andthesupportofrelevantguidance,includingtheSEAILARES.Nationalrenewableenergyobjectives,andthosesetoutintheregionalstrategies,shouldbereflectedinCountyDevelopmentPlans,whichareevaluatedandassessedbytheOfficeofthePlanningRegulator

• InlinewiththerequirementsoftheRenewableEnergyDirective,asinglecontactpointwillbedesignatedtoguideapplicantsthroughtheadministrativepermitapplicationandgrantingprocessforrenewableelectricityinstallations

• AnewOffshoreRenewableEnergyDevelopmentPlan(OREDPII)willbecompletedtoquantifytheoffshorerenewableenergypotentialinIreland’smaritimearea.TheOREDPIIwillalsoprovideanevidencebasefortheassessmentofareassuitablefordeploymentofoffshorerenewableenergy.TheOREDPIIwillbeanimportantplanningtoolasIrelandtransitionstoaplan-ledregulatory regimeforfuturedevelopmentofoffshorerenewableenergyunderpinnedbytheNationalMarinePlanningFramework

• TheMaritimeAreaPlanning(MAP)Bill,whenenacted,willputinplaceacomprehensiveandcoherentmarineplanningregimeforthedevelopmentofoffshorerenewableenergyinthe maritimearea

• BasedontheMAPBill,anewconsentingregimewillreplaceexistingstateanddevelopmentconsentregimes.Thenewconsentingregimeisdesignedtoprovideclarityandconsistencyforapplicants,streamlinetheconsentingprocess,andensureoffshorerenewableenergyprojectsareinlinewithStateenvironmentalandmarinespatialplanningpolicy

• WewillcontinuetorolloutregularcompetitiveauctionsundertheRenewableElectricitySupportScheme(RESS)todeliverourtargetsandensureasteadysupplypipelineofprojectsandefficientuseofthenetwork.WewillpublishanindicativeRESSauctiontimetableeverythreeyearstoprovide clarity for investors

Electricity

97

• EirGridwillcarryoutfurthergrid,operationalandmarketstudiestounderstandanyadditionalmeasures,beyondcurrentplans,tofacilitatereducedsectoralemissionsceilingsand,therefore,supportannualrenewableelectricityshareofupto80%

11.3.3 Microgeneration and Community Based ProjectsMicrogenerationandsmallscalegenerationhasanimportantroletoplayinempoweringanddrivingengagementandparticipation.Itcreatesopportunitiesfordomestic,community,farming,andsmallcommercialcustomerstotakethefirststepstowardsinvestmentinrenewabletechnologies,whichcanplayaroleinshapingelectricitydemandanddecarbonisinghomesandbusinesses:

• Communitieswillplayanimportantroleinplanningnewrenewableelectricityprojects.Wewillfurtherstrengthenthecommunityenergyframework,includingconsiderationofcommunity-benefitfundsandcommunityownershipprovisionsintheRESS

• WewillintroduceaMicrogenerationSupportScheme(MSS)whichsupportsdeploymentofanexpected260MWofnewmicro(<50kW)renewablegenerationby2030,includinganexportpaymentforallmicro-andsmall-scalegeneratorsthatreflectsthemarketvalueoftheirelectricitytothegrid,societyandtheenvironment

• WewillamendthePlanningandDevelopmentRegulations2001toextendexemptionsforsolarinstallations,reducingbarrierstorooftopandground-mountedmicro-andsmall-scalegeneration

• WewilldevelopaSmall-scaleGenerationScheme(>50kW)tosupportthedeploymentofrooftopandground-mountedsolarPVincohortsthatarenotassuitedtoothersupportmeasures,suchastheMSSandtheRESS;andalsodeveloptherulesfortheEnduringConnectionPolicy2.0,toprovideamorestreamlinedandefficientgridconnectionprocessforinstallationsizesupto200kW.Thiswillenablefarmers,auto-generatorsandcommunitiestomaximisetheirparticipationintheenergytransition.Wewillidentifyappropriatetargetsforsmallscalegenerationin2022

11.3.4 Supporting MeasuresArangeofsupportingmeasureswillalsobeneededtoenablethistransformationoftheelectricitygenerationsector.Thesewillincludeprovidingtheconventionalcapacitythatwillbeessentialtoensurethesecurityofthesystem,gridinvestments,interconnectors,andstoragefacilities.Everyaspectofthemanagementofthenetworkwillbeimproved:

• WewillcompletethereviewoftheSecurityofSupplyofIreland’sElectricityandNaturalGasSystems

• Significantamountsofnewcapacityaregoingtoberequiredoverthenearandlongertermtoensurethatwehavesufficientcapacitytomeetdemand.Inthecontextofgrowingdemandduringthetransitiontoanetzerocarbonelectricitysystem,allaspectsofpolicyandregulationbeexamined.Therewillbeaneedforcirca5,000MWofconventionalgenerationcapacityin2030,ofwhich2,000MWislikelytobenewcapacityconstructedinthecomingyears

• TheCRUandEirGridwillensureanadequatelevelofconventionaldispatchablegenerationcapacity,toguaranteesecurityofelectricitysupply,bypublishingannuallythelevelsofconventionaldispatchablegenerationcapacityrequiredineachofthefollowing10years.TheCRUwillensurethroughmarketmechanisms,orothermeans,sufficientexistingandnewconventionaldispatchablegenerationcapacityisavailabletomeetthelevelstheyset

• Theelectricitysystemwillbestrengthenedthroughadvancedbuilding/upgradingofthegridandsupportinginfrastructureatkeystrategiclocations,addressingregionsthatarelikelytoseeanincreasedrequirementbasedonprojectedincreasesinrenewablegenerationconnectingtothesystem.Thebuildingofnewsubstations,associatedinfrastructureandnewtechnologieswillalsobeincorporated,alongwithstrategicupgradingofexistingsubstations,toensureefficientlong-termandtimelydevelopmentofthesystem

Electricity

98

• Across-DepartmentalOffshoreRenewableEnergyTeam,chairedbyDECC,isbeingestablishedtocapturewidereconomicandbusinessopportunitiesassociatedwiththedevelopmentofoffshorerenewablesinIreland.ThiswillincludetheidentificationofsupportinginfrastructuredevelopmentandsupplychainopportunitiesasIreland’soffshorewindindustryisdeveloped

• WewillupdatetheNationalPolicyStatementonElectricityInterconnectiontoreflecttheamendmenttotheEUTEN-ERegulation,Brexitchallenges,andtheincreasedsignificanceof hybrid interconnectors

• TheCRUwillreviewtheregulatorytreatmentofstorage,includinglicensing,chargingandmarketincentives.Incombination,DECCwilldevelopastoragepolicythatsupportsthe2030targetsandalignswithourrenewablegasambition,securityofsupply,andflexibilitypolicydrivers19

• EirGridwilldevelopaPowerSystemOperationalPolicyChangeRoadmap,settingouthowpowersystemoperationalpolicywillneedtoevolvetofacilitatetheintegrationofhigh-levelsofintermittent,non-synchronousrenewablegeneration,includingthereductionorremovalofminimumgenerationconstraintsandincreasingSystemNon-SynchronousPenetration(SNSP)

• EirGridwillevolvetheoperationaltoolsandpoliciestofacilitatetheintegrationofnewinterconnection,bothindevelopmentandnewinterconnectorsyettobeidentified

• EirGridandESBNetworkswillundertakeanalysisandimplementthenecessarymeasurestofacilitatetheintegrationofnewpowergenerationtechnologies,includinghybridpowerplants.Anewframeworktofacilitatezero-carbonsystemserviceswillbeputinplaceassoonaspossibletoenabledeliveryofthe2030targets

• EirGridwillcommenceimplementationoftheControlCentreoftheFutureRoadmap• Gridcodesconnectionandmarketarrangementswillbereviewedtofacilitategreaterdeploymentofhybridpowerplants.Thiswillenable,forexample,theco-location,ofnewsolarcapacityalongsideexistingwindfarms

• TheCRUwillmonitorelectricityprices,andensurethatregulatorycoststoconsumersareminimisedthroughwell-regulatedmarketsandnetworkstodelivertheleastcostpathway(inthelong-term)tomeetingtheelectricitysectortargetssetoutinSection11.2above

11.3.5 Further MeasuresAdditionalemissionssavingswillneedtobeidentifiedtoreachthelower-endofthe2030targetrangefor electricity emissions:

• ThedevelopmentofCarbonCaptureandStorage(CCS)by2030ischallengingbutcouldremovefurtheremissionsfromthesystem.WewilldevelopapolicyframeworkandroadmapfortheprovisionofCCS

• Oncetherenewableelectricityshareofgenerationincreasesabove80%thesystemabatementcostbecomesveryexpensivewithcurrenttechnologies.Reducingemissionsbeyond2-4Mtwillrequirethedevelopmentofavarietyoflongdurationstoragetechnologiesandrenewablegases.Theadditionofamoderateamountofrelativelyhighcost,cleandispatchablepower(~€100-200/MWh)wouldlowerthecarboncostsubstantially.Wewillinvestigate:

• Methodstoincentiviseelectrolyserproductionandgridconnectionofhydrogenfromrenewableenergytofuelzeroemissiondispatchablegeneration

• Developingstoragecapacitytodemonstratelongdurationandseasonalstorageofrenewableenergy

• Co-locationofelectrolysiswithrenewableenergyproductioninfrastructure

19 ElectricitystorageandinterconnectionprojectsdesignatedaspriorityEUelectricityinfrastructure,includingelectricityEUProjectsofCommonInterest(PCI),willcontinuetoreceivepreferentialtreatmentasprovidedforbytheEUTEN-ERegulation,subjecttocostbenefitanalyses.However,theabsenceofpriorityEUinfrastructurestatusshouldnotprecludeprojectdevelopment

Electricity

99



97 ReviewthepolicycontextforLargeEnergyUsers(includingDataCentres),ensuringalignmentofenterprisepolicyandwiderregulatoryenvironmentwithelectricityemissiontargetsandsecurityofsupply

98 PublishandimplementanewDemandSideStrategy

99 Enableandincentivisedemandsideflexibility

100 Ensuresupportivespatialplanningframeworkforonshorerenewableelectricitygenerationdevelopment

101 TransposeInternalMarketforElectricityDirective(EU)2019/944

102 DeliverregularOnshoreRenewableElectricitySupportSchemeauctionsthatalignswithspatialandplanningpolicyandefficientuseofthenetwork

103 DeliveraMicrogenerationPolicyFramework

104 EnsurecommunitiesbenefitfromrenewableenergyprojectsinRESS–benefitfundsandownership

105 Concludethereviewofthecurrentplanningexemptionsrelatingtosolarpanels,toensurethathouseholds,schools,andcommunitiescanbestrongchampionsofclimateaction

106 DeliveraSolarandSmall-ScaleGenerationPolicyFramework

107 Ensure security of electricity supply

108 UpdatetheInterconnectionPolicytoreflecttheamendmenttotheEUTEN-ERegulation,Brexitchallengesandtheincreasedsignificanceofhybridinterconnectors

109 Reviewtheexistingelectricitytransmissionanddistributionnetworktariffstructurestoassesswhatchangesmaybenecessarytodeliverequitable,costreflectiveandtransparentchargesthatfacilitateinvestmentinourlowcarbontransitionandthenewwaysinwhichthenetworkwillbeusedinthefuture

110 AssessthenetworkdevelopmentrequiredtointegratehigherlevelsofRES-Eanddevelopahigh-levelnetworkdevelopmentplanto(andbeyond)2030

111 Facilitateveryhighpenetrationofvariablerenewableelectricitythroughsystemservicesandmarketarrangements

112 Developtheonshoreelectricitygridtosupportrenewableenergytargets

113 Reviewthepolicypositiononthedevelopmentofprivatenetworks/directlines

114 DevelopanewOffshoreRenewableEnergyDevelopmentPlan(OREDPII)

115 Facilitatethedevelopmentofoffshorewind,includingtheconnectionofatleast5GWofoffshorewind,basedoncompetitiveauctions,tothegridby2030

116 DevelopaclearOffshoreRenewableEnergyGridConnectionPolicy

Electricity

100


117 CompletethemappingofallIrishoffshorewatersthroughtheINFOMARProgrammetosupportallmarineactivitiesincludingcliamteeffectmonitoringandsiteselectionforoffshoreenergy

118 EnsureoffshorerenewableenergyrequirementsaredeliveredintheMaritimeAreaPlanningBill

119 DevelopanewconsentingsystemforoffshorerenewableenergypostMaritimeAreaPlanningBillenactment

120 FinalisedesignandrolloutofdedicatedoffshoreRESSauction

121 Supporttheoffshoreandoceanenergyresearch,developmentanddemonstrationpathwayfortechnologiesandassociatedtestinfrastructure

122 Developastoragepolicyframeworkthatsupportstheachievementofelectricityemissionstargets

123 Facilitatetheconnectionofhybridtechnologiesthatminimisegridreinforcement

124 ExamineandoverseethefeasibilityoftheutilisationofCarbonCaptureandStorageinIreland

125 CarryoutpowersystemmodellingrequiredtomeetrenewableenergyandelectricityemissionstargetsandanalysistounderpinaNetZeroRoadmap

Electricity

Enterprise

101

Enterprise 12

Enterprise

102

12. Enterprise

12.1 State of PlayAsIrelandandtheworldaimforaclimateneutraleconomyby2050,thetransitiontolowcarbonhasbecomeadefiningforceforbusiness.Buildingsustainable,low-carbon,businessesisbecomingincreasinglyimperative,notonlyfromasocialandenvironmentalperspective,butalsofromamarket-competitiveandfinancialone.Businessmodelswhicharesustainableandfocusedondecarbonisationarecrucialtolong-termresilience.Equally,companiesandsectorsthatfailtodecarbonisewillbecomeincreasinglyuncompetitive.Thishasthepotentialtohavefarreachingnegativeimpactsfortheeconomy,includinglockingusintoaredundantfossil-fuelbasedeconomicmodel.Asasmallopeneconomy,weneedtheenterprisesectortoberesilientandcompetitiveininternationalmarkets.

Enterprisewillplayapivotalroleinreducingouremissionsby51%by2030,andinIrelandbecomingaclimateneutralandresilienteconomybynolaterthan2050.Itinfluencesthewayscarceresourcesaremanagedalongsupplychains,fromrawmaterialstotheconsumptionoffinalproductsandthedisposalofwaste.Itconstructsandusesalargeshareofourbuildingstockandmanagessignificanttransportflows.However,emissionsfromenterpriseinthegreenhousegasinventoryincludeonlythoseassociatedwithproductionprocesses,i.e.manufacturingcombustion,industrialprocessesandF-gases.In2018,thesewere7.9MtCO2eq.,or12.7%ofIreland’stotalemissions,whichislessthantheEUaverageof21.1%.Ofthistotal,5.6MtCO2eq.,or71%fallwithintheEUEmissionsTradingSystem(ETS)(emissionsfrombuildings,transportandwastearenotincluded).

Thebiggestshareofenterpriseemissionscomesfromasmallnumberoflargecompaniesinthemanufacturingsector,mostlyinalumina,foodprocessing,beveragesandcement.Thesemanufacturers(comprising64separateinstallations)arecoveredbytheEUETS.EmissionsfromenterprisethatfalloutsidetheEUETSarehighlydiverse,withalargeproportionarisingfromSmallandMediumEnterprises(SMEs),includingthoseworkingwithindustrialgases(alsoknownasfluorinatedorF-Gases).Thesearegaseswithhighglobalwarmingpotential,whichareusedinrefrigeration,airconditioningandsemiconductormanufacturing.AccordingtotheCentralStatisticsOffice,thepopulationofenterprisesinIrelandwasover270,000in2018,withSMEsaccountingfor99.8%ofthetotal.

Table 12.1 – Enterprise GHG Emissions, 2018

ETS/Non-ETS Enterprise Emissions CO2eq.

Share of Total GHG Emissions

Enterprise Emissions CO2eq. per person

ETS 5.6Mt 9.0% 1�1 tNon-ETS 2.3Mt 3.7% 0�5 tTotal 7.9 Mt 12.7% 1.6 t

Emissionsintheenterprisesectorfelldramatically(byonethird)between2005and2011asaresultoftheeconomicrecession,buthavesincereboundedbyoveraquarter,demonstratinghowstronglycorrelatedindustryemissionsstillarewitheconomicactivity.

Enterprise

103

Table 12.2 – Trends in Enterprise GHG Emissions

Timeframe ETS/Non-ETS Percentage Change Absolute Change, CO2 eq.

2005-11

ETS -41.1% -2.7Mt

Non-ETS -19% 0.6Mt

Total -34.6% -3.3 Mt

2011-18

ETS 44.7% 1.7Mt

Non-ETS -0.4% -0.01Mt

Total 28.4% 1.8 Mt

ComparedtootherEUMemberStates,Ireland’scarbonintensityinthesector,at1.6MtCO2eq� per person,isonlyslightlybelowtheEUaverage,despitethesectoraccountingforasmallershareoftotalemissionsrelativetootherEUcountries.

Table 12.3 – Enterprise GHG Emissions International Comparisons, 2018

Ireland Denmark Austria Finland EU 27

ShareofTotalGHG 12.7% 12.5% 33.4% 22.5% 21.2%

Emissions,CO2eq./person 1�6 t 1�0 t 3�0 t 2�3 t 1�8 t

ChangeSince2005 -16.0% -26.7% -2.7% -30.2% -20.0%

AsectoralbreakdownofindustryemissionsisshowninFigure12.1,indicatingthatmanufacturingcombustionandprocessemissionsfromthemineralindustry(primarilycementmanufacturing)accountforthemostsignificantshareofemissionsinthissector.

Figure 12.1 – Sectoral Disaggregation of Enterprise Emissions

101

Figure 12.1 – Sectoral Disaggregation of Enterprise Emissions

While the recovery in enterprise activity since 2011 has seen some switching of the sector’s energy requirements from fossil fuels to renewable energy, the link between economic growth and emissions has still not been broken. The EU “Fit for 55” package proposes that emissions from the current EU ETS sectors (including the extension to maritime transport) be reduced by 61% by 2030, relative to 2005 levels. This represents an increase of 18 percentage points compared to the current -43% contribution from the ETS to the EU's climate target. If enterprise is to contribute to our climate objectives, and particularly for the Irish ETS sector to meet the proposed new EU ETS target, a dramatic turnaround is required from the sector’s recent trend of a 44.7% increase in emissions between 2011 and 2018. In addition, reducing the sector’s buildings and transport emissions will take leadership at enterprise level. A large proportion of buildings within the sector have a poor Building Energy Rating (BER), with a low level of renewables penetration, while transport is currently 97% dependent on fossil fuels.19 Specific actions to target emissions from space and water heating in commercial buildings, and from transport, are included in the built environment and transport chapters respectively. The electrification of manufacturing and industrial processes, and enterprise policy related to high-demand sectors, such as data centres, will be aligned and consistent with the renewable energy and carbon abatement targets in the electricity sector.

19 Page 22 - https://www.seai.ie/publications/Energy-in-Ireland-2019-.pdf

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Manufacturing Combustion

Mineral Industry

Non-energy products fromfuels and solvent use

Other product manufactureand use

F-Gases

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Whiletherecoveryinenterpriseactivitysince2011hasseensomeswitchingofthesector’senergyrequirementsfromfossilfuelstorenewableenergy,thelinkbetweeneconomicgrowthandemissionshasstillnotbeenbroken.

TheEU“Fitfor55”packageproposesthatemissionsfromthecurrentEUETSsectors(includingtheextensiontomaritimetransport)bereducedby61%by2030,relativeto2005levels.Thisrepresentsanincreaseof18percentagepointscomparedtothecurrent-43%contributionfromtheETStotheEU’sclimatetarget.Ifenterpriseistocontributetoourclimateobjectives,andparticularlyfortheIrishETSsectortomeettheproposednewEUETStarget,adramaticturnaroundisrequiredfromthesector’srecenttrendofa44.7%increaseinemissionsbetween2011and2018.

Inaddition,reducingthesector’sbuildingsandtransportemissionswilltakeleadershipatenterpriselevel.AlargeproportionofbuildingswithinthesectorhaveapoorBuildingEnergyRating(BER),withalowlevelofrenewablespenetration,whiletransportiscurrently97%dependentonfossilfuels.20

Specificactionstotargetemissionsfromspaceandwaterheatingincommercialbuildings,andfromtransport,areincludedinthebuiltenvironmentandtransportchaptersrespectively.Theelectrificationofmanufacturingandindustrialprocesses,andenterprisepolicyrelatedtohigh-demandsectors,suchasdatacentres,willbealignedandconsistentwiththerenewableenergyandcarbonabatementtargetsin the electricity sector�

Whileitisencouragingtoseemajorcompaniescommittingtosignificantemissionsreduction21 by 2030 andbeyond,thislevelofambitionmustbecomethenormacrosstheenterprisesector.Companiesandsectorsthatfailtodecarbonisetheiractivityacrosstheirentirebusinessmodelwillbecomeincreasinglyuncompetitive,withpotentialfar-reachingnegativeimpactsfortheeconomy–includingunderminingourlong-termsustainablecompetitivenessandlockingusintoaredundantfossil-fuelbasedeconomicmodel.However,embracingthetransitionwillsupportfurtherjobcreationthroughthedevelopmentofnewandemergingsectors.Thegreeneconomy,includingtheretrofittingandrenewableenergysector,thecirculareconomy,cleanmobility,greenandblueinfrastructure,sustainableagricultureandthebioeconomywillcreatehighqualityemploymentopportunitiesthatwillbeasourceofsignificantemploymentgrowthoverthecomingdecades.Foritspart,theIDAwillseektoattractmultinationalcorporationsbasedoverseastoinvestinthegreeneconomyinIreland,targetingthoseactiveindevelopingdecarbonisationinfrastructureandtechnologies.BothEIandtheIDAwillalsosupportclientstoexpandtheirsustainabilitycapabilityandcreatenewrolesinsustainablesupplychainmanagement,procurement,environmentalandenergymanagement,analytics,greenfinance,andcircular economy enablement�

Itisclearthatpolicymeasurestodatewillnotachievethelevelofdecarbonisationnowrequiredintheindustrysector,whichisareductionfrom7.9MtCO2eq.in2018toapproximately5MtCO2eq� in 2030�

Table 12.4 – Required Level of Decarbonisation in Enterprise

2018 Emissions 2030 Required Emissions Based on CAP 20217.9Mt ~5Mt

AnalysisofapotentialemissionsreductionpathwaythatwouldenableIrelandtoreducetotalemissionsfromenterpriseto5MtCO2eq.indicatestherearesixadditionalmeasuresthatcouldfurtherreduceemissions in the sector�

20 Page22-https://www.seai.ie/publications/Energy-in-Ireland-2019-.pdf21 https://sciencebasedtargets.org/companies-taking-action

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Table 12.5 – Potential Metrics to Deliver Further Abatement in Enterprise


Core MeasuresAccelerateuptakeofcarbon-neutralheatinginindustry

~50-60%shareofcarbonneutralheatingintotalfueldemand22 ~0.4

Phase-outhigh-GWPF-gases -80%emissionsversus2014 ~0.5

Decrease embodied carbon in constructionmaterials

10%decreaseinembodiedcarboninconstructionmaterials

~0.3

Enableelectrificationofhigh-temperatureheatgeneration

100%ofsteamproductionfromgas-electrichybridheating

~0.5

Further MeasuresFurtherdecreaseembodiedcarboninconstructionmaterials

~10-60%decreaseinembodiedcarboninconstructionmaterials

0�5 -1�9

DeployCarbonCaptureandStorage(CCS)

2outof4cement/limeplantsretrofitCCS

~1.5

12.2 Targets

To meet the required level of emissions reduction, by 2030 we will: • ReduceIreland’senterpriseemissionsbyapproximately40%,from7.9MtCO2eq.in2018to~5MtCO2eq� in 2030

• Committocoremeasuresdeliveringemissionsreductionsof~1.7MtCO2eq� in 2030

• Undertakeaprogrammeofworktorefinethepotentialandsettargets/pathwaysforfurthermeasurestodeliver~2-3.4MtCO2eq� in 2030

Irishenterprisewillberequiredtoimplementadetailedagendaoftransitionandchangeifitistoensurethatoursectorsareclimateresilientandcanremaincompetitiveinadecarbonisingworld.Thisagendawillinclude:

• Improvingtheenergyefficiencyofprocesses,buildingsandtransport• Replacingfossilfuelswithrenewablesintheirprocesses,buildingsandtransport• Improvingthewayinwhichresourcesareusedintheirsupplychaintoreduceemissionsand

conform to circular economy principles• Beinginnovativeacrossproduction,distribution,andmarketingtorealisetheopportunitiesarising• Developingnewskillsandtechniquesasnecessary• Developingmetricsontheclimateandenvironmentalimpactofactivities,whichwillbecomemorewidelyexpectedinthemarketplace

22 Excludingmeasurestodecreaseembodiedcarboninconstructionmaterials;andenableelectrificationofhigh-temperatureheatgeneration

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Whilesomeoftherequiredmeasurescurrentlyhavemixedornegativebusinesscases,itiscriticaltobearinmindthatchangeisinevitable.Giventhestrongglobalcommitmenttonet-zeroandthe“racetothetop”,maintainingthestatusquoisnotanoption.Failuretoactcarriesarealriskofbeingleftbehind,producingoutdatedproductsforchangingmarketsandconsumerdemands.

Leadershipfromwithinenterprisemustbesupportedbynational-levelclimateactiontodrivechangeinkeysectorsatpace,inordertoprotectandexpandourindustrialcompetitivenessandprosperity.Thisincludesappropriatepolicysupport,includingensuringalevelplayingfieldandbridgingcostgaps;incentivisingtherequiredsystem-levelchanges,suchasmakingsuregreenpowerisavailableformanufacturing;andsupportingcollaborativemulti-stakeholderapproaches,forinstanceinpoolingdemandtogetcriticalmassforCarbonCaptureandStorage(CCS).

Actionbycentralgovernmentmustbereinforcedbythewiderpublicservice.Theenterpriseagencies,havingregardtotheirstatutorymandates,mustprioritisedecarbonisationaspartoftheirstrategies.Itisalsoimportantthatallenterprisesectorassociationsandlocalchambersrecogniseandsupporttheirmemberssothatnetworksquicklyformtoemulatecompaniesandsectorspioneeringindecarbonising.Publicbodiesshouldformpartnershipswithsuchstakeholderssothatsharedendeavourcandelivermorequickly.Weneedtoseetheemergenceofclusterswithinwhichsectors’effortscanbeaggregatedand scaled�

12.3 Measures to Deliver TargetsTheglobaltradingenvironmentishighlycompetitive.Tosucceed,companiesneedtothinkabouthowtheirsectorwilldevelopinthenextfivetotenyears.Environmentalsustainabilityandresponsibleproductionwillbekeydriversofbusinesssuccessintothefuture.NowisthetimeforallIrishbusinessestoprepareforthatfuture.Businessesthattakeactiontomitigateagainsttherisksofclimatechangeandthosewithenvironmentalcredentialrequirementscanpotentiallybenefitfromincreasedaccesstoenvironmentallyconsciouscustomers,marketsandworkers,greenequityandloanfunding,andsupportfromlocalcommunities.Climateactionpresentsopportunitiesforexistingsupplychainsandnewbusinessformations.Butitalsocreatestheneedtocomplywithenhancedregulations,aswellasthedemandsofinvestorsandcustomersforcrediblesustainabilityimpactandreporting.

WewilllaunchanonlineClimate Toolkit 4 Businesstoassistallbusinesses,andsmallandmicro-enterprises,inparticular,tomakeagoodstartinunderstandingandadaptingtheiractivitiestoassistinclimatemitigation.Thekitwillincludeasimplecarboncalculatorandwillgenerateatailoredcompanyclimateactionplanforeachbusiness.

Largerbusinessesandhighemitterswillcontinuetorequireenergyaudits,andundertheproposedEUCorporateSustainabilityReportingDirectivewillbemandatedtoprovidepublicreportingoftheirenvironmental impact�

12.3.1 Emissions Trading System• ThekeyindustrymeasureaddressinggreenhousegasesistheEUETS,whichcovers71%ofemissionsfromthissector,includingbothcombustionandprocess-relatedemissions.Astrongpricesignal,aspartofareformedEUETS,includingprogressivelymorerestrictiverulesonhowmanyallowanceswillbeavailablewithintheEUETS,isexpectedtodrivedecarbonisationoverthecomingdecadebyincreasingthecosttofirmsintheEUETSofdoingnothingtoreducetheiremissions.WearecommittedtocontinuingtoworkproactivelywithourEUpartners,includingconsideringthefurtherreformsproposedunderthe“Fitfor55”packageorsupplementarymeasures,toensurethattheEUETScaneffectivelydeliverreductionsingreenhousegasemissions,whileaddressingthechallengesfacedbysectorsmostexposedtointernationalcompetition.

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12.3.2 Carbon Pricing• EnterprisesectorsoutsidetheEUETSwillbeincentivisedbythegeneralcarbonpricetrajectorysetbyGovernmentinsuccessivebudgetswhichisnowsetat€41pertCO2andislegallyrequiredtoreach€100pertCO2 by2030,butwillalsobeexposedtocarbonpricemovementswithintheEUETSincircumstanceswheresuchpricescanbepassedonbyETSsectors.Asweprogressivelydecarboniseoureconomy,policymustpreventalargegapemergingbetweencarbonpricingintheEUETSandnon-ETSsectorstoensureanongoingstrongsignalingeffectfordecarbonisation.

12.3.3 SEAI Initiatives• TheLargeIndustryEnergyNetwork(LIEN),anetworkof199ofIreland’slargestenergyusers(someofwhichareintheEUETS),togetherconsume21%oftheentireenergydemandinIreland.LIENmembersarecompanieswithanannualenergyspendof€1millionormore.ThesearesupportedbySEAIthroughmentoring,energymanagementsystems,trainingandnetworking,andcompliancewithlegalrequirements.ThroughSEAI,wewillcontinuetosupportandpromotedecarbonisationbythemembersofthisnetwork.

• Investmentsbyenterprisesinenergyefficiencyincreasetheircompetitiveness,protecttheenvironment,boosttheirreputationandelevatetheirbranding.ThroughSEAI,wewillcontinuetosupportenergyaudits,providefreetrainingforbusinessesandprovidefinancialsupportstothosewhowanttoinvestinenergyefficiency,particularlySMEs.

• SEAIwillcontinuetoexpandtheExcellenceinEnergyEfficientDesign(EXEED)Programmetodelivernewbestpracticesindesign,construction,andcommissioningprocessesfornewinvestmentsandupgradestoexistingassets,withthefocusnowongreenhousegasemissionsreductions.

• ThroughtheGovernment-fundedSupportSchemeforRenewableHeat,SEAIwillcontinuetosupporttheadoptionofrenewableheatingsystemsbycommercialandindustrialheatusersnotcoveredbytheEUETS.

12.3.4 Regulation• EmissionsfromindustrialgasesandrefrigerantsarecontrolledbyEURegulation(No.51/2014)

on Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases, whichtargetsa67%reductioninemissionsfromthesesourcesby2030comparedwith2014levels.FollowingtheexampleofotherEUMemberStates,wewillcommittobringingforwardadditionalmeasurestoreduceF-gasemissionsby80%by2030relativeto2014.

12.3.5 Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan• OurNationalRecoveryandResiliencePlanprioritisesadvancingthegreentransition.Wewill:

• Acceleratedecarbonisationoftheenterprisesector,throughprovidingsupportsforIrishSMEsandexporterstoaddresstheiremissions,andbyinvestingincarbonmeasurementandabatementtechnologiesformanufacturingcompanies

• Rollout,throughScienceFoundationIreland,aNationalGrandChallengesProgrammeofmission-orientatedfunding

12.3.6 Enterprise Agency Leadership• Existingenterpriseagencyprogrammes,suchasEI’sGreen Offer and IDA’s Go Green Offer,already encourageclientcompaniestoincorporatesustainablepracticesintotherunningoftheirbusiness,leadingtobetterenvironmentalperformance;improvedresourceefficiency;directcostsavings;andimprovedaccesstocustomerswhoareincreasinglydemandingmoreenvironmentallyfriendlyproducts and services�

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• EIandtheIDAwilluseothertransformationalsupportssuchastraining,andResearch,DevelopmentandInnovation(RDI)grantprogrammestoenableclientcompaniesimprovetheirsustainabilitycapability.Innovationwillplayanevengreaterroleintheevolutionoffirm-levelproductivityovertime.Throughspecificandtargetedactions,investmentwillbeleveragedinRDI,suchasintechnologycentresandappliedresearchprogrammes,toassistinthelowcarbontransition.

• Decarbonisationofenterpriseisaboutfarmorethansupportingtheintroductionofenergyefficiencymeasures.Itisfundamentallyaboutdecarbonisingprocesseswhichareadoptedbyindustrytoproducegoodsandservices.EIandtheIDAwillworktofurtherintegrateclimatechangeconsiderationsintotheiroverallstrategiesandthespecificsupportsprovidedtoclientfirmsoverthecomingperiodofradicaltransitionby:

• Aligninggrantfundingandsupportswithprogresstowardsachievingouremissionsreductionstargetsforenterprise,includingamendingprojectappraisalmethods

• Enablingthepreparationofdetaileddecarbonisationimplementationstrategiesbyclientcompaniesinthehighestemittingenterprisesectors

• WorkingcloselywiththeSEAIandthird-partyenergyproviderstoencourageclientcompaniestoplantodecarbonisenotonlytheirScope1(fuelcombustion;companyvehicles;andfugitiveemissions)andScope2(purchasedelectricity,heatandsteam),butalsoallotherScope3indirectemissionsthatoccurinacompany’svaluechain(purchasedgoodsandservices;businesstravel;employeecommuting;wastedisposal;useofsoldproducts;transportationanddistribution–up-anddownstream;investments;andleasedassetsandfranchises)

• EIadministeringtheClimateEnterpriseActionFundtohelpcompaniesreduceemissionsandembedsustainabilityinhowtheywork

• EIimplementingthe€100millionCapitalInvestmentFundfortheAgri-FoodSectorfortheProcessingandMarketingofAgriculturalProducts

• EIpromotingafocusonemissionsreductionandsustainabilityundertheSeedandVentureCapitalScheme

• AllrelevantStateagencies(suchasEI,theIDA,LEOs,BordBia,Teagasc,andBordFáilte),inpartnershipwithSEAI,developingdecarbonisationprogrammesandsectoralnetworkstodrivethisagendainkeysectors

12.3.7 Decarbonising Heating in Industry• Alargeamountoftheemissionsfromtheenterprisesectorarisefromsatisfyingthedemandforheat.Toreducetheseemissions,wemustbothreducethisdemandandreplacefossilfuelswithrenewableenergysources.Wewillbringforwardmeasurestosupporttheentiresector,aswellasspecificallyfocusingonhigh-emittingindustries.Wewill:

• Introducearenewableheatobligationtoensureacertainproportionofenergyforheatcomesfromrenewablesources

• Assessthefeasibilityofusingthegasgridforrenewablegases• Acceleratetheuptakeofcarbon-neutrallow-temperatureheatinginthefoodandbeverages

sector• Enabletheelectrificationofhigh-temperatureheatgenerationbydeployinghybridgas-electricheatinginalumina

• Undertakeaprogrammeofworktorefinethepotentialtodecreaseembodiedcarboninconstructionmaterials,bydisplacingbetween10%and60%oftheirembodiedcarbon,withaviewtosettingtargetsandpathways–e.g.theuseoflow-carboncementblends,orcross-laminatedtimberasalternativeconstructionmaterials

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12.3.8 Carbon Capture and Storage• Somesectors,suchascementandlime,canonlyfullydecarbonisewithCCS.However,pre-2030adoptionofCCSisachallengingandhigh-costsolutionasitrequiresdeployingextensiveinfrastructureinlessthantenyears.WewillundertakeaprogrammeofworktoassessthepotentialofpickingtwositeswiththebestCCSopportunitieswithaviewtosettingapathwaytoitsdeployment�

12.3.9 Enterprise Leadership in the Wider Community• Enterprisescanplayaprominentroleasleadersbeyondtheirimmediatebusinessactivities,including:

• ParticipatinginwidercommunityinitiativessuchasSustainableEnergyCommunitiesandBetterEnergyCommunities

• SupportingbusinessnetworksofSMEswhereexperiencecouldbeshared,forexamplethroughlocal chambers of commerce

• Supportingemployeestoactivelycontributetodecarbonisationinworkandtheirwiderlives• Workingwithindustry-ledinitiatives,suchasBusinessintheCommunityIreland,tosupportdecarbonisationprogrammes,suchaslowcarbonpledges

Box 12.1 Cement and Construction Sector Evolution

Constructionofnewhomes,officesandinfrastructurehassignificantenvironmentalimpacts,andinparticulartheproductionofclinkertomakecement–usedinconcrete–isextremelycarbon-intensive.Nonetheless,oursocietyneedsthisactivitytodeliveronourhousing,health,education,transportandeconomicneeds.Anevolutioninboththecementandconstructionsectorsis,therefore,requiredaswedecarboniseoureconomyandsociety.Manyofthemeasuresoutlinedinthisplanaredesignedtofacilitatethisevolution.Keyelementsinclude:

• Facilitatingtheuseofalternativefuelsandnon-recyclablewastesincementkilns

• Prioritisinglonger-lifeandlower-carboncementblendsinpubliccontracts(GreenPublicProcurement)andpromotingtheirusebytheprivatesectorthroughawarenessraising,standardsandrequirementsforconstructionprojectcarbonlife-cycleanalysis

• Facilitatingandpromotingthedevelopmentanduseofalternativeconstructionmaterials,suchastimber,andtechniquessuchaspre-fabrication,usingembeddedcarbonandperformance-based approach

• Extensiveretrofittingprogrammeandprioritisationofbrownfieldandcompactdevelopment

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110



126 Developanonlineclimateactionportalforenterpriseswithrelevanttoolsandcontenttoincludeacarboncalculator,templateactionplanandsignpostingtorelevantagencyprogrammes

127 Developnetworksinkeyindustrysectorsandaroadmapofactionstosupportdecarbonisationoflargeindustry

128 ContinuetodevelopandsupportitsOffshoreWindIndustryClusterwhichcomprises over 50 Irish supply chain companies

129 AssistSEAIthroughregistrationofinsulationinstallersforretrofitofbuildings

130 Adaptnationalstructuraldesigncodesforphysicalinfrastructuretotakeaccountofchangesinclimate

131 PublishaStandardrecommendationforthedesign,installationandcommissioningofsolarPVpanelsinnewandexistingdwellings

132 Adopttheinternationaltechnicalstandard-"ISOTS14092:2020”-toprovideguidanceforlocalgovernmentsandcommunitiesinplanningforadaptationforclimatechange

133 Defineanddevelopinspectionmethodologyandregulationsforcomplianceofelectricchargingmetersforchargingelectricvehicles

134 OfferthecertificationschemetoallowenterprisestoquantifyandreporttheirGreenhouseGasEmissions–“ISO14064:2019"

135 DevelopacertificationschemeforSR54EnergyEfficientRetrofitofDwellings

136 UpdatetheEco-designRegulationsforenergyefficientproducts

137 NegotiateandimplementtherevisedEUCorporateSustainabilityReportingDirectivewhichincludesenvironmentalinformation

138 PromoteafocusonCO2reduction/sustainabilitycredentialsacrossventurecapitalfundsdeliveredundertheEISeed&VentureCapitalprogramme.

139 DelivertheprogrammestodecarboniseenterpriseoutlinedintheNDPandResilienceandRecoveryFundSubmissions

140 PromotethepotentialofinnovationandappliedresearchinArtificialIntelligence,MachineLearningandDataAnalyticstosolvecomplexchallengesrelatedtosustainabilityandthelowcarbontransition

141 BuildaPilotTechnologyGatewayintheNorthEastRegiontoharnesstheexpertiseofDundalkIoTintermsofEnergyEfficientandEnergyOptimisationofproducts

142 PerformresearchandencourageIrishresearcherstocontributetotheEUGreenDealresearchprogrammewithrespecttometrologicalassistanceforthedevelopmentofcleanenergytechnologies

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143 PromotethebenefitsofadaptingtolowcarbontechnologiesandprocessestoSMEsthroughanewLowCarbonBusinessAwardwithintheexistingSeedcornInvestorReadinessCompetition

144 Incorporatemeasurementofclimate-relatedimpactsintocapitalgrantdecisionsbytheenterpriseagencies

145 EnterpriseIrelandtodevelopandpublishtheirnewcorporatestrategy2022-2025,includingafocusonclimateactionandsustainability

146 AlignEnterpriseIrelandandIDAgrantfundingandsupportswithprogresstowardsachievingthecarbonabatementtargetsforenterprise,ensuringresilienceinthetransitiontoalowcarboneconomy

147 PutinplacetrainingandeducationalprogrammesonsustainabilityandclimateactionforIDAexecutives

148 ExperimentwithinitiativestoincorporatenewcontentormodulesrelatingtoclimateandsustainabilityintoClientManagementDevelopmentprogrammes.

149 DevelopastrategyspecifyingoptimumsustainabilitysolutionsandadditionalcarbonabatementopportunitiesinIDA’spropertyportfolio

150 IntroducepilotbiodiversitymeasuresinoneofIDA’sBusinessParks

151 Carryoutresearchtoinformthedevelopmentofoptions,policiesandmeasurestodecarbonisetheheatingandcoolingsectorsto2050

152 Enablethepreparationofdetailedfirm-leveldecarbonisationimplementationstrategiesbylargefood&drinkbusinesses

153 Implementthe€100mCapitalInvestmentFundforAgri-FoodSectorfortheProcessingandMarketingofAgriculturalProducts

154 Developcertificationofrecycledconstructionproductsscheme

155 PublishanIrishStandardtoenableorganisationsapplyasystematicapproachtoEnergyEfficientDesignthroughoutthevariousstepsofdesign,constructionandcommissioningofinvestmentprojects

156 DevelopandpublishtheIntertradeIreland2022BusinessPlan,toincludeapriorityof‘AdaptiontothelowcarbonEconomy’

157 ContinuedevelopmentofthesecondphaseoftheDairyProcessingTechnologyCentretodeveloptechnologiesandapproachesthatwilldeliverreducedcarbonandgreenhousegasfootprintsinthedairyindustry

158 Enablethepreparationofdetaileddecarbonisationimplementationstrategiesbyclientcompaniesinhigh-impactsectorssuchasPharmaceuticals,Cement,Construction,Engineeringandothermanufacturing

159 DevelopCorporateClimateActionPlanswithkeyclientsfortheirIrishsites

160 Identifyandengageclientcompaniesusingthemostemissions-intensivefuels(e.g.,coal,petcokeandfueloils)andsupportthemtodevelopproportionatedecarbonisationplanstoremaincompetitive

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161 Engagewiththealuminamanufacturingsectorandkeystakeholderstoprogressmeasurestosupporttheachievementoftheidentifiedpotentialabatement.

162 Supportbusinessestodecarbonisethroughtheprovisionofcapitalsupportprogrammestoenhanceenergyefficiency

163 Developrenewablegasinthegasgrid

164 Developthepipelineofhighpotentialstart-upswithlow-carbonandsustainablesolutions

165 ContinuedevelopmentofthesecondphaseoftheIrishManufacturingResearchTechnologyCentreasahubofsustainablemanufacturingexpertise

166 Considerintroducingarenewableenergyobligationintheheatsector

167 Undertakeresearchintobusinessengagementwiththelowcarbonagenda,includingsupportneedstoinvestandcommittmenttolowcarbonadapatations

168 Proactivelyengagewithopportunitiestosupportbusinessclusterandnetworkdevelopmentwhichwillsupporttheall-islandcirculareconomy

169 Win ten environmental sustainability investments in 2021

170 Facilitatelicencingoffuel-switchinginindustrialprocesses

171 Introducenewlegislationtoreformthejudicialreviewprocess,incompliancewithEUlegalrequirements,sothatreformscomeintoeffectontheestablishmentofanewDivisionoftheHighCourtdealingwithplanningandenvironmental issues

172 Progresssustainabilitythroughbusinessplanning

173 Promoteandmarketsustainabletourism

174 ImplementÚdarásnaGaeltachta’sGaeltachtGhlas(GreenGaeltacht)project

175 PromotesustainablepracticesintheScreenProductionindustry

Enterprise

113

Enterprise

113

Built Environment 13

114

13. Built Environment

13.1 State of PlayOneofthegreatestdecarbonisationchallengesfacingIrelandrelateshowwecandecarboniseourexistingstockofresidentialandcommercialbuildings(primarilythoseconstructedpre-2006),sothattheyrequirelessenergy,anddrawonfossilfuelstothelowestextentpossible.

Thetransitiontoanenergyefficientandfossilfuelfreebuiltenvironmentwillprovideextensivesocial,economicandenvironmentalbenefitsintheshort-aswellaslong-term.Thisprocesswillbringaboutreducedenergycostsandmorecomfortable,healthier,safer,andlesscostlytoheatandcool,homesenhancingourlivingstandards,improvingourairqualityandhelpingtoaddressenergypoverty.ItwillalsoimproveenergysecurityandreduceIreland’sdependenceonfossilfuelsinadditiontoothersignificantco-benefitsfortheenvironmentandsocio-economicdevelopment.

Table 13.1 – Built Environment GHG Emissions, 201823

Sub-Sector Built Environment Emissions CO2eq.


Built Environment Emissions CO2eq. per person

Residential 7.0Mt 11.2% 1�4 tCommercial 0.9Mt 1.4% 0�2 tTotal 7.9 Mt 12.7% 1.6 t

Wehavealreadyhadsomesuccessindecarbonisingourbuildingswithemissionsfallingby8.6%between2005and2011,andfallingagainby6%between2011and2018.Thisdecreaseoccurreddespiteanoverallincreaseinconstructionofbuildingsinthatperiod,andtheexceptionallylowtemperatures experienced in early 2018�

Thereductionreflectscontinuedimprovementtobuildingregulationsandstandards,whichhaveadvancedtheenergyandcarbonemissionsperformanceofourbuildingsthrough:theintroductionofNZEBperformancerequirements;theuseofmoreenergyefficientandrenewable,lowcarbontechnologiesanddecarbonisedheatingsourcesinourbuildings;thereplacementofcoalandpeatassourcesofheatingwithoilandgas;aswellastheimprovedefficiencyofourpre-existingbuildingstocksupportedbyGovernmentschemesthroughtheSustainableEnergyAuthorityofIreland(SEAI)andLocalAuthorities;andminimumperformancerequirementsforbuildingsundergoingmajorrenovation.

Thedecreaseinemissionsfromthecommercialsectorintheperiod2005-2011,andsubsequentincreaseintheperiod2011-2018,isareflectionoftheeconomicconditionsinthoseperiods.

Emissionsfromthebuiltenvironmentaccountedfor12.7%ofIreland’sgreenhousegasesin2018,anincreasefrom11.7%in2017.Thisincreaseismainlyduetothelowertemperaturesexperiencedinspring2018,whichledtomoreenergybeingusedtoheatbuildings.

23 https://www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring--assessment/climate-change/air-emissions/greenhouse-gas-emissions-final-2019.php

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DatapublishedbytheEPAindicatesthatemissionsfromtheresidentialsectorin2020increased9%from2019levels,duetotheincreaseinhomeworkingandrestrictionsonmovementthatforcedmorepeopletospendmoretimeathome.24Covid-19hasalsoplacedafocusontheneedtomaximiseventilationopportunitiesinourhomesandotherbuildings.Therefore,itisimportantthatwhenweimprovetheenergyefficiencyofourbuildings,weconsideritinaholisticway,andalsotakeaccountofriskssuchasfiresafety,ventilationanddurability.Thiswillimproveourlivingstandardsbymakingourbuildingsmorecomfortable,healthier,safer,andlesscostlytoheat.

Wehavealreadycommittedtoretrofitting500,000homestoBERB2standardby2030,andinstalling600,000renewableenergyheatingsourcesinbothnewandexistingresidentialbuildings.

Progressalsocontinuestobemadeontheinstallationofheatpumps.BasedonananalysisoftheBERdatabase,itisestimatedthat85%ofnewdwellingsin2020,builttoTechnicalGuidanceDocumentL2019,installedheatpumpsand,since2015,51%ofallnewdwellingsuseheatpumpsastheirmainheatingsystem.Oilboilerinstallationinnewdwellingshasdroppedfrom35%intheperiod2000-2004to4%intheperiod2015-2020.25

Table 13.2 –Trends in Built Environment GHG Emissions

Percentage Change Absolute Change, CO2 eq.2005-11Residential Commercial

-7.5% -17.5%

-0.6Mt -0.2Mt

Total - 8.6% -0.8 Mt2011-18Residential Commercial

-7.2% 4.8%

-0.55Mt 0.04Mt

Total - 6% - 0.5 Mt

Notwithstandingprogresstodate,particularlyintheresidentialsector,Ireland’semissionsreductionfrombuildingssince2005iswellbelowthatofcountriessuchasDenmark,AustriaandFinland,andourassociatedCO2eq.perpersonisgreater.HouseholdsaccountforaroundaquarteroftheenergyusedinIrelandandarealsoresponsibleforaquarteroftheenergy-relatedCO2 emissions�

Furthermore,Irishhomesuse7%moreenergythantheEUaverage,andemitalmost60%moreCO2 thantheaverageEUhome.26Currently,ourbuildingsare70%reliantonfossilfuels,andover80%ofourhomesandotherbuildingsassessedfortheirBERhavearatingofCorworse.

Table 13.3 – Built Environment GHG Emissions International Comparisons, 2018 27

Ireland Denmark Austria Finland EU 27Share of Total GHG 12.7% 5.6% 10% 4.5% 12.1%Emissions, CO2eq. per person 1�6 t 0�5 t 0�9 t 0�5 t 1�0 tChange Since 2005 -14.1% -45.2% -37.9% -37.3% -21.4%

24 https://www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring--assessment/climate-change/air-emissions/EPA-Irelands-Greenhouse-Gas-Emissions-Projections-report_2020-2040.pdf

25 https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/dber/domesticbuildingenergyratingsquarter12021/26 SEAI(2018),EnergyintheResidentialSector2018Report27 EEAAnnualEuropeanUniongreenhousegasinventory1990–2018andinventoryreport2020

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Inordertodeliverthemostefficientpathwaytoreachouroverallnationalemissionsreductiontargetsfor2030,wemustreduceourbuiltenvironmentsectoremissionsto4-5MtCO2eq� by 2030�

Thiswillrequiretheintroductionofarangeoffurthermeasures,inadditiontothosealreadycommittedtointhe2019ClimateActionPlan,including:

• Improvingthefabricandenergyefficiencyofourexistingbuildings• Rollingoutzero-carbonheatingsolutions,predominantlyheatpumpsanddistrictheatingnetworks• Planningforthefullphaseoutoffossilfuelsinbuildingsby2050• Progressivestrengtheningofbuildingstandardsforalltypesofbuildings• Promotingtheuseoflowercarbonalternativesinconstruction• Promotingbehaviouralchangeinhowhouseholdsuseenergy

Table 13.4 – Required Level of Decarbonisation in the Built Environment

Sub-sector 2018 Emissions 2030 Required Emissions Based on CAP 2021

Residential 7Mt 3.5-4.5MtCommercial 0.9Mt 0.5MtTotal 7.9 Mt 4-5 Mt

Table 13.5 - Potential Metrics to Deliver Further Abatement in the Built Environment


Core MeasuresStrengthenNZEBrequirementsfornewdwellingstoeffectivelybanfossilfuelsinnewhomes

+280,000 newhomeswithout fossil heat1

~0.2

Ramp-upzeroemissionsheatincommercialbuildings

50,000buildings ~0.3–0.4

Increasetargetsforroll-outofdistrictheating

Upto2.7TWhofdistrictheatsupplied

~0.3

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13.2 Targets

To meet the required level of emissions reduction, by 2030 we will: • Effectivelyphaseouttheuseoffossilfuelsforspaceandwaterheatinginallnewbuildings

• Planningforthephaseoutoffossilfuelsinexistingbuildings

• Complete500,000residentialretrofitstoachieveaB2BER/costoptimalequivalentorcarbonequivalent

• Install600,000heatpumpsinresidentialbuildings(ofwhich400,000tobeinstalledinexistingbuildings)

• Deployzero-carbonheatingtothemeettheneedsof50,000typicalcommercialbuildings

• Deliverupto2.7TWhofdistrictheating,withtheexactleveltobeinformedbytheoutcomeoftheNationalHeatStudy

• Developthecalculationframeworkanddatabasesinordertosetperformancestandardstopromotetheconstructionoflow-carbontechnologiesonaphasedbasis


13.3.1 A New Retrofit Delivery Framework Thecommitmenttodelivertheequivalentof500,000homesretrofittedtoaBERofB2/costoptimalorcarbonequivalent,andtheinstallationof400,000heatpumpsinexistingpremises,bytheendof2030isakeyelementofourstrategytodecarbonisetheresidentialsector.Currently,almosthalfoftheIrishhousingstockhasaBERofD1orworse,andonly10%isB2orbetter.Inordertomeetthetargetsset,itwillbenecessarytobring40%ofhomesuptoaBERB2orbetterstandard,andtoimprovetheenergyratingofasignificantportionoftheremainderoftheresidentialbuildingstock.

TheGovernment’sapproachtoachievingthesetargetsisbuiltonthefollowingfourpillars:

• Drivingdemandandactivity• Financingandfundingmodels• Supplychain,skillsandstandards• Structuresandgovernance

DetailoninitiativesundereachpillarissetoutinChapter14.

13.3.2 Phasing out Fossil Fuels by 2050 in BuildingsInordertoreachnetzero,analmostcompletephaseoutoffossilfuelsinthebuildingsectorwillbeneeded.Itisimperativethatthesesignalsaregivenwithsufficientnoticesothatindustry,consumersandregulatorscanpreparefortheappropriatephasingoutoffossilfueluse,andweavoidconsumersinvestingintechnologythatwillneedtobephasedoutbeforeitseconomiclifehasbeenreached.TheSEAI’sNationalHeatStudywillprovidethedetailedpathway,theidentificationofalternativeheatingsourcesbyusetype,andtheemissionsreductionsrequired.Theprocessofphasingoutfossilfuelforheatingmustconsidertheneedsofhouseholdsinenergypoverty.

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Arangeofregulatorytools,supportsanddisincentivesareinplaceacrossvariousEuropeancountriesthatcouldbemodelledinIreland,includingretrofitprogrammessimilartothenationalretrofitprogrammesinGermany,phasingoutgasnetworksataneighbourhoodlevelintheNetherlands,widespreaddistrictheatingfromwasteheatinDenmark,andtheendingofsaleofkeroseneforheatinginUpperAustriain2035.

Wewillidentifytherequiredactionstoprogressthisobjectivein2022andthesewillbereflectedinClimateActionPlan2022.

13.3.3 Decarbonising Our Commercial Buildings Commercialbuildingsincludeoffices,retailoutlets,warehouses,andbuildingsusedbythehospitalitysector.TheSEAIestimatesthatthereareapproximately136,000commercialbuildingsinIreland,ofwhich50%areowner-occupied.Hospitalitybuildingsarethelargestuseroffossilfuelsinthissector.TheSEAI’sNationalHeatStudywillprovideinformationthatwillallowustodeveloplong-termpoliciesandsupportsforthecommercialsector.Viablesolutionsintheimmediatetermaretheretrofitofbuildings,electrificationofheatsources,andintroductionofdistrictheating.Theskillsinbuildingretrofit,andintheinstallationoflow-carbontechnologies,thatarerequiredbytheresidentialsectorareequally applicable to the commercial sector�

Measurestosupportandincentivisetheincreasedenergyefficiencyanddecarbonisationofcommercialbuildingsinclude:

• Supportingbusinessesinretrofittingtheirpremisesandmovingawayfromfossilfuel-based heatingsources

• Continuingtodevelopandimplementasuiteofservicessuchasenergyaudits,technicalsupports,trainingandadvice

• ActingontheoutcomeoftheSEAI’sNationalHeatStudy,whichwillinformthedevelopmentoftargetedfuturepoliciesandsupportsforthecommercialbuildingsector

• MaintainingaregimeofAcceleratedCapitalAllowancesforenergyefficientequipment,whichissupportingthereductionofenergyuseintheworkplace,andtheawarenessofenergyefficiencystandards in appliances and products

• Providingcapitalfundingwhich,subjecttotheavailabilityofExchequerresources,willsupportthedecarbonisationofthecommercialbuildingssector

• ImplementingarevisedEnergyEfficiencyObligationSchemefrom2022,tosupportenergyusers(financiallyorotherwise)toimplementenergysavingpracticesortocarryoutenergyupgradesontheirproperties

• BuildingontheOPW/SEAIpilotprojectfortheretrofittingoftraditional/historicbuildingstorolloutasustainedprogrammeofretrofittingforIreland’spublicsectorbuildingstock

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13.3.4 District HeatingDistrictheatingoffersthepotentialtosupplylow-andzero-carbonheattohomes,businessesandpublicbuildingsfromacentralsource.Workisunderwaytoinformthedevelopmentofdistrictheatingpolicy,includingthecompletionofthecomprehensiveassessment to support the rollout of district heatinginIreland,andthefinalisationoftheNationalHeatStudy.Inaddition,therearetwodistrictheatingprojectsindevelopmentinTallaghtandDublinCity.

Wewill:

• Establishasystemofgovernanceforthedevelopmentofdistrictheatingpolicy• ConductappropriateresearchtoinformandsupporttherolloutofdistrictheatinginIreland• Developaregulatoryframeworktoprotectconsumersandsuppliers,andtoensurethatdistrictheatingisdevelopedinastructuredway

• Ensurethatnational,regionalandlocalplanningframeworksencourageandfacilitatethedevelopmentofdistrictheating,andfacilitatezoningofsuitableareasfordistrictheatingbasedontheSEAINationalHeatStudy

• Identifyappropriatefinancingmechanismstosupportthedeliveryofdistrictheatingprojects,includingappropriatefinancialincentivessimilartotheretrofitgrantprograms

• Updaterelevantregulatoryandlegislativetoolstoenabletherolloutofdistrict heatinginfrastructure

13.3.5 Geothermal HeatingIn2020,wepublished‘Geothermal Energy in Ireland – A Roadmap for a Policy and Regulatory Framework’,and ‘An Assessment of Geothermal Energy for District Heating in Ireland’�28InconjunctionwiththeNationalHeatStudy,thisanalysiswillalsoinformthedevelopmentofgeothermalenergyinIreland,inparticularidentifyinglocationsmostsuitedtothedeploymentofdistrictheating.

Wewilldeveloparobustregulatoryframeworktoaddressissuessuchasownership,licencingforexploration,developmentandproduction,andreporting.Policyongeothermalenergyexplorationwillbedevelopedduring2021andimplementedfrom2022onwards.

28 gov.ie-GeothermalEnergyinIreland-ARoadmapforaPolicyandRegulatoryFramework(www.gov.ie)

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13.3.6 Standards for New Buildings and RenovationsTheintroductionofNZEBfornewdwellingshasresultedintheeffectivephasingoutoffossilfuelsastheheatsource.WewillcontinuetoseetheeffectsofhighregulatorystandardsasnewbuildingconstructiongainsmomentumtowardsdeliveringthetargetssetoutinHousing for All.Astechnologyandconstructionareconstantlyevolving,policyandregulationmustalsoevolve,andcontinuesettinghighstandardsandtargetsinrelationtoconstructionandmaterialstoensurethatwecanachieveaclimate neutral built environment by 2050�

Wewill:

• ReviewNZEBandcostoptimalcalculationswithinourbuildingstandards• Reviewenergyefficiencystandardsformajorrenovationsfordomesticandcommercialbuildings,subjecttotheresultsofthecostoptimalreview.Thiswillacttopromotewidespreadinstallationofzero-carbonheatingsystemstoreplacefossilfuelheatingduringmajorrenovations

• BuildonthedetailedsectoralanalysisoftheNationalHeatStudy,developingproposalsforregulatoryoptionstoachievethecompletephase-outoffossilfuelheatingthroughoutourbuildingstockinlinewithournetzeroclimateobjective

• Increasethenumberofhomes,businessesandrentalpropertieswithBERsandaDisplayEnergyCertificateasaprecursortoregulatingforaminimumlevelofBERupgrade

• Developmechanismsthattakeintoaccountappropriatetriggers,suchasGovernment-fundedschemes,andpotentialnegativeimpactstothesupplyofrentedpropertiestothemarket

• Researchanddevelopalternativestotraditionalbuildingmaterials,andtheincreaseduseoflowcarbonmaterialsinconstruction

• Introducelife-cycleassessmentrequirementsforbuildingsandconstructionproductsandprocesses• Publishastandardrecommendationforthedesign,installation,commissioningandmaintenanceofsolarPVpanelsinnewandexistingdwellings

• DevelopacertificationschemeforStandardRecommendation54–EnergyEfficientRetrofitofDwellings,toensurethatenergyupgradesofbuildingsarecarriedoutaccordingtobestpractice

• SupportingtheSEAIthroughtheregistrationofinsulationinstallersfortheretrofitofbuildings,reducingthecarbonemissionsofbuildings

TheforthcomingNationalPolicyonArchitecturehas,asoneofitsobjectives,thedesignofplacesforclimateneutrality,climateresilience,circularityandsustainability.Thepolicywillprioritiseandsupporttheintegrationofsustainablepracticesinarchitecturewithrespecttonewconstruction,andthereuse,refurbishmentandconservationofexistingstructures,asflexibilityandadaptabilityareessentialtoenvironmental sustainability�

Traditionalbuildingsoccurintheresidential,commercialandpublicsectors,anditisestimatedthatsome18%fallintothetraditionallybuiltcategory.Becausesomeapproachestoenergyinsulationretrofitarenotsuitableforthesebuildings,aretrofittingguidancedocumentforthesetypesofbuildingsiscurrentlybeingdeveloped.

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Intheresidentialrentalsector,theincentivestoinvestinenergyefficiencyupgradesaremisalignedbetweenlandlordsandtenants,whichimpactsnegativelyontheenergyperformanceofthesector.Thiscomplexproblem,referredtoasthesplitincentiveissue,isseeninmanycountries.Newpoliciesandmeasureswillberequiredtoaddressthesplit-incentive,andincreasethenumberofrentedpropertiesundergoingenergyupgrades.Theseinitiativeswillbeinformedbythefindingsofapublicconsultationheldlastyear.Itwillbeimportanttostriketherightbalancebetweenensuringasufficientsupplyofrentedaccommodation,andtakingactiontoensurethatthoselivinginrentalpropertiescanparticipateintheretrofitprogramme.Housing for All commitstheGovernmenttotakingactioninthisarea.

Policiesandmeasuresarealsorequiredtoaddressthesplitincentiveissueinthecommercialsector,where50%ofbuildingusersinthatmarketarenotbuildingowners.

13.3.7 Promoting Low Carbon Construction WearecommittedtoworkingwithindustrystakeholderstoincreasetheuseoflowcarbonmaterialsandtechnologiesintheconstructionandrenovationofbuildingsinIreland,informedbyevolvingEUstandardsandbybestpracticeinotherjurisdictions.

Recentexperiencewithdefectivematerialsinnewhomeconstructionunderlinestheneedtotakearobustperformance-basedapproachtotheadoptionoflow-carbonmaterials.Alternativematerialsmustmeettherequirementsofallpartsofthebuildingregulations,includingrequirementsrelatingtodurability,firesafety,structure,andresistancetomoisture.

Wewillbaseourapproachonenvironmentalcertification,andaframeworkforcalculatingtheembodiedcarbonofabuilding,takingintoaccounttheoutcomeofthereviewoftheEUConstructionProductsRegulation,withaviewtotheimplementationofBasicWorksRequirement7‘SustainableUseofNaturalResources’(BWR7)andtheenvironmentalcertificationofconstructionproducts.

TheSEAIhascommissionedalife-cycleanalysisstudytocomparethecontributionofdifferentconstructionmaterialstotheembodiedcarboninbuildings.Buildingonthiswork,andotherinputs,wewilldevelopaframeworkmethodologyasanessentialsteptowardsthephasedimplementationofaperformance-basedapproachtotheamountofembodiedcarbonthatisincludedinabuildingproject.

Ourapproachwillincludedistinctstepsfordemonstration,certification,standardisation,andcommercialisationofconstructionproducts.Thiswillincludetheresearchanddevelopmentofalternativestotraditionalbuildingmaterialsandtheincreaseduseoflowcarbonmaterialsinconstruction.Itwillalsoallowforthedecarbonisationandre-certificationofexistingconstructionproducts,whenlower-carbonmanufacturingprocessesareimplemented.

Inlinewithitsleadershiproleforthepublicsector,theOPWiscurrentlydevelopingaroadmaptopromotetheuseoflowcarbonbuildingalternativesinconstruction,andwewillidentifyopportunitiestolocateandbuildanexemplarpublicbuildingusingbestavailablesustainablematerialsand,inparticular,buildingsusingwood.

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Phase out of Fossil Fuel Heating

176 Carryoutresearchtoinformthedevelopmentofoptions,policiesandmeasurestodecarbonisetheheatingandcoolingsectorsto2050

177 Developproposalstoachievecompletephaseoutoffossilfuelheatingthroughoutourbuildingstockinlinewithourclimateneutralityobjective

Decarbonising Commercial Buildings

178 Developandenhanceinitiativestoeducateandenableorganisationstocontributetoournationalenergyandemissionstargets

179 Developanapproachtoretrofitcommercialbuildings

District Heating

180 SupportthedeliveryofdistrictheatingprojectsundertheClimateActionFund

181 Establishasystemofgovernanceforthedevelopmentofdistrictheatingpolicy

182 ConductappropriateresearchtoinformandsupportthegrowthanddevelopmentofdistrictheatinginIreland

183 Developaregulatoryframeworktoprotectconsumers,andtoensurethatdistrictheatingisdevelopedinastructuredway

184 Ensurenational,regionalandlocalplanningframeworksencourageandfacilitatethedevelopmentofdistrictheatingwhereappropriatetofacilitatingcompacturban development

185 Identifyappropriatefinancingmechanismtosupportthedeliveryofdistrictheatingprojects

186 Assesstheviabilityofdistrictheatingsystemswithinhigherdensityurban/peri-urbandevelopmentsthroughademonstrationproject

Geothermal Heating

187 Developapolicyandregulatoryframeworkforgeothermalenergytosupportitsuseasasecure,environmentallysustainableandcost-effectivesourceofrenewableenergy

Standards for New Buildings and Renovations

188 UndertakeregulatoryreviewofcostoptimalperformancerequirementsforPartL(ConservationofFuelandEnergy)oftheBuildingRegulations

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Promoting the Uptake of Low Carbon Construction

189 SupportthecurrentreviewbytheEuropeanCommissionoftheConstructionProductsRegulationandproposedimplementationofBasicWorksRequirements7+forsustainabilityofconstructionproducts

190 Developaframeworkmethodologyandcertificationschemeforproducts,asanessentialsteptowardsimplementingaperformance-basedapproachonaphasedbasisformeasuringandlimitingtheembodiedcarbonemissionsofbuildingprojectsandconstructionproducts

191 Workwithindustrystakeholderstoincreasetheuseoflowcarbonmaterials,takingintoaccountinternationalbestpractice

192 DevelopanembodiedcarbonBuildingRatingcalculationmethodology

193 SupportthedevelopmentofatoolforearlydesignstagecomparativeanalysisofembodiedcarbonintypicalIrishconstructiontypologies

194 Designandconstructtwoexemplarpublicsectorbuildingsusingalternativeconstructiontechniquesandmaterials,andmonitortheirperformance

195 Pilotprojecttoassesstheadaptivere-usepotentialofexistingtraditionallybuiltstructuresasresidentialaccommodation

Driving Demand Reduction

196 Evaluatepotentialforfurtheremissionssavingsthroughchangingconsumerbehaviourtolowerhouseholdheatdemand

Adaptation

197 Developspecificclimatemapsanddataforuseinbuildingdesigntoenhanceresilienceinsupportofclimatechangeadaptation

198 Assessandmonitorclimateimpactsonheritagesitesandidentifythreatenedheritagesites

199 Cooperateactivelyandshareknowledgewithinternationalpartnersandclimate-proofplanningproceduresforheritageproperties

200 Buildpublicawarenessoftherisksofclimatechange(ingeneralandforheritage)andofeffortstomitigateitandadapttoit

201 Integrateclimatechangeadaptationintoallheritage-managementplansandpolicies as these are updated

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National Retrofit Plan 14

National Retrofit Plan 14

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14. National Retrofit Plan

14.1 IntroductionAsindicatedinChapter13,emissionsfromtheResidentialsectormustreducefrom7MtCO2

eq.in2018tobetween3.5-4.5MtCO2eq.in2030.Acomprehensiveretrofitprogrammewillbeakeymeasuretosupporttheachievementofthistargetalongsideotherinitiativessuchastheroll-outofdistrictheatingsystems.ThisNationalResidentialRetrofitPlanaimstoachievetheequivalentof500,000homesretrofittedtoaBuildingEnergyRatingofB2/costoptimalorcarbonequivalentand theinstallationof400,000heatpumpsinexistingpremisestoreplaceolder,lessefficientheatingsystems by end-2030�

Atotalof18,400homeretrofitswerecompletedin202029.However,just4,000weretoaB2standardand1,600installedaheatpump.Weneedtogreatlyincreasethedepthandvolumeofretrofitsaswellasthenumberofheatpumpsinstalledinordertodelivertherequiredemissionsreductions.

Figure 14.1

Projected cumulative number of home upgrades 2019-25

1 www.seai.ie

0

20,000

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80,000

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2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

# of

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SEAI non-B2 homesLA B2 homesSEAI B2 homes

AsindicatedinFigure14.1,itisestimatedthatbetween201930and2025almost185,000homeenergyupgradeswillbedeliveredwithover83,000toaB2/costoptimallevel.Whenthecarbonsavingsfromthenon-B2upgradesareincluded,thisistheequivalentof120,000B2upgradesovertheperiod.Thismeansthatwewillneedtodeliver,onaverage,approximately75,000B2-equivalenthomeupgradesperyearfrom2026to2030toachievetheoveralltargetof500,000by203031�

ThiswillrequirehundredsofthousandsofhomeownerstomakethedecisiontoinvestindecarbonisingandmakingtheirpropertiesmoreefficientaswellastheStateplayingacentralrolethroughtheretrofittingofsocialhomes.Itwillnecessitatealargerretrofitsectorwiththecapacitytodelivermuchhighernumbersofretrofitstotherequiredstandardaswellasapproachestofinancingthatcanfundthenecessarywork.

29 ActivitywasimpactedduetoCOVID-19relatedrestrictions30 The500,000retrofittargetswassetinthe2019ClimateActionPlan31 By2025,itisexpectedthat88%ofB2upgrades(excludingtheSolarPVscheme)willinvolveinstallationofaheatpum


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14.1.1 What is a Retrofit? Aretrofitorhomeenergyupgradeenhancestheenergyperformanceofahome.Adeeperhomeenergyretrofitinvolvescarryingoutmultipleenergyupgrademeasurestogether,andmayincludewallandatticinsulation,replacingwindowsanddoors,addressingairtightnessandventilationandinstallinganefficientrenewableheatingsystem(suchasaheatpump),aswellasotherrenewableenergytechnologies(suchassolarPVpanels).

14.1.2 What is a Heat Pump?Aheatpumpsystemharnessesenergyfromfreerenewablesourcesoutsidethebuilding,inordertobothheatthehouseandproduceitshotwater32.Heatpumpsareanenvironmentallyfriendly,decarbonisedandextremelyefficientalternativetooil,gasandsolidfuelhomeheatingsystems.Themostcommonheatpumpsworkbyconvertingenergyfromtheairoutsideofthehomeintousefulheatinside,inthesamewayafridgeextractsheatfromitsinterior.

14.1.3 Multiple Benefits of RetrofitAsrecognizedbytheInternationalEnergyAgency,thetraditionalfocusonenergysavingsasthemaingoalofenergyefficiencypolicyhas,attimes,ledtoanunderestimationofthefullvalueofenergyupgrades.Retrofit/homeenergyupgradescanbringmultiplebenefits,suchasenhancingthesustainabilityoftheenergysystem,supportingstrategicobjectivesforeconomicandsocialdevelopment,promotingenvironmentalgoalsandincreasingprosperity.Assuch,thebenefitsofahomeenergyupgradesanddecarbonisationinclude:

• Warmer and more comfortable homes • Cheapertorunhomeswhichhelpstoalleviateenergypoverty• Improvedhealthandwellbeing,particularlyfortheyoungandelderly,throughimprovedinternaldwellingtemperaturesandairquality

• Improved asset values• ReducedGHGemissionsandairpollution• Increasedeconomicactivityandhighqualityjobscreatedthroughoutthecountry• Theabilitytoheatourhomesusingtheelectricitygeneratedthroughrenewableenergyprojects

in Ireland

14.1.4 The Role of Retrofit in Our Economic RecoveryThisNationalRetrofitPlanisakeyelementoftheGovernment’splansforeconomicrecovery.Thesignificantbudgetsnowprovidedforretrofit(asoutlinedinsection14.3below)willhelptostimulatethecreationofhigh-qualityjobsthroughoutthecountry,andsupportthedevelopmentofsupplychainsforproductsandservicesthatwillberequiredtotransformIreland’shousingstock.Thiswillhelptosupportajusttransition.TheGovernment’sinvestmentandprioritisationofthissectoroftheeconomyisalsointendedtostimulateinnovationwhichcandrivedowncostsaswellasdevelopknowledgeandexpertisethatcanleadtoexportopportunities.

32 Electricalheatpumpsuseacompressortodrawheatfromalowtemperaturesource,suchasexternalairorgroundtoheatthebuildinginterior.Whileconventionalheatingsystemssuchasstorageheatersandboilerscannotproducemoreheatthanthatcontainedintheirfuelsource,aheatpumptypicallywillproducethreetofourunitsofheatforeveryunitofelectricity


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14.1.5 Designing Our ApproachExperienceinternationallyandinIrelandmakesitclearthatthereisnosinglepolicyormeasurethatcancausetherequiredincreaseintherateofretrofit.Abroadrangeofpolicyleversmustinsteadbeimplementedalongsideclearmarketsignals.ThisNationalResidentialRetrofitPlanprovidesanoutlineofthekeyelementsofourapproachfortheremainderof2021and2022,withsomeclearsignalsforlateryears.Thiswillenablethedevelopmentandexpansionoftheretrofittingsupplychaincapacityasweprogresstothemiddleofthedecadefollowedbyafurtherscalingupofactivityinlateryears.

Itisimportanttonotethattheseactionsarejustthenextsteps.TheDepartment,inconjunctionwiththeSustainableEnergyAuthorityofIreland(SEAI)andanewNationalRetrofitSteeringGroup,willcontinuetotrackandmonitorprogressagainstournationaltargets,evaluatetheimpactofmeasuresintroducedandmakeadjustmentstoenhanceourapproachaswego.Thiswillinformannualresidentialretrofitplanstoincludeadditionalmeasuressuchasfurtherregulatoryandtaxationinitiatives.

AsystematicapproachhasbeentakenindeterminingthemeasuresforinclusioninthisPlan.Thisinvolvedfirstlyidentifyingthemainbarrierstoretrofitandthendeterminingtheinitiativesnecessarytoaddressthosebarriers.Thisprocesswasinformedby:

• Engagement,consultationandworkshopswithhomeowners,thesupplychainandfinanciers• CollaborativeworkingacrossrelevantGovernmentDepartmentsandAgencies• Reviewingnationalandinternationalexperienceofretrofittingprogrammes• TheGovernmentiscommittedtocontinuingtoworkinacollaborativewaywithstakeholdersinrelationtotheimplementationofthePlan.

TheinitiativesinthisPlanwerealsoguidedbyanumberofkeyprinciples:

• Fairness–ensuringfairnesstoallandsupportingajusttransition• Universality–coveringallhousingtypesandconsumersegments• Customer-centric–designingcustomer-centricsolutionstoreducethecostsandcomplexity,makingtheprocesseasierforthoseinvestinginretrofit

• Cost-optimal–encouragingretrofitstocost-optimallevelandmaximisingemissionabatement• Industry-led–stimulatingandsupportingthemarkettoinstilltheconfidencetoinvest,growandtakeonmoreworkers

Theseprincipleswillcontinuetoapplyaswemovefromthedesignstagetotheimplementationstage.


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14.1.6 The Four Pillars of Our Retrofit PlanTheNationalResidentialRetrofitPlanisbuiltonfourkeypillarsasoutlinedinFigure14.2belowwithactionsandinitiativesflowingfromeach.Collectively,theseactionswillcreatetheconditionsnecessaryforourtargetstobeachieved.

Figure 14.2 – Pillars of the National Residential Retrofit Plan

2. Financing & fundingClarify Exchequer financial commitment to residential retrofit and introduce measures to make home energy upgrades more affordable for households

4. Structures and governance

Ensure that the required structures and governance arrangements are in place to drive delivery

3. Supply chain, skills and standards

Expand the capacity of the supply chain, introduce measures to increase the number of skilled workers while maintaining quality

1. Driving demand and activity

Stimulate demand by building confidence in quality, ensuring value for money and simplifying the customer journey

Thesuccessofourapproachdependsonensuringthateffectivepolicyactionistaken,andbalancedprogressismadeundereachpillarsimultaneously.Forinstance,thereislittlepointindrivingdemandwhenthesupplychainisnotsufficientlydevelopedtosatisfythisdemand.Theimportanceofthiscannotbeoverstated–bottleneckscouldotherwiseemergehamperingprogressandexacerbatingtheexistingimbalanceswithintheretrofitsector.

Thispointstotheneedforanall-of-GovernmentapproachtoimplementationofthisPlan.Itisonly bytakingsuchanapproachthatwecanensurealignmentofprioritiesandactionswithasharpfocus on delivery�

Theinitiativestobetakenundereachpillararedescribedinthefollowingsections.


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14.2 Pillar 1 – Driving Demand and ActivityWhilemanyhomesareretrofittedeachyearinIreland,experienceindicatesthatarangeofnewmeasureswillberequiredinordertosufficientlyincreasedemandfromhomeowners.Engagement withstakeholdersaswellasSEAIresearchhasidentifiedseveralkeychallengesandbarriersto achievingsufficientdemandfordeeperretrofits.Thesealignwiththebarriersseeninother jurisdictionsandinclude:

• Alackofawarenessofwhatretrofitisandthemultiplebenefitsitdelivers• Alackoffamiliaritywithsometechnologiessuchasheatpumps• Homeownersbeingoverwhelmedbytheapparentcomplexityandnumberofdecisionsinvolved• Affordabilityandthehighupfrontcostofworks• Hasslethroughouttheretrofitexperiencefromthegrantapplicationphase,throughtothedeliveryofworksinthehome

Theplannedapproachesforaddressingthesebarriersandincreasingthemotivationofhomeownerstoproceedwithretrofitsareoutlinedbelow.Theseinitiativeswillbesupportedbyotherclearmarketsignals,suchastheincreasesinthecarbontaxplannedfortheyearstocome.

14.2.1 A National Awareness and Demand Generation CampaignEffectivecommunicationofthemultiplebenefitsofretrofitandinformationonvarioustechnologiesandsupportsavailablewillbeacorebuildingblockfordrivingdemandforretrofit.AcomprehensivenationalawarenessanddemandgenerationcampaignwilltakeplacethroughoutQ4of2021.

ThiscampaignwillbeinformedbyqualitativeandquantitativeresearchamonghomeownersaswellastheresearchinsightsandexpertiseoftheSEAI’sbehaviouraleconomicsteam.Thecampaignwillemphasisethecomfort,financialandenvironmentalbenefitsofhomeenergyupgradesandwillinformhomeownersabouttheavailabilityofrelevantsupportsincludingfreeservicesforeligibleenergypoorhomes.TherelevantsectionsoftheSEAIwebsitewillalsoberevisedtoallowhomeownerstomoreeasilydeterminetherightgrantschemefortheirparticularcircumstances.

Community-basedsocialmarketingapproacheswillalsobedeployedwitheventstakingplaceinlocationsaroundthecountry.Thesetargetedmarketingcampaigns,underpinnedbybehaviouraleconomicsinsights,willtakeplacein2022andwillbuildonexistinginitiativessuchastheheatpumpreadyhomescampaign.Engagementwiththesupplychainwillalsotakeplace.


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14.2.2 Provide a personalised roadmap for homeowners on how to upgrade their home to a BER B2 in the new BER Advisory ReportWhilemediacampaignshelptoinformhomeownersbroadlyonthebenefitsofretrofit,therecentlylaunchedBERAdvisoryReportwillprovidepersonalisedhomeenergyupgradeadvicefortheirhome.

WhenabuildingisassessedbyanindependentBuildingEnergyRatingassessor,adetailedAdvisoryReportisnowgeneratedandprovidedtothehomeowner.Thisfocusesnotjustonthepresentperformanceofthebuildingbutalsoonitspotentialforimprovedperformance.ThereportsincludeinformationforhomeownersonhowtoupgradetheirhometoatargetofaB2energyrating(orbetter)andidentifyheatpumpsasthepreferredsolutionwhereappropriate.

Thenewadvisoryreportwillhelpto:

• Makehomeownersmoreawareofthepotentialoftheirhome,andthestepsandsupportsto getthemthere

• Driveinvestmentdecisionsbymakingtheoptionsclearanduncomplicated,andmakingit easierforthehomeownertoactoninvestmentdecisionsbyclearlypresentingthenextstep(s) intheupgradeprocess

• Maximisetheinvestmentinenergyperformancetoreachthehighestperformance standards possible

InadditiontotheBERAdvisoryReport,anewinteractivehomeownerBERtoolwillbelaunchedbySEAItoinformhomeownersoftheimpactaBERhasoncomfortlevels,energycostsandcarbonemissionsinthehome.Basedontheinformationprovided,thetoolwillgiveanestimateoftheenergyusageinthehome,approximateenergycosts,carbonemissions,comfort,andairqualitylevels.Thisinformationwillactasahighlevelguideforhomeowners,promptingthemtoconsidercarryingoutaBERassessmentandseektailoredadviceonupgradingtheirhome.

14.2.3 A network of registered retrofit one-stop-shops will be developed to simplify the customer journey and enhance confidenceResearchindicatesthathomeownerscanfeeloverwhelmedbythenumbersofdecisionsassociatedwithretrofittingtheirpropertiesandthiscanbecompoundedbyalackofindependentadviceaswellasalackoftrustincontractors.Homeownerscanalsoexperiencehassleassociatedwiththeprocessfromcoordinatingcontractors,disruptioninthehomeandthepaperworkassociatedwithapplyingforgrants.

AcoreelementofourRetrofitPlanisthedevelopmentofanetworkofregisteredone-stop-shops(OSSs)tosimplifythecustomerjourneyaswellasenhancingqualityandconfidence.TheseOSSswillofferhomeownersalltheservicesrequiredforacompletehomeenergyupgrade.Theseregisteredprivateoperatorswillmanagetheentireprocessforhomeowners,fromtheinitialassessmentofthehome,throughtothefinalBuildingEnergyRating.Therangeofservicestobeprovidedbythe OSSs includes:

• Home energy assessment –atechnicalsurveyorwilladviseonthebestupgradestobringhomestoaB2energyratingorbetter

• Grant application–theywillapplyandacceptallSEAIgrantsfortheprojectanddeductthegrantvaluesupfrontfromthecostofworks

• Project management–theywillmanagealltheworksinthehomeandensurequalitychecksarecarried out

• Contractor works–theywillassignacontractortocarryouttheworksonthehome


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• Follow up BER–aregisteredBERAssessorwillcompleteapost-worksBERassessmentandpublishthecertificate

• Finance Options–someOSSscanofferfinanceoptionthroughtheirfinancepartners

TheOSSswillalsobringtogethergroupsofhomesforretrofit,deliveringeconomiesofscaleandfacilitatingnewefficiencies.

14.2.4 A new National Retrofit Scheme (One-Stop-Shop Service) will be launched Since2000,over450,000homeownershaveupgradedtheirhomeswithsupportfromSEAIgrantschemes,representingnearlyonehomeinfouracrossthecountry.SEAIgrantschemeswillcontinuetobeacentralelementoftheGovernment’sstrategytoencouragehomeownerstoretrofittheirhomesandtosupportthedevelopmentofthenetworkofOSSs.Theseschemeswillbeenhancedandimprovedtoensurealignmentwithournationaltargetsandattractivenesstohomeowners.TheflagshipdevelopmentinthisregardwillbeanewNationalHomeRetrofitScheme(OneStopShopService)whichwillfocusonthedevelopmentandexpansionoftheOSSmarket,aswellasthedeliveryofB2retrofitswithheatpumps.

Thisschemewillalsofacilitatecontinuous,year-roundworkingandmulti-yearplanning,whichhaslongbeenidentifiedasacrucialrequirementbythesupplychainandhomeowners.

TosupportthelaunchoftheNationalRetrofitScheme,theSEAIisdevelopingaformalregistrationprocessforOSSsaswellasmulti-annualcontractframeworks.ThesecontractframeworkswillincludeservicelevelagreementsbetweentheSEAIandtheOSSs,whichwillbereviewedquarterlytoensuretheOSSsaremeetingthenecessarycustomerandqualityperformanceindicators,andthattheirprojectpipelineisdevelopingattheagreedrate.Inparallel,SEAIprocessesandadministrationarebeingsignificantlystreamlined.ThiswillbeofbenefittohomeownersandassistthecashflowsinOSSs.AdditionaldetailontheregistrationsystemforOSSsissetoutinsection14.4below.

TheexistingSEAIgrantschemeswillbealignedwiththeNationalRetrofitSchemetomakeit easierforhomeownerstoclearlyidentifythebestroutetogetahomeenergyupgradebased on their circumstances�

14.2.5 Sustainable Energy Communities will be used to drive Community Activation SustainableEnergyCommunities(SECs)werefirstsetupin2015tosupportcommunitiesinthetransitiontoalowcarbonsociety.UnderthisNationalResidentialRetrofitPlan,SECswillbesupportedbyGovernmenttocontinueandexpandtheirrolesas‘activators’intheircommunity.Therearecurrentlyover580SECsintheSECNetworkwithatargettogrowthisnumberto1,500by2030.Basedonfeedbackfromthenetworkofcommunities,andinordertofacilitatemorelocalsustainableenergyactivation,atargetedandmorestreamlinedstrandoftheCommunitiesGrantisbeingdeveloped.AcallforprojectsundertheCommunitiesEnergyGrantSchemewilltakeplaceinQ42021,andthenewstrandoftheschemefocusedonsmallerprojectsforretrofittinghomeswillalsobeintroducedin2022.ThenewstrandwillremainavailableonanongoingbasisforSECsandwillprovideadditionaltimeforprojectstobecompleted.

14.2.6 Those least able to afford to retrofit will be supported to participateInlinewiththedesignprinciplesoffairnessanduniversality,thereisaneedtoensurethatallhousingtypesandconsumercohortscanparticipate.SpecificmeasurestostimulateretrofitactivityamonghouseholdsvulnerabletoenergypovertyandApprovedHousingBodies,andintheprivaterentedsectorwill,therefore,alsoberequired.


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AswellassignificantincomesupportsthroughtheDepartmentofSocialProtection33,Government fundsfreeretrofitsforlowerincomehouseholdsthroughtheSEAIWarmerHomesScheme.Funding forthisschemehasincreasedsignificantlyinrecentyearswithabudgetofover€100millionin2021.Todate,over143,000homeshavereceivedfreeupgradesunderthescheme.Inthefirstsixmonths of2021,theaveragevalueoftheenergyefficiencymeasuresprovidedperhouseholdwasapproximately€17,100.

Recommendationsontheimplementationofchangestotheschemetoensurethatitbettertargetsthosemostinneedwillbefinalisedthisyear.B2retrofitswillbetargetedandheatpumpswillalsobeinstalledinanumberofWarmerHomesSchemeupgradesaspartofapilottogatherevidencetoinformtheappropriateprocessandapproachtoincreasingthenumberofB2upgradesandheatpumpinstallationsunderthescheme.

Intheresidentialrentalsector,theincentivestoinvestinenergyupgradesaremisalignedbetweenlandlordsandtenants,whichimpactsnegativelyontheenergyperformanceofthesector.Thisisacomplexproblemseeninmanycountries.AkeystepassociatedwithaddressingthisissuewillbetheintroductionofaminimumBERratingrequirementforprivaterentalpropertieswherefeasiblefrom2025,inlinewiththecommitmentintheHousing for All Plan.SEAIgrantsupportwillalsocontinuetobemadeavailabletohelplandlordstoretrofittheirpropertiesaswellastheplannedlowcostloanschemeforretrofit(seeSection14.3below).

The Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Povertywaspublishedin2016.TheStrategysetoutseveralactionstoalleviatetheburdenofenergypovertyonthemostvulnerableinsociety.Thefocusofthestrategywasonhighimpactactionswhichaimedtomakearealdifferencetothelivesofthoseinenergypoverty.Areviewoftheimplementationofthisstrategywillbecompletedandwillinformnextstepsinrelationtothedevelopmentofanewstrategy.TheresearchfindingsoftheWarmthandWellbeingStudywillalsobepublished.

14.2.7 The Local Authority Retrofit Programme will be expandedApproximately36,500localauthorityhomeswillberetrofittedinthenextdecadeundertheLocalAuthorityRetrofitProgramme.ThesehomeswillbebroughttoaB2/costoptimalstandardwithaheatpump.ThisprogrammeofworkwillnotonlybenefitLocalAuthoritiesinassistingthemintheupgradeandmaintenanceoftheirhousingstock,butwillalsodirectlybenefithouseholderswithanenhancedlevelofcomfortandlowerfuelcosts.

In2022,theEnergyEfficiencyRetrofittingProgrammewillseeapproximately2,400homesnationallybeingupgradedtoaB2orequivalentstandardwithasignificantincreaseinfundingsupporttoLocalAuthoritiesto€85million.

14.2.8 The new Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme will be launchedAnenergyefficiencyobligationscheme(EEOS)isalegalrequirementplacedonenergysuppliers and/ordistributors(‘obligatedparties’)tohelpenergyuserssaveenergy,includingbycarryingoutenergyupgradesintheirproperty.Indoingso,obligatedparties(OPs)deliverthesavingstheyarerequiredtomakeacrossanumberofsectors(e.g.commercial,residential,andpublicsector),throughtheirownprogrammesand/orbyworkingwiththeexistingGovernmentenergyupgradeschemesofferedthroughtheSEAI.

33 Governmentisprovidinganestimated€300millionin2021foraFuelAllowancepaymentaswellasanelectricityorgasallowanceundertheHouseholdBenefitsschemeatanestimatedcostof€265millionin2021


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IrelandhasusedanEEOStohelpdeliveronitsbindingenergysavingsobligationundertheEnergyEfficiencyDirectivesince2014.The2014-2020EEOSsupportedenergyefficiencyactionsinmorethan300,000dwellings.Theschemetooperatefrom2022-2030hasbeenredesignedtoalignmorecloselywiththecommitmentsoftheProgramme for Government,particularlyinrelationtotheresidentialsector,therebybettersupportingthedeliveryofIreland’sbroaderenergyandclimateambitionandtargets.34

14.3 Pillar 2 – Financing and Funding ModelsEvidenceshowsthatakeybarriertoscalingupthenumberofhomeenergyupgradesisthefinancialconstraintsofhouseholds.Theseareexacerbatedbyhighupfrontcostsofhomeenergyupgradesandlongpaybackperiodsassociatedwithsuchinvestments.Lackoffundsalsocurtailsthenumberofretrofitmeasureshomeownerschoosetoimplementatthesametime.

TheworkrequiredandassociatedcostofbringingahometoaBERB2isdeterminedbyanumberoffactorsincluding:thesizeandtypeofhome(apartment,terrace,semi-detached,detached,bungalow);wallstype(solidorcavity);aswellastheageandstartingconditionofthehome(whenbuiltandanyworkscarriedoutsubsequently).Forinstance,theaveragecostofupgradingaB3-ratedhousewillbelessthanthecostofupgradingasimilarlysizedG-ratedhouse.Inthesameway,thecostofinstallingaheatpumpisdependentonvariablesincludingbuildingtypeandsizeaswellastheextentofre-plumbingrequired.

Forthatreason,thecalculationofanaveragecostforthefutureprogrammeofworkischallengingbecausewedonothavecertaintyonwhich500,000houseswillberetrofittedoverthecomingdecade.However,estimatescompiledfortheDepartmentoftheEnvironment,ClimateandCommunicationsindicatethatthecosttoretrofitthefabricofahousetoaBERB2andinstallaheatpumpcanrangebetween€14,000and€66,000.Usingacross-sectionoftheentirehousingstock,thiswouldimplyatotalcostofupto€28billionfortheretrofitprogramme.Thesefiguresshowtheextentofthechallengeaswellaswhyaffordabilityisfrequentlycitedasthebiggestbarriertoretrofitamonghomeowners.OtherfinancingrelatedchallengestobeaddressedinthisPlaninclude:

• Aperceivedabsenceofamulti-yearfundingcommitmentfromGovernment• Substantialprivatefundingwillberequired• Adifferentmixoffundingmodelswillberequired

WhileSEAIgrantschemesreferredtointhedemandsectionabovewillclearlyassistwith addressingaffordabilityissuesforhomeowners,arangeofothersupportingmeasuresareplanned andoutlinedbelow.

14.3.1 The NDP has provided clarity on the Exchequer multi-annual funding commitment for retrofitTheGovernmentrecentlyfinaliseditsreviewoftheNational Development Plan (NDP)allocationsforretrofitting.Thisreviewresultedinanunprecedentedlevelofinvestmentinretrofit.€5billionofadditionalcarbontaxrevenueshavebeenallocatedtosupportresidentialretrofitto2030.Crucially,theNDPalsoprovidedclarityontheannualallocationsforthecomingyearsaswellasthetotalallocationtotheendofthedecade,givingthesectortheconfidencetoplanandexpand.Itwillalsofacilitate

34 Atransitionschemeisinoperationfor2021withthenewlydesignedEEOScommencingon1January2022.


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grantfundingbeingmadeavailableacrosscalendaryears,thusenablingyear-roundbusinesscontinuity.TheannualallocationssetoutinthetablebelowwillprimarilybeusedtofundtheexpansionandenhancementofSEAIresidentialandcommunityretrofitschemes,includingenergypovertyschemesaswellasotherinitiativestosupportretrofit.Theconsistentandverysignificantincreaseintheannualallocationswillhelpthesectortogrowinasustainableway.

Table 14.1 – NDP Annual Allocations for Retrofit

Year 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030Plannedallocation(million)

€202 €291 €380 €469 €641 €898 €1,257 €1,760 €2,000

Asindicatedinthetable,furtherfundinginadditiontothe€5billionwillbeavailableforresidentialretrofit,predominantlyinthesecondhalfofthedecade,fundedbytheoverarchingDepartmentoftheEnvironment,ClimateandCommunicationsNDPallocationofaminimumof€12.9billionto2030.Thismeansthattheoverallallocationforresidentialretrofitwillbeapproximately€8billionto2030.AdditionalfundingwillalsobeavailabletofundtheDepartmentofHousing,LocalGovernmentandHeritage’sLocalAuthorityRetrofitProgramme.

14.3.2 Further research will be carried out to understand the needs of homeownersIrishconsumerresearchshowsthatalmosthalfoftherespondentswouldconsidertakingoutaloan topayforenergyefficiencyimprovements.Thefindingshaveshownthatgrantsencouragehouseholdstoundertakeahomeenergyupgradewhilelow-costfinancehelpsencouragepeopletochooseadeeper,morecomprehensivepackageofretrofitmeasures.Thisreinforcestheargumentthatacombinationofdifferentfundingapproaches,suitableforvariousconsumergroups,isnecessary.Additionalresearchiscurrentlybeingconductedtofurtherdeveloptheunderstandingofretrofitfinancingneedsofthemarket.

14.3.3 A new Residential Retrofit Low-cost Loan Scheme will be launchedAsmentionedabove,GovernmenthascommittedasignificantleveloffundingtosupportretrofitintheNDP.However,itisclearthatExchequerfundingalonewillnotbesufficienttocovertheentirecostofachievingIreland’sretrofittargetsandprivatefinancewillberequired.

Inthisregard,theGovernmentisworkingwiththeStrategicBankingCorporationofIrelandandtheEuropeanInvestmentBanktodeveloparetrofitloanguaranteeschemeandassociatedlow-costresidentialretrofitloans. ThisprojectformspartofIreland’sNational Recovery and Resilience Plan� Thepart-Exchequerandpart-EUfundedloanguaranteewillprovideriskprotectiontoretailcreditinstitutionsparticipatinginthescheme.Thiswillenablethemtoofferloanswithreducedinterestratestomakecomprehensivehomeenergyefficiencyupgradesmoreaffordabletohouseholdsandnon-corporatelandlords.Theprojecthasahighmarketcreationpotentialand,overtime,shouldleadtothedevelopmentbyfinancialinstitutionsoffollow-onfinancingproductscustomisedtohomeenergyupgradesandprovidedwithoutrelianceonExchequersupport.Inthisway,theschemewillcontributetodevelopingasustainableresidentialretrofitlendingmarketinIreland.

14.3.4 European Union funding will be pursuedTheuseofvariousEU-fundingstreamsinthepursuitoftheEU Renovation WaveagendaandIreland’sresidentialretrofitambitionhasmanypotentialadvantages. Intheperiod2021-2027,European


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StructuralandInvestmentFundswillsupport“a greener, low-carbon Europe” as a policy priority by promotingacleanandfairenergytransition,greenandblueinvestment,thecirculareconomy,climateadaptation,andriskpreventionandmanagement.InadditiontotheEURecoveryandResilienceFacilityfundingalreadycommittedtotheretrofitloanguaranteescheme,theGovernmentwillfurtherexaminethepotentialforallocatingmorefundingfromtheEuropeanRegionalDevelopmentFundtoretrofitsupportswhilepreparinganewgenerationofoperationalprogrammes.

14.3.5 The potential for new tax incentives for retrofit will be exploredWithaviewtofurtherincreasingretrofitactivitylevels,thepotentialfortheintroductionofanenergyefficiencyfocusedtaxincentivewillbealsoconsideredduringthelifetimeofthisPlan.Pastexperiencehasshownthatadedicatedtaxincentivecanbeacatalystforhomeimprovementactivity.Acorrectlydesignedtaxbreakcouldhaveasimilareffectondrivingenergyefficiencyhomeimprovements.Stakeholderengagementalsosuggeststhatthistypeofincentivecouldbeaneffectivewaytoaddresstheissueofmisalignedincentivesbetweentenantsandlandlords,whichimpedestheuptakeofenergyefficiencymeasuresintheprivaterentedsector.

14.4 Pillar 3 – Supply Chain, Skills and StandardsInordertoachievetherequiredlevelofretrofitactivity,itisessentialthatwedevelopthesupplychainandensurethatwehavetherequirednumberofappropriatelyskilledworkersnecessarytosatisfythatdemand.Buildingupofcapacityinthemarketfromitscurrentlevelstoapointwhereitcandeliverapproximately75,000homerenovationprojectsperyearwillrequiretherightinitiativestostimulateandsupportthemarkettoinvestandattractnewentrants.Forthistohappen,anumberofchallengesaffectingtheexistingsupplylandscapemustbeaddressed:

• AlackofindustrycertaintyaboutGovernmentintentionsandcommitment• Ashortageofworkerswiththenecessaryskills,drivenbyhighdemandintheconstructionsectoroverallandadvancesinbuildingenvelopeandlowcarbonheattechnologies

• Theexistingcomplexsupplierjourney(e.g.redtaperequiredtoreceivepaymentforwork)• Fragmentationresultinginlimitedabilitytoengageandmobilise

Astheretrofitindustrytransformstoaccommodatemuchhigherlevelsofoutput,qualitymustbemaintainedatahighleveltosustainconsumerconfidenceanddemand.Standardsandtheexistingqualitymanagementmodelwillneedtoevolvetocopewithmuchgreaterscaleofactivity.

Theretrofitsectorisgoingtorequireongoingsupportthroughto2030toovercomethesechallenges.Muchofthesupportisneededintheearlyyearsofthisdecadeinordertogrowthecapacityoftheretrofitindustrytoupskill,expandandinnovate.Overtime,supplychainsupportswillevolveinlinewiththeprogressmadeonthepathtowardsIreland’s2030carbonabatementobjectives.

SomeoftheinitiativespreviouslymentionedunderthedemandandfinancingpillarsofthisPlanwillsimultaneouslyhelpthesupplychain.Forinstance,thecommitmentofaverysignificantExchequerbudgetforretrofit,andclarityontheannualallocationsfortheyearstocome,willprovideconfidencetothesectortogrow,duetotheresultinglargeandstablepipelineofworkthatitwillsupport.ThecommencementofnewSEAIgrantschemesandexpansionoftheLocalAuthorityRetrofitProgrammewillalsoallowyear-roundworking.Thisinitselfwillgreatlyincreasethecapacityofthesectortodeliverincreasednumbersofretrofitsbecauseittransformsas6-monthindustryintoayear-roundindustry.However,arangeofotherinitiativesareplannedandoutlinedbelow.


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14.4.1 Carryout a skills forecast for the retrofit sector to 2030TheExpertGrouponFutureSkillsNeeds(EGFSN)willsoonpublishareporttitled‘Skills for Zero Carbon- The Demand for Renewable Energy, Residential Retrofit and Electric Vehicle Deployment Skills to 2030’� The EGFSNadvisestheIrishGovernmentonthecurrentandfutureskillsneedsoftheIrisheconomy,aswellasonanylabourmarketissuesthatimpactonenterpriseandemploymentgrowth.Thereportwillanalysethenatureandquantifythescaleoftheskillsrequiredbyenterprisesoverthecomingdecade,inordertodeliveronkeyenablingmeasuresforthezero-carbontransition,includingtheenergyefficientretrofitoftheexistinghousingstock.Thereportwillsetoutlabourdemandestimates,includingatdetailedoccupationallevel,forthedeliveryoftheGovernment’sretrofitambitionsforthenextdecade.Itwillalsosetoutacomprehensivesuiteofrecommendationsfortheeducationandtrainingsystem,aswellasothersourcesofskillssupply,inordermeettheprojectedlevel ofskillsdemand.

14.4.2 Deliver the necessary increase in upskilling, reskilling and apprenticeship supports TheGovernmentwillcontinuetosupportthedevelopmentoftheskillsnecessarytofurtherIreland’sclimateagenda,includingskillsassociatedwithenergyefficiencyinbuildings.AspartoftheresponsetotheimpactsoftheCOVID-19pandemic,theGovernmentexpandedinvestmentinupskillingandreskillinginareasofkeyskillspriorities,includingthelowcarbontransition.Newspecialistretrofittingtrainingcoursestosupportnon-craftandoperativerolesintheretrofitsectoraredeliveringtheinfrastructurerequiredtosupportskillsdevelopmentasdemandincreases,includingdevelopingtargetedopportunitiesforunemployedpersons.

Therehasbeensubstantialprogressondeliveringaninfrastructureforupskillingexistingcraftspeopleaswellasotherinterestedlearners.NearZeroEnergyBuilding(NZEB)andretrofittrainingisbeingdeliveredacrosstwospecialistcentres,withthreefurthercentresofexcellenceindevelopment.AnNZEBspecifictrainthetrainerprogrammeisinplacewiththefirstcohortduetograduateinautumn2021.Inadditiontoregionaldistributionofupskillingandreskillingopportunities,workisunderwaytoprovideblendedlearningandvirtualrealitysupportedtrainingwhichwilldeliveradditionalflexibilityinrelationtogeographicreachoftheprogrammes.

Apprenticeshipiswellembeddedintheconstructionsectorandprovidesaclearopportunitytogivethoseenteringtheworkforcetheskillsrequiredformoreenergyefficientconstruction,andtosupportdeliveryoftheGovernment’stargetsinretrofittingthehousingstock.Inadditiontoscheduledreviewsofcurriculumcontentofexistingcraftapprenticeships,whichprovideasignificantcontributiontotherangeofskillsrequiredtosupportthetransitiontothezerocarboneconomy,therecentlylaunchedAction Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025setsoutafive-yearstrategytoexpandthenumberofavailableapprenticeshipsandtoembedapprenticeshipasaclearchoiceforlearnersandemployerswishingtoupskillorreskill.

Actionsundertheplanwillmakeapprenticeshipvisible,promotethepotentialofapprenticeshipinnewareas,andseektosupportemployerstoincreaseengagementwithexistingapprenticeshipsandthedevelopmentofnewprogrammes.Doublingannualapprenticeregistrationsto10,000newregistrationsperyearby2025providesclearopportunitytosupportthedevelopmentoftheskillsetsnecessaryacrosstheretrofitindustry.

FundinghasbeenprovidedunderSpringboard and the Human Capital Initiativeforprogrammesandinnovationprojectstargetingthedevelopmentofprofessionalsinareassuchasbuildinganalysisandclimateadaptation;sustainablebuildingtechnology;andretrofit,conservationandsustainability.


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14.4.3 Initiatives to ensure the required number of BER assessors ThereareanumberofinitiativesplannedtoensurethattherequirednumberofregisteredBERassessors,tomeetthescalingupofBERactivity,isavailable.Theseinitiativeswillsupportboththeretentionofexperiencedassessorsandtherecruitmentofnewassessors.Initiativesinclude:

• Thedevelopmentofanewqualityassurancearchitecturetosupportbothascaling-upofactivityandcontinuousimprovement

• Thedevelopmentofacompetencyframeworkandacontinuousprofessionaldevelopmentpolicytosupport career development

• Theidentificationofchallengesforassessorsandbarrierstoregistration• ThereviewandupdateofBERtrainingcoursecontentanddeliverytoimproveaccessibility• Thepromotionofthenewadvisoryreport,andofBERassessorsasindependentadvisorstohomeownersonimprovingtheirBER

14.4.4 Supports for Enterprise Itisexpectedthattherangeofmeasuresinthisplanwillencouragenewentrantstotheretrofitmarketaswellasincentivisingexistingmarketplayerstogrow.However,newandexpandingbusinessesintheretrofitsectorcanfacechallengesastheydevelopandexpand.TheSEAIwillworkwiththesebusinessestoencouragethemtoavailoftherangeofsupportsavailablethroughtheLocalEnterpriseOffices(LEOs),whichincludefinancialsupports,trainingprogrammesandmentoring.

14.4.5 Registration for One-Stop-ShopsEntitiesseekingtooperateasOSSswillneedtomeetthecriteriaandstandards,includingcorecapabilities,setbytheSEAItobeeligibleforinclusiononthenationalregister.OSSswillberequiredtoprovidestrategic2/3-yearplansagainstwhichSEAIwillentermulti-annualagreementswitheachOSSforhomeenergyupgradesandensureappropriateongoingfundingcommitmentsareavailableforthesupportoftheseupgradestothelevelofgrantincentivespublishedbytheSEAI.

ThiswillallowOSSsandhomeownerstoupgradetheirhomesatatimethatsuitsthem,ratherthanhavingtowaitforprojectstofitwithopenandclosingperiodsofannualgrantprogrammeswithintheSEAIaswasthecasepreviously.

AnOSSneedstobeabletoprovideaunifiedandcohesiveofferingtohomeownerstoupgradetheirhomes,withnovisiblehandoversofcustomercommunicationorrelationshipswithintheenergyupgradeproject.TheSEAIwillmonitortheperformanceofOSSstoensurehighqualityofenergyefficiencyworksandrobustcustomerserviceinordertobuildconsumerconfidenceinthebenefitsassociatedwiththisnewretrofitdeliverymodel.TheregistrationofOSSswillcommencebytheendof2021withfurtherworkpackagestofine-tunethenewdeliverysystemtobefinalisedin2022.

TheexistingCommunityEnergyGrant(CEG)Schemewillremainopenasadevelopmentcallandavailableforthoseprojectco-ordinatorswhoarenotsuccessfulinregisteringasanOSS.TheCEGSchemewillencouragethedevelopmentofapipelineofOSSserviceproviders.


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14.4.6 Carry out a study into the Heat Loss Indicator criteria for the installation of heat pumpsUnderSEAIgrantschemes,thecurrentHeatLossIndicator(HLI)criterionforheatpumpinstallationinhomesis2.3W/Km2orless.ThismeansthathomeswithaHLIgreaterthan2.3W/Km2afteranybuildingfabricworksarenoteligibleforSEAIheatpumpsupports.TheSEAIwillcarryoutanaction-basedresearchstudywiththeintentionofinformingandprovidingevidenceontheoptimumperformancefromtheheatpumprelativetothefabricandventilationspecificationandcontrolstrategies.TheobjectiveofthisresearchistotesttheefficacyofinstallingaheatpumpinhomeswithaHLIof>2.3and≤2.6W/Km2.IfproventobeeffectiveatthisrangeofHLI,withacceptableincreasesinheatingbills,thiscouldallowheatpumpstobeinstalledinmanyhomeswhich:

• CurrentlyfinditeithercostprohibitivetoachieveaBERB2andachieveaHLIof2.3W/Km2

• Areexcessivelydisruptivetoperformanenergyupgrade• HavebeendeemedineligiblebytheSEAIforagrantforaheatpumpinstallationwhenundertakingretrofitworksinthepast

14.4.7 New Standards and Guidance DocumentsTheNationalStandardsAuthorityofIreland(NSAI)recentlypublished“S.R. 50-4:2021 Building Services – Part 4: Heat pump systems in dwellings”.Thisdocumentprovidedguidelinesforthedesigninstallation,commissioningandmaintenanceofheatpumpsystem.TheNSAIwillalsopublishastandardrecommendationforthedesign,installation,commissioningandmaintenanceofsolarPVpanelsinnewandexistingdwellings.Inaddition,themainguidancedocumentontheEnergy Efficient Retrofit of Dwellings (S.R. 54)willbeupdatedtotakeaccountofnewdevelopmentsandensurethattheguidancewillcontinuetosupportworkbeingcarriedoutinlinewithbestpractice.

Asignificantproportionofhomesandbuildingsthatwillneedtoberetrofittedare“traditionallybuilt”.Thistermgenerallyappliestobuildingsbuiltbefore1940,andincludessignificantnumbersofVictorianandGeorgianstructures.Itisestimatedthatsome18%ofdwellingsfallintothetraditionally-builtcategory.Uncertaintyaboutwhatretrofittreatmentswereallowableorappropriatehascontributedtoalimitedamountofenergyefficiencyretrofitonthesebuildings.ToprovideclarityandguidanceonundertakingthisretrofitappropriatelyanewGuidancedocumentisbeingdevelopedforbuildingprofessionalsparticularlyspecifiersandinstallers.Anyrelevant,availableSEAIretrofitsupportswillalignwiththebestpracticeguidancewhenpublished.

14.4.8 Building RegulationsBuildingregulationscontinuetoplayacentralroleindrivingthedecarbonisationofourhousingstockunderthisplan.TheNZEBRegulationswillensurethatallhomesbuiltinthefuturewillmeetourexpectationsintermsofcomfortandfunctionality,whilealsosignificantlyreducingenergyuseandCO2emissions.Since2015,lessthan4%ofnewdwellingsinstalledoilboilersandapproximately85%ofnewdwellingsbuiltto2019NZEBBuildingRegulationsinstalledheatpumps.Itisexpectedtheinstallationoffossilfuelboilersinnewhomeswillbeeffectivelybannedby2023.

Theregulationswillalsohelptoaddressthelegacyofolderhousingwithpoorenergyefficiencyperformanceandhighlevelsofemissions,throughtherequirementthatdwellingsundergoingmajorrenovations(wheremorethan25%ofthesurfaceareaisrenovated)mustmeetaBERB2orcostoptimalequivalent.MinimumBERstandardswillalsobeimplemented,wherefeasible,forprivaterentalpropertiescommencingin2025inlinewithEnergyPerformanceofBuildingsDirective.


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RegistersofcompetentbuilderswillalsobeestablishedbyplacingtheConstructionIndustryRegisterIreland(CIRI)onastatutoryfooting.

ThedevelopmentofNZEBtrainingcourses,NSAIstandardsandBERadvisoryreportinformationwillalsoaidcompliance,inparallelwithexistingbuildingcontrolrequirements.

14.5 Pillar 4 – Structures and GovernanceTheNationalResidentialRetrofitPlanincorporatesactionstobedeliveredacrossanumberofGovernmentDepartmentsandAgencies.Assuch,implementationwillrequirecollaborationacrossGovernment,andappropriatestructuresandgovernancearrangementsareessential.

14.5.1 A cross-Departmental National Residential Retrofit Oversight Steering Group will be establishedReportingontheactionsintheNationalResidentialRetrofitPlanwillbeincorporatedwithinthereportingstructuresfortheClimateActionPlan.

Inaddition,across-departmentalsteeringgroup,chairedbytheDepartmentoftheEnvironment,ClimateandCommunicationswillbeestablished.Thisgroupwilloverseeandmonitorprogressagainstournationaltargetsanddevelopnewinitiativesasrequired.

14.5.2 Further develop and resource the SEAI as the National Retrofit Delivery BodyTheSEAIhasbeendesignatedastheNationalRetrofitDeliveryBody.Inthisrole,theSEAIwillactastheleadagencyindrivingthedeliveryofourretrofittargets.

TheresponsibilitiesoftheSEAIinthiscapacityinclude:drivingdeliveryofourretrofittargets;promotingretrofituptakethroughmarketingcampaigns;enhancingtheappealoftheretrofitsupportsandimprovingthecustomerjourney;settingstandardsfor,anddevelopingandregistering,OSSs;increasingthenumberofBERassessors;monitoringandmanagingthequantumandqualityofretrofitserviceprovision;andsupportingthesupplychainintheareaofretrofit.

SignificantadditionalfundingisbeingprovidedbytheGovernmenttocontinuetoincreasethecapacityoftheagency.Theprocessofdeveloping,restructuringandrecruitingthenecessaryexpertisecommencedin2021andwillcontinueinparallelwiththedeliveryoftheNationalRetrofitPlan.

14.5.3 Enhance the collection and monitoring of retrofit activity data delivered with Government supportTherestructuredandresourcedSEAIwillalsohelpsupportenergypolicyandbudgetingdecisionsoftheGovernment.ThiswillincludeenhancedcollectionandmonitoringofdataonretrofitactivityacrossGovernment-supportedretrofit.Itwillalsocontinuetodeliverinsightsfromenergystatistics,programme/policyevaluationandimpactassessment,energymodelling,behaviouralscience,technologyexpertise,andresearch.ThisanalyticalbasisisconsideredessentialfordrivingIreland’sambitiousemissionsreductiontargetsinthebuiltenvironmentsectorto2030andbeyond.

14.5.4 The capacity of Local Authorities to deliver their retrofit programme will be enhanced LocalAuthoritieswillcontinuetoplayakeyroleinsupportingtheachievementofournationalretrofittargets,particularlythroughtheexpansionoftheLocalAuthorityRetrofitProgramme.LocalAuthoritieswillbesupportedwithincreasedprojectmanagementsupportthroughdirectfundingfromtheDepartmentofHousing,LocalGovernmentandHeritage,andwithadvice,guidance,knowledgesharingandbestpracticeexamplesfromtheHousingDeliveryCo-ordinationofficebasedintheLocalGovernmentManagementAgency.


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Driving Demand and Activity

202 Implementanationalawarenessanddemandgenerationcampaignforresidentialretrofit

203 ProvideapersonalisedroadmapforhomeownersonhowtoupgradetheirhometoaBERB2inthenewBERadvisoryreport

204 DevelopanetworkofretrofitOne-Stop-Shopstosimplifythecustomerjourneyandenhanceconsumerconfidence

205 LaunchnewSEAINationalRetrofitScheme(OneStopShopService)todrivethedeliveryofB2retrofitswithheatpumpsandfacilitateyear-roundworking

206 UtiliseSustainableEnergyCommunitiestodrivecommunityactivation

207 Supportthoseleastabletoaffordtoretrofit

208 RolloutofSocialHousingNationalRetrofittingProgrammein2021withretrofittedpropertiesrequiredtoreachBERB2orequivalent

209 LaunchanewEnergyEfficiencyObligationScheme

Financing and Funding Models

210 Allocatefundingtoresidential/communityretrofitfromDepartmentalcapitalenvelopeinlinewithNDPfundingtrajectory

211 Carryoutresearchtofurtherunderstandtheneedsofhomeownersinrelationtofinancingretrofit

212 Introducearesidentialretrofitloanguaranteescheme

213 PursuefundingthroughEuropeanUnioninitiativesasappropriate

214 Explorethepotentialfornewtaxmeasurestosupportretrofit

Supply Chain, Skills and Standards

215 PublishaforecastoftheskillsrequiredtodeliveronourretrofittargetaspartoftheExpertGrouponFutureSkillsNeedsreporton“SkillsforZeroCarbon-TheDemandforRenewableEnergy,ResidentialRetrofitandElectricVehicleDeploymentSkillsto2030”

216 Deliverthenecessaryincreaseinupskilling,reskillingandapprenticeshipsupportsforresidentialretrofitting

217 IntroduceinitiativestoensuretherequirednumberofBERassessors

218 LaunchastudyintotheHeatLossIndicatorcriteriafortheinstallationofheatpumps

219 PublishnewStandardsandGuidanceDocumentsforretrofit

220 Helptoaddressthesplitincentiveissueforrentalproperties


Structures and Governance

221 Establishacross-DepartmentalgrouptooverseeimplementationoftheNationalRetrofitPlan

222 FurtherdevelopandresourcetheSEAIastheNationalRetrofitDeliveryBody

223 EnhancethecollectionandmonitoringofretrofitactivitydatadeliveredwithGovernment support

224 Enhancethecapacityoflocalauthoritiestodelivertheirretrofitprogrammeaccordingtobudgetsallocated


141

Enterprise

142

Transport 15

Transport 15

Transport

143

15. Transport

15.1 State of PlayThepopulationofIrelandisexpectedtoreach5.7millionby2040fromacurrentestimateof4.9millionin2021.Inparallel,overthenexttwodecadesthereareprojectionsofbothemploymentandeconomicgrowththatmaystimulategreatertransportactivityanddemand.Withoutsignificantchangesintravelpatterns,modalshare,andtechnology,agrowthincurrenttransportactivityanddemandwillfurtherdiminishournationalcompetitiveness,qualityoflife,anddecarbonisationgoals.

Transportaccountsforapproximately20%35ofIreland’sgreenhousegas(GHG)emissions.Roadtransportisresponsiblefor96%ofthoseGHGemissionsandisalsodirectlyresponsibleforarangeofairpollutantsthatnegativelyimpactbothhumanhealthandtheenvironment.Thelevelsofnoise,accidents,andcongestionassociatedwithroadtransportreducesqualityoflife,detersactivetravel,andcosts society hundreds of millions of euro per annum36inwastedtime.Promotingcleaner,saferandmoresustainablemobilityiscriticalforclimatepolicy,anditalsorepresentsanopportunitytoimproveourhealth,boostthequalityofourlives,meettheneedsofourgrowingurbancentres,andconnectourrural,urbanandsuburbancommunities.

Table 15.1 Transport GHG Emissions, 201837

Transport Emissions CO2eq.


Transport Emissions CO2eq. per person

12.2Mt 19.6% 2�5 t

Transportemissionspeakedat14.4MtCO2eq.in2007,fallingduringtheeconomicrecessionto10.9MtCO2eq.in2012.Astheeconomicrecoverytookhold,thesector’semissionsbegantoriseoncemore,illustratingacontinuedrelationshipbetweentransportemissionsandeconomicactivityinIrelandthatmustbeaddressed.Theemissionsinventoryreportedaslightincreaseintransportemissionsfrom12MtCO2eq.in2017to12.2MtCO2eq� in2018.Thiswasdespitetheintroductionofincreasedbiofueluse,improvingvehicleefficienciesandagrowingnumberofEVsinthefleet.Thesemeasures,alongsidetheongoingdevelopmentofthebroadersustainabletravelambitionsofthefirstClimateActionPlan,stillofferapathwaytowardsalow-emittingandsustainabletransportsector.However,itisclearthattodelivera51%GHGemissionreductionby2030,thelevelofambitionandsupportingactionsmustincreaseandtherateofchangemustbesignificantlyaccelerated.

TheimpactoftheCOVID-19pandemic,withtheintroductionofseveretravelrestrictionsandgreaterremoteworkingpractices,isestimatedtohaveresultedinareductionofapproximately16%oftransportemissions(excludingaviation)in2020comparedto2019levels38� This conveys some sense ofthescaleofthechallengewefaceindeliveringa51%reductionintransportemissionsby2030.Thegoalistosuccessfullyreduceemissionsfromthetransportsectorwhilemaximisingthebenefitsofthetransition,withoutnegativelydamagingeconomicwellbeing,andwithoutadverselyimpactingdifferentsocialgroups.Thepandemichasalsoshownusthatlargescalebehaviourchangeisachievableandthatnewpatternsofmobilityandworkingcanplayapartinthetransitiontoacleaner,saferandmore

35 Thistotalexcludesinternationalaviation36 AnalysisundertakenbytheDepartmentofTransportin2017indicatedthatthetimecostsoftrafficcongestioncouldgrowbyover75%upto2025andmorethantreblebetweenthenand2033–reachingapeakcostashighas2.08bnintheGreaterDublinAreaalone-CostsofCongestion:AnAnalysisoftheGreaterDublinArea

37 https://www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring--assessment/climate-change/air-emissions/greenhouse-gas-emissions-final-2019.php38 https://www.seai.ie/publications/Energy-CO2-emissions-2020-Short-Note-FINAL.pdf

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sustainabletransportsystemforall.Improvedplanningandradicalredesignisrequiredtoshiftourbuiltenvironmentfrombeing“vehiclecentered” tobeing “peoplecentered”. The concept of the “15-minuteneighbourhood”, whichgainedprominenceduringtheCOVID-19pandemic,isrepresentativeofthisbroadambition.Specifically,promotingandsupportingcommunitiesinwhichpeoplecanliveandaccessmostoftheirdailyneedswithina15-minutejourney,mainlybysustainablemodes(publictransport,cyclingandwalking).

Table 15.2 Trends in Transport GHG Emissions

Timeframe Percentage Change Absolute Change, CO2 eq.2005-11 -14.5% -1.9Mt2011-18 8.9% 1Mt

TheimmediatechallengesfacedbyIrelandforthetransportsectorarecommontomanyEUcountries.Theheadlineactionsincludeastrongshifttosustainabletravelmodesandtheelectrificationofvehiclefleets.Thechallengeisnotsomuchtheninsettingthepathwaytotransportdecarbonisation,butratherindeliveringtherequisitepolicysupports,investment,infrastructureandinformation,sothatthebehaviouralandtechnologicalchangesareeasy,plausibleandattractiveforcitizens,andthatthenecessaryratesofchangecanbedelivered.Stronggovernanceisrequired.

Table 15.3 – Transport GHG Emissions International Comparisons, 2018 39

Ireland Denmark Austria Finland EU 27Share of Total GHG 19.6% 27.9% 31.1% 20.7% 22.0%

Transport Emissions, CO2eq. per person 2�5 t 2�3 t 2�8 t 2�1 t 1�9 t

Change Since 2005 -6.9% -1.0% -2.0% -9.8% -2.3% Supporting National PlansTheClimateActionPlanfortransportwillsupportandbuildfromseveralkeynationalpolicyplansthataredrivingthenecessarychanges,includingProjectIreland2040,theNationalPlanningFramework,theNationalRemoteWorkStrategy,theNationalAdaptationFramework,OurRuralFuture-RuralDevelopmentPolicy2021-2025,andtheforthcomingSustainableMobilityPolicy.Theseplansalignwiththeclimateactiongoalsbysupportingrelevantchangessuchasmorecompact,connecteddevelopmentsthatofferbetterpublictransport,aswellassafer,longerandbetter-connectedwalkingandcyclingnetworkstosupportactivetravelchoicesandchanges.Theforthcominglandtransportinvestmentframeworkwillsetoutahierarchyformakinginvestmentsinthetransportsector,withsustainabletravel,startingwithactivetravelandthenpublictransport,beingencouragedovertheprivate car�

Table 15.4 – Required Level of Decarbonisation in Transport

2018 Emissions40 2030 Required Emissions based on CAP 202112.2Mt 6-7Mt

39 EEAAnnualEuropeanUniongreenhousegasinventory1990–2018andinventoryreport202040 Ireland’sProvisionalGreenhouseGasemissions19902019

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Table 15.5 Potential Metrics to Deliver Further Abatement in Transport

Key Metrics 2018 20252030

(Based on CAP 2021)

Additional Abatement Impact,

MtCO2eq.

Core Measures

Sustainable Transport Journeys

and Demand Management Measures41

N/A

125,000additionalpublic transport andactivetraveljourneys,andtherollingoutof

sustainable demand management

measures

500,000(14%)additionalpublictransportandactivetraveljourneys

per day

ReduceICEcarkilometresbyc.

10%

c� 1�4

Electrification of Passenger Cars c� 2000 175,000

845,000withafocus on BEVs

c� 2�7

Transition to Low Emission Vans c� 85 20,000

95,000withastrongerfocuson

BEVsc� 0�2

Improved HGV Technology c� 20 700

3,500lowemissionHGVs

c� 0�3

Increased Bio-fuel Blend Rate

E5 B4�5

E10 B12

E10 B20

c� 1�1

Electrify Mass Transportation N/A

300 EV buses andexpandingelectrifiedrail

services

1,500EVbuses andexpandingelectrifiedrail

services

c� 0�3

c� 0�1

Further MeasuresUndertakeaprogrammeofworkwhichwillreviewprogressand

furtherrefinemeasuresthatwillseektodelivertheadditionalc.0.9MtCO2 reductionby2030inafairandequitablemanner

c� 0�9

41 Includestheimpactofreducedfueltourismpractices

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15.2 Targets

To meet the required level of emissions reduction, by 2030 we will: • Provideforanadditional500,000dailypublictransportandactivetraveljourneys

• Developtherequiredinfrastructural,regulatory,engagement,planning,innovationandfinancialsupportsforimprovedsystem,travel,vehicleanddemandefficiencies

• IncreasethefleetofEVsandlowemittingvehicles(LEVs)ontheroadto945,000,comprisingof:

• 845,000electricpassengercars

• 95,000electricvans

• 3,500lowemittingtrucks

• 1,500electricbuses

• anexpandedelectrifiedrailnetwork

• RaisetheblendproportionofbiofuelstoB20indieselandE10inpetrol

• ReduceICEkilometresbyc.10%comparedtopresentdaylevels

• Undertakeaprogrammeofworkwhichwillreviewprogressandfurtherrefinemeasuresthatwillseektodelivertheadditionalc.0.9MtCO2reductionby2030inafairandequitablemanner

15.3 Measures to Deliver Targets 15.3.1 Sustainable MobilityExpandingsustainablemobilityoptionstoprovidemeaningfulalternativestoeverydayprivatecarjourneysisnecessarytoreducetransportemissions.Continuedandenhancedinvestmentinourwalking,cyclingandpublictransportinfrastructureandservicesacrossthecountryisrequiredonascalenotpreviouslyseen.Wearecommittingtodeliveringanadditional500,000dailysustainablejourneysby2030(c.14%increaseoncurrentlevels)throughtheimplementationofmajortransportprojectssuchas:

• BusConnects• ConnectingIreland• Expandingrailservicesandinfrastructurein,andaround,majorurbancentres• Asignificantincreaseinourwalkingandcyclinginvestments

Newtechnologywillalsoincreasinglyplayakeyroleintherealisationofourclimateactiongoals,withelectricbicycles,electriccargobicycles,and(whenlegalised)e-scooters,extendingboththenumberandlengthofsustainabletripsacrossIreland.

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Akeyambitionis,therefore,toprovidecitizenswithreliableandrealisticsustainablemobilityoptionstoenablebettermobilitychoices.Tothisend,abroadsuiteofsupportswillbeutilised,including:additionalareamobilitymanagementplanning;furtherpedestrianisationofcitycentresandschoolstreets;investmentsinactivetravelinfrastructure;improvementstothecapacity,frequency,reliabilityandjourneytimeofpublictransportservices;andpromotinggreaterawarenessoftheseimprovedwalking,cyclingandpublictransportoptions.Modalshiftfromtheprivatecartosustainabletransportwillalsobesupportedthroughthenew10-yearSustainable Mobility Policywhichwillbepublishedlaterthisyear.Alongsidecontinuedsignificantinvestmentandexpansionofactivetravelandpublictransportinfrastructureandservices,thenewpolicywillincludeactionsintheareasofbehaviourchange;demandmanagement;andtransport-leddevelopment–includingmulti-modaltransporthubs,transforminghowwetravelthroughthegreateruseofsustainabletransport.

Thenewapproachtopublictransportwillbebasedonavisionofanintegratedpublictransportnetwork,enablingshort,mediumandlongdistancetripsforpeopleineverypartofIreland.Thiswillmeanincreasingthefrequencyofexistingrailandbusservices,andexpandingthebusnetworkthroughtheConnectingIrelandapproach,whileensuringtheirtimetablingtoenableconnectedjourneys.Thisexpansioninpublictransportcapacitywillbothdriveandcaterfortheplannedtransferofmodes.Togetherwithmajormedium-andlong-terminfrastructuralinvestment,thefollowingaresomeoftheotherkeyactionsdesignedtopromotegreatersustainablemobilitythatwillbeimplemented:

• Legislatingforelectricscooters• SupportingLocalAuthoritiesinexpandingsharedmobility(ormobilityasaservice)schemes• Encouragingcargobicycleuse• Creatingagreaterawarenessofroadsafetyamongstallroadusers

Box 15.1 Behavioural Change: Workplace/Area Travel Plans and Safe Routes to School

Supportingbehaviouralchangecanhaveasignificantimpactontraveldemandregardlessofthelevelofinfrastructureinvestment.MobilityManagementPlansinworkplaces,educationalestablishmentsandresidentialdevelopmentshavehadasignificantimpactonthetravelchoicesofemployees,studentsandresidents.TheNationalTransportAuthorityhelpedover150largeemployersand23campusesnationally,coveringover250,000employees,developMobilityManagementPlans.WhereworkplacesactivelyengagedwiththeirWorkplaceTravelPlan,anaveragereductionincarcommutingof18%hasbeenrecorded.

TheSafeRoutestoSchoolprogrammewaslaunchedin2021tosupportwalking,scootingandcyclingtoprimaryandpost-primaryschools.Theprogrammewillinvesttocreatesafewalkingandcyclingrouteswithincommunities,toalleviatecongestionattheschoolgatesandincreasethenumberofstudentswhowalk,scootorcycletoschool.

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15.3.2 System Efficiency and Demand ManagementReducinginternalcombustionengine(ICE)cartripsisessentialifwearetoachieveourtransportemissiontargets.Realisingthisobjectivecanoffermanyco-benefitsintermsofpublichealth,reducedcongestion,andfacilitatingmoreaccessibleandvibrantcommunities.Itisestimatedthat,by2030,fossilfuelledpassengervehiclekilometreswouldneedtodecreasebyupto10%from2019levelsinordertofullyachievea51%emissionsreductionoverall.Reducingoverallpassengerkilometresisnotaboutcancellingtrips,butratheritisaboutreducingtheneedfor,andlengthof,certaintrips.Thatsaidachievingthislevelofreductioninthetimeframeenvisagedpresentsasignificantchallengegiventhattechnologyadvancescanonlyachievesomuchandtheheavyrelianceonthecaramongcertaincohortsofthepopulationandincertainpartsofthecountrywheremoresustainablealternativesarelimited.Forthisreason,thesuiteofpotentialdemandmanagementwillneedtobedeliveredinawaythatachievesajusttransitionandsupportseconomicwellbeing.

ThependingFiveCitiesDemandManagementStudywillidentifythemaindriversof,andthesuitableactionstoreduce,transportdemandinIreland’sfivelargesturbancentres—Dublin,Cork,Waterford,Limerick,andGalway.ThestudyfindingsandrecommendationswillbekeytodevelopingthepoliciesandactionstodeliverontheoverallgoalforareducedlevelofICEtripsby2030.Furtheranalysiswillfollowtoidentifyhowmeasuresidentifiedinthisstudycanbeappliedindifferentregionsandlocationsacross the country�

Governmentplanningpolicywillalsocontinuetoworktoaddresslowdensity/suburbansprawl (whichincreasesthedistancepeoplemusttravel,lockingincar-dependentpatternsofdevelopment andbehaviour)bypromotingcompacturbangrowthasakeymechanismtoenablesustainabledevelopmentaswellasactiononclimatechangeandcongestion.Thiswillinvolvenotjustthedesignofnewdevelopments,butalsotheaddressingofissueswithinexistingdevelopments.Planningpolicywillworkto:

• Reducedemandfortravelbycar,traveldistances,andjourneytimes• Increasetravelchoices,reducecardependency,andmitigatetrafficcongestion• Reduceairpollutionandpromotecleanerandmoreactivemodesoftransport• Sustaineconomicandsocialactivityatstreetlevelcreatingvibrantcommunities• Increaseaccesstoshops,employment,transportservices,andlocalamenitiesbysustainablemodes

WhilemoreworkisrequiredtofullydefinethepathwaystoachievethenecessaryICEkilometresreduction,thebenefitsandchallengesofseveralpotentialmeasureswillbeconsideredincluding:

• Reallocatingroadspacefromtheprivatecartoprioritisewalking,cyclingandpublictransport• Enhancingpermeabilityforactivetravel• Deliveringsaferwalkingandcyclingroutestoencouragegreateruptakeofactivetransport• Improvingtrafficmanagementandtheintroductionoflargercirculationroutes• Encouraginglowerspeeds,employingstrongerspeedlimitenforcementorintime,reviewingdefault

speed limits• Reducingparkingprovisionand/orincreasingparkingfees• Implementinglowemissionzones• Employingroadpricingsystems• Promotingthemostfuel-efficientICEvehicleswithinthelegacyvehiclefleet

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ThefocusoverthecomingmonthswillbeonmodellingandresearchingthevariousoptionsavailabletoreduceICEtripsinajustmanner,intandemwith:

• ConsideringthefindingsoftheFiveCitiesDemandManagementStudy• Identifyingmethodsbywhichourregulatoryandplanningsystemscanbeutilisedtopromoteactive

mobility and sustainable development• ReviewinglegislationwithaviewtoensuringthatLocalAuthoritieshavethenecessarypowerstointroducelowandzeroemissiontrafficzones

15.3.3 Fleet ElectrificationElectrificationofthevehiclefleetoffersapathwaytozerotailpipeemissions,withseveralco-benefitssuchasimprovedairquality,reducednoisepollution,andlessfossilfueldependence.Therearecurrentlyover45,000EVsregisteredonIrishroads,sowhilethenumberhasimproved,thepaceofuptakemustincreaseoverthecomingyearstoachieveourfleetelectrificationtargets.

Subjecttotechnologicaladvances,itisexpectedthatbythemid-2020sEVs(carsandvans)willreachtotalcostofownership(TCO)paritywithICEvehicles.Thismeansthatwhentheaverageconsumerfactorsinboththeup-frontandrunningcosts,anEVwillbeaseconomicaltoownasapetrolordieselequivalent.However,untilTCOparityisachieved,thehighercostofanEVwillremainasignificantbarriertouptake.Rangeanxietyisafurtherimpediment,althoughtechnologyisquicklyadvancingwithnewEVmodelsenteringthemarketcapableoftravelingmorethan500kilometresonasinglecharge.Inparallel,thecontinueddevelopmentofareliablepublicchargingnetworkwillbeneededtosupporttheEVtransition.Inthisregard,itwillalsobeessentialthatadditionalelectricalgridcapacityisavailabletocaterforthisgrowingEVfleet.AsIrelandwillbecompetingagainststrongEU-widedemandforEVs,weneedtoofferarobustpackageofregulatory,taxation,engagementandsubsidymeasurestomaintainasecuresupplyofmodelstoourmarket.TherecentlypublishedEVPolicyPathwayReporthighlightssomewaystoachievethis.

AdedicatedOfficeofLowEmittingVehicles willbeestablished to act as a one-stop-shop for members ofthepublicinterestedinpurchasingorusinganEV.Theofficewillprovideindependent,non-salesadviceandinformationonEVs,andsupporttestdrivingexperiencesaswellascommissioningresearchandassistinginpolicydevelopment.AdditionalmeasuresthatwillbeputinplacetoaccelerateandsupportthemajortransitiontoEVsinclude:

• ContinuedsupportfortheexpansionoftheEVchargingnetwork,alongwithpublicinvestmenttodriveconsumerconfidenceintheavailabilityandreliabilityofpubliccharginginfrastructure

• SettingthestrategyforEVchargingstationswithatargettostayaheadofdemand,coupledwithclearplanningrulesthatfacilitatetheinstallation,andincreasetheobligation,overtime

• Ensuringelectricitygridreadiness,sothatadequateelectricalcapacityisavailabletosupporttherapidpaceoftransitiontoEVs

• ReviewingandupdatingVRTandotherfiscalandregulatoryincentivesintheEVsector,aswellasconsideringfiscalandregulatorydisincentivesforICEvehicles

• Reviewingandamendingbuildingregulationsregardingtheinstallationandrequirednumberofchargingpointsinbothresidentialandnon-residentialbuildings

• Identifyingmeasurestosupporttheshifttoelectricvans• Committingtotransitioningthepublictransportfleettolowemissionalternatives• MakingconversionoffleetstoEVsacentralelementofthemandateforallpublicbodies

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15.3.4 Transitional Measures: Renewable and Alternative Transport FuelsRenewabletransportfuelsrepresentanimportanttransitionalmeasureonthepathwaytoafullydecarbonisedfleet,andmaysupportcertainkeysubsectorsoftransport,suchasheavygoodsvehicles(HGVs),whileimprovedtechnologyoptionsdevelop.Thedeploymentofsustainablebiofuelshasbeentheprimarymechanismusedtodatetoincreasetheshareofrenewableenergyinthetransportsector.IthasalsomadeasignificantcontributiontoreducingGHGemissions.In2020,239millionlitresofbiofuels replaced about 209 million litres42offossilfuels,avoidingapproximately520KtCO2eq� GHGemissions�

TheBiofuelsObligationSchemehasbeeninplacesince2010.Underthescheme,suppliersofcertainfuelstotheroadtransportmarketarerequiredtoincludeacertainproportionofbiofuels,whichmustmeetstrictsustainabilitycriteria,aspartoftheirfuelmix.ThebiofuelscurrentlyinuseinthetransportsectorinIreland,andincludedinthescheme,arebiodiesel(blendedwithdiesel),bioethanol(blendedwithgasolineininpetrol),andbioLPG43 and biomethane�

Reducingarelianceonfossilfueliscentraltodecarbonisingthetransportsector.Itisexpectedthatthetrajectoryoffuelcosts,takingaccountofincreasingcarbontaxesandbiofuelblendrates,willincreasinglynegatethepracticeoffueltourism44inIreland.Fueltourismwasresponsibleforover2%oftransport emissions in 2020�

FreightThetechnologypathwayfordecarbonisingHGVsisstilldeveloping.Policysupportsfordecarbonisingthesectorreflectthisandarenottechnology-specific,withapurchasegrantandreducedtollsavailabletohydrogen, electric,andgas-powered vehiclesalike.Giventhatthesectorismainlyfuelledbydiesel,asatransitionalmeasure,increasingtheblendofbiodieselinthenationalfuelmixwillprovidealevelofemissionssavingsfromthisfleet.Biomethanemayalsoofferemissionssavings.TheEuropeanCommissionhasrecentlyproposedamendingtheAlternativeFuelInfrastructureDirectivetomandatefordedicatedEVHGVrecharginginfrastructure.Ireland’splansforsuchinfrastructurewillalignwiththeregulationwhenitisadopted.

Thesustainabilityanddecarbonisationchallengefacingthefreightsectorisoneoftheissuestobeaddressedbytheforthcoming10YearStrategyfortheRoadHaulageSector.Sustainablepractices,suchaseco-driving,arealsoimportantinthecontextofdecarbonisation,andwillhelptoreduceemissionsandfuelcosts,aswellasimprovingroadsafetyandprovidingupskillingopportunitiesforHGVdrivers.Furthermore,aStrategicRailReviewisunderwaywhichwillexamineallaspectsofinter-urbanandinter-regionalrailconnectivityontheislandofIreland,includingananalysisofrailconnectionstothemajorsea-andair-portsforfreightmovements.

ForHGVs,whereelectrificationisnotlikelyintheshortterm,emissionsreductionswillbeachievedintheinterimthrough:

• Increasingtheblendrateforbiodieselto20%andbioethanolto10%by2030• Developingrobustsupplychains,includingsustainablesourcingofbiofuelblends

42 Biofuelstypicallyarelessenergydensethanfossilfuels43 bioLPGisarenewableformofLiquefiedPetroleumGas44 FueltourismisdefinedasfuelthatisboughtwithintheStatebymotoristsandhauliersbutconsumedoutsidetheState

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• Supportingtechnologicalprogressasviablevehicle/fuelalternativescometomarket• Examiningthefeasibilityofdevelopinglogisticshubsnearurbancentrestoconsolidateandrationalisefreighttransport,takingaccountofsafetyandairqualitybenefits

• SupportingEUregulationsthatpromotemorestringentHGVvehicleemissionstandards• ComplyingwiththeprovisionofEUmandatoryalternativefuelinfrastructuredeploymenttargets

Box 15.2 Action on Non-Road Transport Activities

AsasmallopeneconomyontheperipheryofEurope,theaviationandmaritimesectorsarecriticalforthemovementofourgoodsandpeople.ActionisbeingtakenatEUandinternationallevelstoaddressemissionsfromthesesectors,includingthroughmarket-basedmeasuressuchastheETSandsustainablefuelmandatinginitiatives(throughReFuelEUAviation,FuelEUMaritimeandtheAlternativeFuelInfrastructureRegulationwhichwillallincludebindingtargetsonceadopted).

ContinuedinternationalcollaborationthroughtheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationandtheInternationalCivilAviationOrganization,willbekeytoachievinggreatersustainabilityandpreservingalevelplayingfieldintheseglobalsectors. IrelandwillsupportappropriateactionstakenatEUandgloballevelstoreduceemissionsfromtheaviationandmaritimesectors.

Thecombinedimpactoftheabovesuiteofmitigationmeasuresisestimatedtodeliver5.2MTofareductioninCO2emissionsby2030.Thiswillleaveashortfallof0.9MTinreachingour51%reductiontarget.Moreanalysisisnowrequiredtoconsidertherelativeimpactsoftheoverallsetofmeasuresbeforedetermininghowtobridgethisgap.Forthisreason,itisproposedtoundertakeaprogrammeofworkoverthenextyeartoreviewprogressandfurtherrefinemeasuresinafairandequitablemanner.

15.3.5 Horizon ActionsInnovationandtechnologywillinfluencethetransportsectortransition.Adynamicanditerativeapproachwillbenecessarytodelivertherequiredchanges.FutureClimate Action Planswilladapttonewtechnologiesandbehaviourstoensurethetransitioniseffective,efficient,andequitableforall.Thefollowingrepresenthorizondevelopmentsforthefuture.

Green HydrogenGreenHydrogen45isarenewablefuelofnon-biologicalorigin,whichhasbeenidentifiedashavingpotentialtosupportdecarbonisationenergyproduction,acrosshomeheating,industryandtransport.Hydrogenisaversatileenergycarrierthatmaystoreexcessrenewableenergyfromthegrid.Fromapost-2025transportperspective,itisenvisagedthatgreenhydrogenmaycontributetothedecarbonisationofhard-to-abatesectorssuchasHGVs,shippingandpotentially(asasyntheticfuel)aviation.Greenhydrogencouldalsopotentiallybeusedinthemanufactureofsyntheticfuelsfortransport.ItisbeingconsideredtoextendthescopeoftheBiofuelsObligationSchemetoincludegreenhydrogenandotherrenewablefuelsofnon-biologicalorigin.

Emerging TechnologiesSmartdrivingsolutionsforvehiclessuchasnavigationaids,cruisecontrol,parkingaidsandovertakingassistsystemsarenowfittedtomostvehiclesasstandard.Theirprevalenceinthefleet,alongsideotherinnovations,cansupporttravelefficiencythroughoptimisedrouteguidanceanddriverfeedbackforfuelefficiency.Overtimeautonomousvehiclesofvaryinglevelsmayalsodeliversubstantialchangesintermsofhowwetravel,vehicleownership,andmore.

45 GreenHydrogenusuallyreferstohydrogenproducedbytheelectrolysisofwaterusingrenewableelectricity.Theonlyby-productisoxygen.Therefore,thisisconsideredazero-emissionsgas

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225 ContinuetheimprovementandexpansionoftheActiveTravelandGreenwayNetwork

226 DevelopmentofacoherentandconnectedNationalCycleNetworkStrategy

227 Constructanadditional1,000kmofcyclingandwalkinginfrastructure

228 EncourageanincreasedlevelofmodalshifttowardsActiveTravel(walkingandcycling)andawayfromprivatecaruse

229 Accelerate sustainable mobility plans for schools

230 LegislatetoimprovetheActiveTravelenvironmentinurbancentres

231 Enableuseofe-scootersande-bikes

232 PublishthenewSustainableMobilityPolicy

233 CommencedeliveryofBusConnectsNetworkRedesignDublin

234 CommencedeliveryofBusConnectsNetworkRedesigninCork,Galway,Limerick&Waterford

235 CommencedeliveryofBusConnectsCoreBusCorridorInfrastructureWorks

236 CommencedeliveryofBusConnectsinCork(CoreBusCorridorInfrastructureWorks)

237 CommencedeliveryofBusConnectsinLimerick(CoreBusCorridorInfrastructureWorks)

238 CommencedeliveryofBusConnectsinGalway(CoreBusCorridorInfrastructureWorks)

239 ImplementanenhancedruraltransportsystemthroughdeliveryofConnectingIrelandRuralMobilityPlan.

240 CommencedeliveryofDART+Programmeandcontinueheavyrailfleetinvestment

241 CommencedeliveryofMetroLink

242 PhasedintroductionofNationalYouthTravelCard

243 ExpandSmarterTravelWorkplacesProgramme

244 ExaminetheroleofdemandmanagementmeasuresinIrishcities,includinglowemissionzonesandparkingpricingpolicies.

245 Publishtheimpactofspeedandspeedlimitsongreenhousegasemissionsandpollutants

246 Continuerolloutofvariablespeedlimits/dynamictrafficmanagementinfrastructureontheM50Motorwaytoincreasesafetyandreducecongestion

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247 ConductreviewofCommunityCarScheme

248 Requireallcitieswithapopulationexceeding75,000toproduceasustainabletransportplanbynolaterthanJune2020forreviewbytheNationalTransportAuthorityandD/Transport.

249 Balancebettermovementprioritieswithinurbanareassotransitionthebuiltenvironmentandpublicdomainfromonethatis“vehiclecentred”tobeing“peoplecentred”toalignwiththegoalofnetzeroby2050

250 EnsureallmetropolitantransportstrategiesreflectClimateActionPlansectoralemissionreductiontargets

251 Reviewand,ifnecessary,developaregulatoryframeworkforlow-emissionzones

252 Advancedemandmanagementmeasures

253 Explorepotentialofroad-userchargingmeasuresthroughtheBetterRoadUserChargingEvaluation(BRUCE)study

254 Increaseprovisionofparkandride/shareattransportinterchanges

255 DeliverpublictransportcorridorsprovidingprioritisedbuslanesonrelevantnationalradialroutestotheM50

256 DeliversustainablebusprioritymeasuresontheNationalRoadNetwork

257 PublishnewinvestmentframeworkforlandtransportinIreland

258 Awardacontracttosupportthereplacementof78,000lightsinthesouthwestregionaspartofthenationalpubliclightingenergyefficiencyprojectandprogressremaining202,000.

259 Developroadmapforreviewandtransitionawayfromfossilfueltaxsubsidiesintransport sector

260 Examineoptionsfortheequalisationofdieselandpetrolexciseratesoveranappropriateperiodoftime

261 EnsureourregulatoryregimeforbuildingsrequirestheinstallationofEVcharginginfrastructure

262 TransitionDublinMetropolitanPSObusservicestolow/zeroemissionbusfleet.

263 TransitionCork,Galway,LimerickandWaterfordmetropolitanareaPSObusservicestolow/zeroemissionbusfleet.

264 TransitionPSOtownbusservicestolow-emissionbusfleet

265 TransitionPSOLocalLinkbusservicestolow-/zero-emissionbusfleets

266 Developapolicypathwaytodriveasignificantramp-upinpassengerEVsandelectricvansalesand/ordisincentivisefossil-fuelledpassengervehiclesandvans

267 IdentifyoptionstoincreaseEVuptaketosupportthetransitionawayfromgrantsupports

154

Transport


268 EstablishanOfficeforLowEmittingVehiclestoco-ordinatetheimplementationofexistingandfutureEVmeasuresandinfrastructure

269 Developandlaunchanextensivecommunicationandengagementcampaign,wholeofGovernmentincoverage,todrivetheavailabilityandunderstandingofkeyinformationregardingEVs,tailoredtohousehold,businessandpublicsectorconsumers

270 EnablegreaterEVinfrastructureroll-outforpassengercarsandvans

271 Developanationalinfrastructurestrategytoaddresson-street,locationandfastcharginginfrastructureneedstostayaheadofdemand,havingparticularregardto non-urban needs

272 LaunchaDestinationChargerSchemetoinstallpubliclyaccessibleEVcharginginfrastructure

273 AmendtheHomeChargerGrantSchemetoincludeapartments

274 SupportthetransitiontoelectricvehiclesinGaeltachtcommunitiesthroughinvestment in EV infrastructure

275 Identifymeasurestosupporttheshiftto95,000electricvans

276 SetaroadmapformoreLEVsinPublicSectorFleets

277 Set out the planned level of biofuel use for the period 2021 to 2030�

278 Rolloutplannedrefuellinginfrastructure

279 CompleteStrategicRailReviewtointeraliaidentifyapathwaytoappropriatedecarbonisationofinterurbanrailservice

280 Publishanupdatedpolicystatementonrenewablefuelsfortransport

281 Supportthedevelopmentofrenewablegas,suchasbiomethane,asatransportfuel in the transport sector

282 Publishthe10-yearHaulageStrategyforHeavyGoodsVehicles

283 Supportthetransitiontoalternativelyfuelledandzero-emissionvehiclesbyremovingthevehicleweightbarrier

284 Promotegreatereco-practiceswithintheHGVsector

285 ImplementtheminimumstandardsandmandatorytargetsidentifiedintheAlternativeFuelsInfrastructureRegulation(AFIR)

286 AssessoptionstoensurecommercialStateportsarepositionedtofacilitatethedevelopmentofoffshorerenewableenergy

287 AssesstheenvironmentalimpactoftheinternationallytradingIrishfleet

288 CarryoutareviewofthesupplyofrenewabletransportfuelsinIreland,suchasbiofuels,advancedbiofuels,e-fuels,syntheticfuels,greenhydrogenandbiogas

289 ThroughtheCoreTransportAdaptationTeam,reviewtheclimateadaptationactivitiescurrentlyongoingandidentifyopportunitiesforfutureimplementationof relevant policy�

155

Transport


290 Identifyopportunitiesforcollaborativeresearchintheareaofclimateadaptationfor the transport sector

291 ImproveclimateresilienceandadapttoclimatechangeontheLightrailandNationalRoadNetwork

292 Collaborateandsharebestpracticeonadaptationinthetransportsectorwithrelevantstakeholders

293 Defineasetofmetricstoaccuratelyquantifythecostofextremeweatherevents to the State in terms of both revenues lost and the cost of repairs

294 Commissionresearchonadaptationinthetransportsectortofillexistingknowledgegaps

295 Devisepathwaytodeliveranadditional0.9MTCO2reductioninthetransportsector by 2030

296 Reviewfurtherlinkagesbetweenaccessibilityandclimateaction

Agriculture

156

Agriculture 16

Agriculture 16

Agriculture

157

16. Agriculture

16.1 State of PlayTheagri-foodsectorisoneofIreland’slargestindustries.In2020,itaccountedforalmost7%ofmodifiedgrossnationalincome;10%ofexportsinvalueterms;approximately164,400jobsrepresenting7.1%oftotalemployment;and€14billionofexports.

Thehistoricalandeconomicimportanceofagriculturerelativetootherindustriesmeansthatthesectoristhesinglelargestcontributortooverallemissions,at35.2%,representingoveronethirdofIreland’stotalgreenhousegasemissions(GHGs).In2018,GHGemissionsfromagriculturewere14%above1990levels,mainlydrivenbyanincreaseinmethaneemissionsfromentericfermentation(theanimaldigestiveprocess).

ThehighproportionofnationalemissionsrepresentedbyagriculturemeansthatforIrelandto meetitsoverallemissionsreductiontargets,alongwithallothersectors,theagriculturesectormustmakeapositivecontributiontocombatingclimatechangeandsupportingthetransitiontoaclimateresilient,biodiversityrichandclimateneutraleconomyandsocietynolaterthan2050.Additionally, asothersectorsdecarbonise,theshareoftheagriculturecontributiontothenationalemissionsprofilewillincrease.

Table 16.1 – Agriculture GHG Emissions, 2018

Agriculture Emissions CO2eq. Share of Total GHG Emissions Agriculture Emissions CO2eq.

per person22.03Mt46 35.2% 4�5 t

In2018,thesectorproduced22.03MtCO2eq.(8%morethanin2005)drivenmainlybyanincreaseinbovinenumbersandmilkoutput,followingtheendingoftheEUmilkquotasystemin2015.However,agriculturalemissionsdecreasedby4%in2019largelyduetoadecreaseinfertiliseruse(-10.1%)andliming(-25.4%).Ifrecenttrendscontinue,withdairyherdsincreasing,thereisariskthatemissionswillgrowasabatementandefficiencyeffortsareoutstrippedbyherdgrowth.

Irishagricultureisdominatedbylivestockgrazingoutdoors,apasture-basedfoodsystem,whichcomparesfavourablytosystemswhereanimalsarehousedonintensivegrain-basedproductionsystems.Thesectorhasareputationforhighqualityandsustainablyproducedfood,anditisimportantthatwemaintainthatreputation,inaworldwithincreasingconsumerdemandsforcredibleevidencethatfoodandingredientsareproducedsustainably.

46 Based onAR4accounting

Agriculture

158

However,thesector’srelationshipwithkeyenvironmentalindicatorshasbeentrendinginthewrongdirection.AgriculturalpracticeshavebeenidentifiedbytheEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyassignificantlycontributingtothedeclineinwaterqualitynationally,withothersectorsalsocontributingtothistrend.Theagriculturesectorisalsoresponsibleforover99%ofnationalammoniaemissions..Furthermore,impactsfromagriculturalactivitiesarereportedashavinganegativeeffectonawiderangeofspecies,includingfish,molluscs,terrestrialmammalsandvascularplants.Theimplementationofmeasurestomitigateagriculturalemissions(suchasuseofstabilisedureafertilisers)hascommenced.Continuedsupportanduptakeofsuchmeasureswillbecriticaltoensureareversalinenvironmentalmetricstomeetourclimateambitionsandprotectthesector’sstronginternationalreputation.

Table 16.2 – Trends in Agriculture GHG Emissions

Timeframe Percentage Change Absolute Change, CO2 eq.2005-11 -9.3% -1.9Mt2011-18 19.1% 3.5Mt

ThroughoutEurope,reducingGHGemissionsinagriculturehasprovendifficult,withonlya2.3%reductionacrosstheEUasawholesince2005.Ourcarbonintensityperheadofpopulationinthesector,at4.5tCO2eq.,issubstantiallyhigherthantheEUaveragereflectingthesignificantrolethattheagriculturalsectorplaysinIreland’seconomicmake-up.

Table 16.3 – Agriculture GHG Emissions International Comparisons, 2018 Ireland Denmark Austria Finland EU 27Share of Total GHG 35.2% 25.8% 10.4% 13.9% 12.4%Agriculture Emissions, CO2eq. per person 4�5 t 2�1 t 0�9 t 1�4 t 1�0 t

Change Since 2005 8.0% -8.4% 0.4% -4.4% -2.23%

Therecentlylaunched‘FoodVision2030-AWorldLeaderinSustainableFoodSystems’strategyadvocatesafoodsystemsapproachtodevelopinganagri-foodsectorthatmeetsthehigheststandardsofsustainability–economic,environmental,andsocial–whilealsoprovidingthebasisforthefuturecompetitiveadvantageofthesector,andisbeingdevelopedtofullyalignedwithourclimateambition.

Table 16.4 – Required Level of Decarbonisation in Agriculture47

2018 Emissions 2030 Required Emissions based on Climate Action Plan 2021

22.03Mt48 16to18Mt

47 https://www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring--assessment/climate-change/air-emissions/irelands-greenhouse-gas-emissions-projections-2020-2040.php

48 Based onAR4accounting

Agriculture

159

Climate Adaptation in AgricultureFinally,thesectoralsofacesachallengeinadaptingtotheimpactsofclimatechangeandwillneed tobuildresiliencetoitseffects.Havingarobustagri-foodsectorisnotonlyimportanttothesectoritself,butalsotothenationaleconomyandtoIreland’sglobaltradingpartners.Aclimateresilientagriculturesectorshouldbeabletogrowsustainably,resistclimateshocksandpursueclimatechange relatedopportunities.

Box 16.1 – AR5 Accounting

TheIntergovernmentalPanelonClimateChange’s(IPCC)FifthAssessmentReport(AR5)isoneofthemostcomprehensiveassessmentsofclimatechangeeverundertaken.ItsetsnewstandardsofaccountingforGlobalWarmingPotential(GWP)ofGHGs.

GWPvaluesprovideacommonscaleformeasuringtheclimateeffectsofdifferentgases.Thismeasurementisusedasabenchmarktocomparenon-carbondioxideGHGsagainstcarbondioxide(CO2),withtheGWPofCO2being1.

TheIPCChasprovidedupdatestothesevaluesseveraltimesoverthelastnumberofdecades,eachadjustmentbeingtheresultofsignificantadvancesinscientificunderstanding.

AR5hasrevisedtheGWPformethane,from25inAR4,to28.IthasalsodecreasedtheGWPfornitrousoxidefrom298to265.Theseaccountingchangeswillhaveasignificantimpactonhowweaccountforemissionsacrossallsectors,butparticularlyintheagriculturesectorwherebothmethaneandnitrousoxideareheavilyemitted.ByswitchingfromAR4toAR5,agriculturalemissionsin2018increasefrom22.03MtCO2eq.toapproximately23MtCO2eq�49

Table 16.5 – Potential Metrics to Deliver Abatement in Agriculture


Core Measures

Significantreductioninnitrous oxide emissions by changingfarmmanagementpracticesinrelationtonutrient use

ChemicalnitrogenuseonIrishfarmsmustbereducedto<350,000tonnesby2025and

<325,000tonnesby203065%ofstraightCalciumAmmoniumNitrateto be replaced by protected urea (or other

protectednitrogenproducts)90%uptakeofLowEmission

SlurrySpreading

1�5-2

Improvedanimalbreeding

Numberofdairyherdscarryingoutmilkrecordingfrom50%to90%,andincreasesucklerbeefherdweightrecording

from30%to70%

0�3

49 BasedonAR4accounting

Agriculture

160

Improvedanimalfeeding

Reducecrudeproteincontentoflivestockfeedingstuffstominimisenitrousoxideandammonialoss,whileutilisingfeedadditives

duringhousingperiod

0�7

EarlyfinishingageofcattleReducetheaverageageofslaughterofprime animals from 27 to 24 months by

20300�7

IncreasingorganicfarmingIncreasetheareafarmedorganicallyinIrelandfrom74,000hectaresto350,000

hectares by 2030

0�3

Contributeagriculturalfeedstockstotheproductionof 1�6 TWh per annum ofindigenoussustainablyproduced biomethane forinjectionintothegas gridby2030

1.6TWhbiomethaneinjected intogasgrid

0�1-0�2 (agriculturesector)

0.4(energysector)

Further Measures

Diversificationopportunities

Reviewofdiversificationopportunitiesforincomeandlanduseforfarmers,includinginareassuchasbiomethaneandenergyproduction,agroforestryandafforestation

TBD

CarbonfarmingExplore the development of a

carbonfarmingmodelTBD

Methanereducingfeedadditivesforpasture- basedsolutions

Explorethepotentialformethanereducingfeedadditivesforpasture-basedsolutions

TBD

16.2 Targets

To meet the required level of agriculture emissions reduction, by 2030 we will: • Committocoreandfurthermeasurestoreduceemissionsfrom23to16-18MtCO2eq� in 2030

• Workwiththewastesectorintheprovisionoffeedstocks,tocontributetotheproduction of1.6TWhperannumofindigenoussustainablyproducedbiomethaneforinjectionintothe gasgridby2030

• Undertakeaprogrammeofworktorefinethepotentialandtosettargets/pathwaysformeasurestodeliverfurtheremissionsreductions:

• CarryoutadiversificationreviewbasedonLandUseReviewfindings

• Enableacarbonfarmingframeworkbytheendof2023inlinewithEUactivity

• Explorethepotentialformethanereducingfeedadditivesforpasture-basedsolutions

• Enhancedreductionsfromfurtherandearlierimplementationofactionsalreadyidentified

Agriculture

161

16.3 Measures to Deliver Targets Morethan80%ofagriculture-relatedGHGemissionsaredirectlylinkedtolivestocknumbersandthemanagementofthemanurestheyproduce,with12%attributedtochemicalfertilisers,andtheremainderfromfuelcombustionandCO2fromlimeusage.

Policieswhichseektoreduceemissionsintheagriculturesectormustrecognisethedirectcorrelationbetweentheanimalnumbers,productionandGHGemissions.Efficienciesandbettertechnologiescaneffectivelybecancelledoutbygrowingemissionsfromherdsizeand/ormake-up.Thedevelopmentofplanstomanagethesustainableenvironmentalfootprintofthebeefanddairysectorswillbecentraltotheachievementofourclimatetargets.

Failuretoimplementsignificantchangesnowwillmeanthatmoreradicalcorrectiveactionwillbenecessarylatertoensuredeliveryofourcommitments.Scientificresearchandinnovation,theaccelerationoftheadoptionofbestpracticesatfarmlevel,andworkinginpartnership,acrosstheentireagri-foodsector,willbecriticaltorealisingourvisionofclimateneutrality.

ALandUseReviewisunderwayledbytheDepartmentoftheEnvironment,ClimateandCommunicationsandtheDepartmentofAgriculture,FoodandtheMarine(seeLandUseReviewsectionintheChapter17).Diversificationreviewsforincomeandlanduseforfarmers,includingareassuchbiomethaneandenergyproduction,agro-forestryandwoodlandcreation,willbecarriedoutfollowingthepublicationofthisreview.

16.3.1 Reducing the Emissions on Our FarmsWewillreduceIreland’sagriculturalemissionsby22-30%,fromabaseof23MtCO2eq.,toreach16-18MtCO2eq.by2030,bycommittingtoasetofcoreandfurthermeasures:

• IncreasingthepaceanddepthofchangeinanenhancedAgClimatiseroadmap.Thiswillbuildonthe2020AgClimatiseandwilllookatfurtheringthetargets,andbringingforwardthemeasurestobeconsistentwithsectoralemissionsceilings

• Chemicalnitrogenuseisresponsibleforapproximately40%ofnitrousoxideemissionsonIrishfarms.TheamountofchemicalnitrogenusedonIrishfarmswillbereducedinlinewithAgClimatisetargetsfromitspeakusageof408,000tonnesin2018,reducingnitrousoxideandammoniaemissionsandimprovingwaterquality.Thismeasurewillinvolveasignificantshiftinthetypeoffertiliserused,withafocusontheuseofnitrogenfertiliserscontaininginhibitorsthatwillmitigatethereleaseofnitrousoxideandammoniaintotheatmosphere.Additionalreductionsinfertilisermaybegainedbytheinclusionoflegumesinswardsandthesowingofmultispeciesswards,aswellasachievingoptimalsoilPH.Theestablishmentofanationalfertiliserregisterwillbenecessarytofacilitatethistransition,togetherwitharevisednitratesprogramme

• Wewillaccelerateactioninanimalbreeding.CowswithahigherEconomicBreedingIndexaremoreefficientproducers,andwillcontinuetoimprovethecarbonfootprintofouranimalproteinproducts.Thefundingofresearchandtheassimilationofdatawillfacilitatethebreedingofbeefanimalsthatareloweremittersofmethane

• Theconstituentsoftheanimal’sdietareanimportantpartoftheoutputsfromourfoodsystem,withthelevelofcrudeproteinfedindairyandpigrationshavingadirectimpactontherelatedlevelofnitrousoxideandammoniaemissions.WewillcontinuetotestnewfeedadditivesunderIrishconditionstoestablishthebestavailabletechnologiesthatdeliveronmethanemitigation,animalwelfare,andfoodsafety,foruseinIrelandduringthewinterhousingperiod

• Wewillcollaboratewithallstakeholdersinthebeefsector,withaparticularfocusonpracticesatfarmlevel,toensurebeefanimalsreachtherequiredweightsatanearlierage

Agriculture

162

• WewillsignificantlyincreasetheareafarmedorganicallyinIrelandtoatleast350,000hectaresby2030.ThiswillbeincentivisedthroughtheprovisionofcapitalgrantsandaccesstotheOrganicFarmingScheme

• Improvementsinthehealthstatusofthenationaldairyandbeefherdleadstoincreasedproductivity,andultimatelyreducedemissionsperunitofproduct.Wewillinvesttheresourcesnecessarytoimprovethehealthofthenationalherd,whichwilldeliverimprovedefficiencyandreducedemissions.Thereisanonusontheentiresectortoworktomaketargetedimprovementsoverthecomingdecade

• Wewillincreasethevolumeandqualityofgrazedgrassconsumedbyournationalherdandflock,throughtherolloutoftheTeagascSignpostProgramme–FarmersforClimateAction,andagri-advisoryprogrammes

• TheCommonAgriculturalPolicyStrategicPlan(CSP)willbeanintegraldeliverymechanismtoachieveourclimateambition.TheenvironmentalandclimateambitionwithintheCSPwillbealignedtotheCAP’snew‘greenarchitecture’.ThiswilloperateacrossbothpillarsofCAPexpendituretoachieveacoherentoverallapproach.IrelandwillintroduceEco-Schemesopentoallfarmerswiththeobjectiveofmaximisingfarmerparticipationtoachieveclimateandenvironmentalimprovementsacrossallfarmedlands.Ambitious,environmentallyfocusedPillarIIinterventionswilldeliversignificantlong-termenvironmentalimprovementthroughparticipationbyasignificantnumberoffarmers,witheachmakingastrongclimateimprovementontheirfarm.However,awhole-of-government,whole-of-industryapproachwillbeneededtoachieveouroverallclimateobjectivesastheCSPalonewillnotbeabletodeliveronallthechangesrequired

16.3.2 Further Measures to Reduce Emissions and Increase RemovalsWewillengageinaprogrammeofworktoidentifyopportunitiestofurtherreduceemissionsandincrease removals:

• WewillexamineallthemeasuresintheAgClimatiseroadmaptoensuremaximisationofGHGreductionscanbeachievedwithinsectoralemissionsceilingswhenpublished

• Wewillexplorethedevelopmentofacarbonfarmingmodel,withthepotentialfortrading,andwhichrewardsfarmersforemissionsreductionsandremovals,includingthroughpotentialprivatesectorinvestment.ThisisinlinewiththeEU’spolicydirection.Suchanapproachwillrequiretheestablishmentofbaselinedata,auditing,thedevelopmentofvoluntarycarboncodes,leveragingofprivatefinancingthroughpublic/privatepartnerships,andtheputtinginplaceofgovernancestructures

• Wewillcarryoutadedicatedreviewofdiversificationopportunitiestoidentifywherefurthersavingscanbeachievedthroughdiversification

• Workingwiththewastesectorthroughtheprovisionoffeedstocks,wewillcontributetotheproductionof1.6TWhperannumofindigenoussustainablyproducedbiomethaneforinjectionintothegasgridby2030,representingabout3%ofnaturalgassupply.Theremainingagriculturalfeedstocks,primarilygrasssilageandanimalslurries,requiredtoproduce1.6TWh,aftertheutilisationofwasteresources,couldbeprovidedthroughimprovedproductivityandgrasslandmanagementpracticeswhilekeepingwithinthesustainabilitycriteriaaslaidoutintheRenewableEnergyDirective.Thiswillabate0.1-0.2MtCO2eqperannumfortheagriculturesector,andwilldisplace0.4MtCO2eqperannumfortheenergysector

• Wewillexploreopportunitiesfortheproductionoffurtherlevelsofbiomethaneabove1.6TWh,buildingontheoutputoftheforthcomingNationalHeatStudyandLandUseReview

Agriculture

163

• Wewilldoubletheindigenousbiomasssupplyasafossilfuelsubstitutiontogenerateheatandelectricity.ThefellingoftreesisregulatedbytheForestryAct2014whichensuresthatharvestedareasaremanagedsustainably,andenvironmentalrequirementsapply.Thedoublingofbiomasssupplywillmainlycomefromcommercialforestsplantedsincethe1980s

• InvestmentwillbemadeinresearchtodevelopafeedadditivesolutionforIreland’spasture-basedproductionsystem

16.3.3 Agriculture and ResearchTheestablishmentoftheNationalAgriculturalSoilCarbonObservatoryisaveryimportantstepinquantifyingcarbonsequestration.WewillbackthisupwithcomprehensiveprogrammesofmappingandsamplingofIrishsoils.

Aspartofanenhancedresearchprogramme,thereisanurgentneedtodevelopandtestnewandexistingabatementtechnologiestodirectlyreduceagriculturalGHGemissions,and/orincreasedcarbonsequestrationonfarms,tomeettheneedsofclimateneutralitynolaterthan2050.

Underpinningthesestrategieswillbetheneedtoincorporatemeasuresintoinventories.Thiswillrequireresearchtospecifynewemissionfactorsand/ornewwaysofcollatingactivitydata,aswellasensuringthatmeasurescontributetowardsgreaterclimateresilienceintheAgriculture,ForestryandOtherLandUsesector.

EstablishmentofanewAgriculturalGHGCentreofExcellenceisessentialgiventhescale ofthechallenge.



297 CompleteareviewoftheTeagascMarginalAbatementCostCurve.

298 Reducechemicalnitrogenusetoanabsolutemaximumof325,000tonnes(annually)by2030,withaninterimtargetof350,000tonnesby2025

299 AgreeanewNitratesActionProgramme

300 EstablishNationalFertiliserUserRegistertoallowamoreresourceefficientuseof nutrients

301 IncreaseuseofprotectedUrea

302 Promoteincreaseduseofleguminouscropstofixnitrogeninproductionsystems

303 Increasethenumberofdairyherdscarryingoutmilkrecordingfromthecurrentlevelof50%to90%

304 Increasefocusonselectionfortraitsthatleadtolowermethaneproductioninthebeefbreedingprogramme

305 Introducemeasurestopromoteimprovedefficiencyinlivestock

164

Agriculture


306 Reducethecrudeproteincontentoflivestockfeedingstuffstominimisenitrousoxide and ammonia loss

307 Progressthedevelopmentonfeedadditivesonmethaneemissionsforuseduringthehousingperiod

308 Introducemeasurestopromoteimprovedefficiencyandreducedemissionsinlivestockviaimprovedanimalhealthandwelfare

309 Reducetheaverageageofslaughterofprimeanimalsfrom27to24monthsby2030

310 Increasethecurrentareaunderorganicproductionfrom74,000hato350,000ha by 2030

311 BuildOrganicResearchCapacity

312 ContributetotheCapacityandCapabilityBuildingforAnaerobicDigestion

313 ConductfurtherresearchintobiomassandmanurefeedstocksforbiogasproductionthroughAD

314 IntroduceaHighergrantrateof50%forFarmersforCapitalInvestmentsthatcontributetothewiderrenewableenergypolicy

315 DoubletheBiomassSupplyasafossilfuelsubstitutiontocontributetothedecarbonisationoftheenergysystem

316 ProducedetailedplansbyQ22022tomanagethesustainableenvironmentalfootprint of the dairy and the beef sectors

317 Developanenablingframeworktofacilitatetherolloutofanationalcarbonfarmingprogramme

318 Continuetoinvestinresearchtodevelopnovelfeedadditivestoreducebiogenicmethaneduringthegrazingseason

319 Ensureoptimisationofforageproductiontoimprovequalityandquantityofforageinanimaldiettoimproveentericfermentationefficiency(reducesmethane),throughgrasslandmanagementandinclusionofcloverinreseededswards

320 DevelopandfinaliseappropriateinterventionsunderIreland'sCAPStrategicPlantosupportthemaximumpossibleenvironmental,biodiversityandclimateambitioninCAP2023-2027

321 SupportandexpandResearchCallsandNationalfundinginlinewithDAFMpriorityareasandclimateactionresearchgoals.

322 Supportandexpandinternationalresearchfundingopportunitiesinpriorityareasincludingclimaterelatedareas

323 Establishacentreforexcellenceforinnovationinclimatesmartagricultureandland-usefortheagri-foodsector

165

Agriculture


324 Upskillfarmersandadvisorstoensuretheyhavetheknowledgeandtoolstoimplementclimatemitigation,biodiversityenhancementandadaptationpractices.

325 Identifyknowledgegapsinthehorticulturesectoraroundclimatechangemitigationactionsandaddressareasforchange

326 EstablishexemplarnetworkofSignPostFarmstodemonstratebestclimatepractice.

327 ImplementtheFoodVision2030,inparticularthemissionfor“AClimateSmart,EnvironmentallySustainableAgri-FoodSector”

328 Supportbusinessestodecarbonisethroughtheprovisionofcapitalsupportprogrammestoenhanceenergyefficiencysubjecttotheavailabilityofexchequerfunding

329 PromoteecosystemrestorationandconservationthroughPaymentforEcosystemServicesandinvestmentinactionsthatincreasecarbonsinkswhilepromotingbiodiversitye.g.woodlands,bogs,soilmanagement,hedgerows

330 ImplementthenewAll-IrelandPollinatorPlanfor2021-2025

331 StrengthenadaptativecapacitythroughimprovingknowledgeandawarenessbuildingonClimateActionPolicyintheFoodandDrinksIndustry

332 Improveclimateresilienceincropproduction.

333 IncreasingClimateresilienceinourForestEstate

334 EngageDAFMInternalAdaptationStakeholderGroup(IASG)toreviewDAFMprogressonmainstreamingadaptationinpolicy

335 ConductanInterimReviewoftheAgriculture,ForestandSeafoodSectoralAdaptationPlanandrecommendnextsteps

336 IdentifyprioritystepstowardsbuildingresiliencefromtheseafoodsectionoftheAgriculture,ForestandSeafoodClimateChangeSectoralAdaptationPlantobeactionedin2021

337 UpdateClimateAdaptationImpactandVulnerabilityAnalysis

Enterprise

166

Land Use, Land Use Change, Forestry and Marine 17

Land Use, Land Use Change, Forestry and Marine 17

Land Use, Land Use Change, Forestry and the Marine

167

17. Land Use, Land Use Change, Forestry and the Marine

17.1 State of Play

17.1.1 Land Use, Land Use Change, ForestryHowweuseandmanagethelandisfundamentaltohowweliveinIreland.Ourlandproducesmuchofthefoodweeat,supportsrenewablepowerforourhomesandindustry,andprovidesthetimberweuseinbuildingourhomes.Itisthebasisfortheecosystemsthatwerelyonforcleanairandwater,andsupportsthehabitats,floraandfaunathatmakeupIreland’suniquebiodiversity.Landuseaffectshowgreenhousegases(GHGs)intheatmosphereareeitheremittedfrom,orremovedby,ourland.

Table 17.1 Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry GHG Emissions, 2018

LULUCF Emissions CO2 eq. Share of Total GHG Emissions LULUCF Emissions CO2eq.

per person4.8Mt 7% 0�97 t

AcrosstheEU-27since1990,theLandUse,LandUseChangeandForestry(LULUCF)sectorhasbeenanetsinkofGHGemissions,primarilyduetotheextensiveforestcover.Incontrast,theIrishLULUCFsectorhasbeenanetsourceofGHGemissionsinallyearsfrom1990to2019.Thisislargelyduetothecarbonsinkfromtheland-usecategoriesofForestLand,andHarvestedWoodProducts,beinglessthanthe carbon source from Grasslands and Wetlands� Grassland and Wetlands are considerable sources ofemissionsasaresultofthedrainageoforganicsoils.Theland-usecategoryCroplandfluctuatesbetweenbeinganetsinkinsomeyears,andasourceinothers.AllthesecategorieshavethepotentialtobemanagedasnetsinksforGHGs.

Figure 17.1 LULUCF Emissions and Removals, 1990-201950

50 SourceEPA

170

Figure 17.1 LULUCF Emissions and Removals, 1990-201950

Table 17.2 – Trends in LULUCF GHG Emissions

Timeframe Percentage Change Absolute Change, CO2eq.

2005-11 -8.3% -0.5 Mt

2011-18 -12.7% -0.7 Mt

LULUCF net emissions have been falling over time. In 2018, they were 4.8 MtCO2eq. A 51% reduction in these emissions means a 2030 target of approximately 2.4 MtCO2eq.. However, this net emissions target for LULUCF is more challenging than it appears. The 4.8 MtCO2eq. net emissions in 2018 represents non-forest land as a source of emissions with our forest sink netted off. This forest sink is reducing, and current Environmental protection Agency (EPA) projections forecast that by 2030 Ireland’s net emissions will reach 7.1 MtCO2eq. Furthermore, this projected net total is expected to increase further with emerging science to a range between 7-11 MtCO2eq. in 2030, with the level of carbon removals from forests on organic soils being less than previously understood.

50 Source EPA


168

Table 17.2 – Trends in LULUCF GHG Emissions

Timeframe Percentage Change Absolute Change, CO2eq.2005-11 -8.3% -0.5Mt2011-18 -12.7% -0.7Mt

LULUCFnetemissionshavebeenfallingovertime.In2018,theywere4.8MtCO2eq.A51%reductionintheseemissionsmeansa2030targetofapproximately2-3MtCO2eq..However,thisnetemissionstargetforLULUCFismorechallengingthanitappears.The4.8MtCO2eq� net emissions in 2018 representsnon-forestlandasasourceofemissionswithourforestsinknettedoff.Thisforestsinkisreducing,andcurrentEnvironmentalprotectionAgency(EPA)projectionsforecastthatby2030Ireland’snetemissionswillreach7.1MtCO2eq.Furthermore,thisprojectednettotalisexpectedtoincreasefurtherwithemergingsciencetoarangebetween7-11MtCO2eq.in2030,withthelevelofcarbonremovalsfromforestsonorganicsoilsbeinglessthanpreviouslyunderstood.

Table 17.3 – LULUCF GHG Emissions International Comparisons, 2018

Ireland Denmark Austria Finland EU 27LULUCF Emissions, CO2eq. per person 0�97 t 1�13 t -0�58 t -1�86 t -0�59 t

Change Since 2005 -19.9% 10.9% 51.5% 58% 16%

WhileIreland’sLULUCFsectoriscurrentlyanetsourceofemissions,ithasalreadybeennotedthattherehasbeenadownwardtrendintheseemissions,witha20%reductionsince2005.However,asstated,thistrendisprojectedtoreverse,astheageprofileoftheforeststockmaturesandharvestinglevelsincreaseinlinewithprojectedforecasts.WhenconsideredalongsidecomparableEUmemberstates,wecanseethatthereisasignificantchallengeoverthemedium-tolonger-terminmanagingandreducingLULUCFemissions.ManynationalcarbonsinksacrosstheEUhaveexperiencedsimilarreductionsoverrecentyears,resultingintheEUcarbonsinkreducingby16%between2005and2018.

Table 17.4 – Required Level of Decarbonisation in LULUCF

2018 Emissions 2030 Required Emissions based on Climate Action Plan 2021

4.8Mt 2-3Mt

BasedoncurrentEPAprojections,whicharesubjecttofurtherupwardrevisionbasedonemergingscience,Ireland’snetLULUCFemissionswillreach7.1MtCO2eq.Thisimpliessavingsofatleast4.6MtCO2eq.needtobeachieved.Thesavingsrequiredcouldriseto6.6MtCO2eq.ormore,withrevisionsto the inventories�


169

17.1.2 Marine EnvironmentClimatechangeiscausingfundamentalandpotentiallyirreversiblechangestoourmarineenvironment,withconsequencesforallofsociety.Weneedtoincreaseourunderstandingofthemitigationandadaptationpotentialofourseas,andthemarineindustriesitsupports,toinformourfuturepolicies.Expandingoceanliteracy,andpublicawarenessofthevalueofIreland’sseas,willensuresupportforasustainableapproachtomanagingourmarineresources.

Box 17.1 – What is Blue Carbon

BlueCarbonreferstocarbonwhichisstored,orsequestered,intheocean,itssediments,andvegetatedhabitatsaroundourcoast.

TheMarineInstitutecommissionedaspecialreportentitled‘BlueCarbonandMarineCarbonSequestrationinIrishWatersandCoastalHabitats’toreviewandsynthesiseexistingknowledgeinrelationtobluecarbonandmarinecarbonsequestrationinIrishwaters,andtoidentifycriticalknowledgegaps.Followingthisstudy,theMarineInstitute,inJune2021,launchedaresearchcallthatwillbuildournationalcapacityandprovideadviceandevidencetoinformpolicydecisions.

Table 17.5 Potential Metrics to Reduce Emissions in Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry

Key Metrics KPI 2030Direct Savings

MtCO2eq. in 2030

ForestLandNewafforestationto2030Accountingforafforestationwithremovalsrealised post 2030

0�8

2�1

CroplandIncrease use of cover cropsIncorporationofstraw

0�03

0�04

Grassland

ImprovedmanagementofgrasslandonmineralsoilsReducedmanagementintensity(watertablemanagement)of80,000hectaresondrainedorganic soils by 2030

0�26

0�88

WetlandsBordnaMonaandLIFEPeatlandsrehabilitation (45,000hectares)Afurther20,000hectaresofrehabilitation

0�30

0�20

Total 4.61


170

17.2 Targets

To meet the required level of emissions reduction, by 2030 we will: • ReduceIreland’snetLULUCFemissionsby4.6MtCO2eq.in2030againstcurrentprojectedemissionsandconsistentwithachievingcarbonneutralitynolaterthan2050by:

• Increasingourannualafforestationrateconsistentwithrealisingthisambitionandachievingcarbonneutralitynolaterthan2050,includingpromotingforestmanagementinitiativestoincreasecarbonsinksandstores

• 80,000ha.ofreducedmanagementintensity(watertablemanagement)ofgrasslandsondrainedorganicsoils

• Improvingourmanagementforcarbonsequestrationofatleast450,000hectaresofgrasslandson mineral soils

• Increasingtheinclusionofcovercropsintillagetoatleast50,000hectaresby2030

• Increasingtheincorporationofstrawtoatleast10%ofthetillage(cereal)area

• Rehabilitating65,000hectaresofpeatlandsacrossnumerouslandownersandprojects

• Designating30%ofIreland’smarineareaasaMarineProtectedArea

WemustestablishapathwayforourLULUCFsectortobecomealong-termsustainablenetsink,makingapositivecontributiontocombatingclimatechange,andsupportingourtransitiontoacarbonneutraleconomyandsocietynolaterthan2050.TheobjectiveistobringthissectorinlinewiththeoverallEU-27,minimisingemissionsandoptimisingGHGsequestrationopportunities,whilebalancingenvironmental,social,andeconomicconsiderationsacrossseveralsectors.Achievingthiswillyieldsignificantecosystemservicesandbiodiversitybenefits.


17.3.1 ForestryForestsandforestproductsplayanimportantroleinmitigatingclimatechange.Sustainablymanagedforestsareanetabsorberofcarbon.Usingwoodandwood-basedproductsforconstructionisasustainablesubstituteforconventionalcarbon-heavyconstructionproducts,suchasconcrete,brickandsteel.Afforestationisthesinglelargestland-basedclimatechangemitigationmeasureavailabletoIreland.Managementofourexistingforestsalsoprovidesopportunitiestoincreasecarbonstores:

• ProjectWoodlandwillfacilitatethepreparationofanewforeststrategythatrecognisesthemultiplebenefitsthatforestsprovide

• Wewillcontinuetopromoteafforestationinordertoincreaseplantingtoarateconsistentwithrealisingour2030ambition,andcontributetoachievingcarbonneutralitynolaterthan2050

• AnewForestryProgrammewilllaunchin2023focussingontheimportanceofclimatesmartforestry�

• Wewillafforestinpursuitofcommercial,climate,waterandbiodiversityobjectives,boththroughplantingandnaturalregeneration

• Wewillfacilitatethecreationofsmallnativeforestsaspartofouragri-environmentschemes,avoidingpoorcitingoftreestoensurebiodiversityaswellascarbongoalsaremet.


171

• Wewillcontinuetosupportthemobilisationofroundwood,throughinitiativessuchasinvestinginharvestinginfrastructure,andresearchintimberandprocessingindustries

• Wewillincreasethemonitoringoftheforestestatetoreduceillegaldeforestation• Supportwillbeprovidedtoencouragetheincreaseduseofalternativemanagementsystemssuchasclosetonatureforestryandagro-forestry

• Wewillsupporttheconservationandsustainableuseofforestgeneticresources,whichisessentialtoprotectthegeneticdiversityofourforestsandimproveresiliencetoclimatechange

• Wewilldevelopdecisionsupporttoolstoenableforestownerstomakedecisionsontimingofharvesting(suchasextendedrotations)tooptimisecarbonstorage

Box 17.2 – Accounting for Forestry

Globallyforestsareasignificantstoreofcarbonafteroceans.Theycanabsorbandstorecarbonintheirbiomass,soilsandproducts,equivalenttoaboutonetenthofcarbonemissionsprojectedforthefirsthalfofthiscentury.Wemust,therefore,substantiallyincreaseourcurrentratesofafforestationandprovidearangeofforestmanagementmeasurestoincreasecarbonstorageinourexistingforests.However,foreststakedecadestogrow.Ahectareofforestplantedtoday,willremovecarbondioxidefromtheatmosphereasthetreesgrow,butwilldelivermostofitssequestrationintheperiodafter2030..Givenallforestsplantedinthecomingdecadeswillbecriticalforachievingcarbonneutralitynolaterthan2050,itisessentialthatsubstantialafforestationtakesplaceinthisdecade.

TheClimateChangeAdvisoryCouncil(CCAC),initsadvicetotheMinisteronapproachestocarbonbudgets(CCAC3September2021),notesthatasthesettingandaccountingfortargets‘….in the period to 2030 should take account of the unavoidable delay between actions and outcomes in terms of actual reduction in emissions or enhanced removals, with the understanding that many of the actions taken will bear fruit in the post 2030 period. In order to incentivise activity, provision could be made in regulation to account for the committed emissions savings in a shorter time frame, while avoiding double counting.’

Regulationsapprovedbygovernmentwillprovideforthemeanstoaccountforanearlierrealisationofsuchremovals,andhowtheycanbeutilisedforsectoralceilingcompliance.

17.3.2 Agriculture Lands Weneedtoensurethatweuseourlandwell,inawaythatsecuresfamilyfarmincomesandvibrantruralcommunitiesintothefuture.Aswellassustainablyproducingfood,farmerscanberewardedbydevotingpartoftheirlandtoplantingtreesorotherwisecreatingsinkstoabatecarbonemissions.Thegovernmentwillpartnerwiththefarmingorganisationsinthistransition,whichwillbesupportedwithinthestructureofthenextCommonAgriculturalPolicy.Wewill:

• Reducedmanagementintensity(watertablemanagement)ofatleast80,000hectaresofdrained,agricultural,managed,carbon-richsoils.Aswellasreducingourcarbonemissions,therewillalsobeco-benefitsintermsofimprovedwaterquality,increasedbiodiversity,andenhancedresiliencetochangingweatherpatterns51

51 ReducedmanagementintensityofagriculturalmanageddrainedcarbonrichsoilsofferssignificantpotentialforreducingtheCO2emissionsfromthelandusesector.However,thewillingnessoffarmerstorewettheirlandifincentiveswereofferedisdifficulttopredictastheleveloffarmingintensitythatcanbesustainedpostreducedmanagementintensityisfarmandsite-specific.Furthermore,thescaleofreducedmanagementintensityinthelandscapeandcomplexhydrologicalsystemsthereinwillinfluencethecapacitytoreduceemissionsfromtheseecosystems.Assessmentofbestpracticemanagementoptionsforoptimumenvironmentalandproductionoutcomesrequiresresearch.


172

• Improveourmanagementofatleast450,000hectaresofgrasslandonmineralsoilsforcarbonsequestration.Improvedpracticescompriseincreasedtimetoreseeding;expandinglegumesinthepasturesward(includingcloverandmulti-speciesswards);avoidingcompaction;andlong-termpasturemanagementplans

• Increasetheinclusionofcovercropsintillagetoatleast50,000hectaresby2030• Increasetheincorporationofstrawtoatleast10%ofthetillage(cereal)area.Choppingandincorporatingthestrawintothesoilincreasessoilorganiccarbon,asorganicmatterisdirectlyinputtedbackintothesoil

17.3.3 Wetlands Peatlandscover21%ofourlandarea,and64%ofourtotalsoilorganiccarbonstock.TheyarethelargeststoreofcarbonintheIrishlandscape.However,thiscarbonstoreisveryvulnerable,forexampletovaryingweatherconditionsandextremeweatherevents.Therehabilitationofdegradedpeatlandstoaconditioninwhichtheyregaintheirabilitytodeliverspecificecosystemserviceshasconsiderablepotentialforinitialmitigationgains,andfuturecarbonsequestration.Additionalbenefitsofpeatlandrestorationincludepositivesocio-economicoutcomesfortheMidlands,increasednaturalcapital,enrichedbiodiversity,improvedwaterquality,andfloodattenuation.Wewill:

• Restore/rewetraisedbogSpecialAreasofConservationandNaturalHeritageAreasassetoutintheNationalRaisedBogSpecialAreasofConservationManagementPlan2017-2022.Suchrestorationmeasures,andhydrologicalmanagementofourprotectedpeatlands,willhaltandreducepeatoxidationandcarbonloss

• Undertakefurtherresearchtoassessthepotentialtosequester,storeandreduceemissionsofcarbonthroughthemanagement,restorationandrehabilitationofpeatlandsasoutlinedintheNationalPeatlandsStrategy

• Upgradeland-useandhabitatmappingsystemstoestablishthebaselineconditionofwetlands,andinformthedevelopmentofbest-practiceguidelinesforwetlandmanagement,includingthemanagementofdegradedsitesandpeatlandscurrentlyexploitedforenergypeatextraction

• Developfurthermeasurestohelprehabilitateexploitedanddegradedpeatlands,includingaspartofnationalland-useplanningandthenewCommonAgriculturalPolicy,andrecognisingthatstrategiesmayneedtodifferbetweenregions

17.3.4 Land Use ReviewLanduseisacrucialclimatemitigationmeasureavailabletoIreland,buttherearesignificantchallengestobeovercometomaximisethepotentialcontributionfromlanduse52.TheProgrammeforgovernmentcommitstoalandusereviewtoensurethatoptimallanduseoptionsinformallrelevant governmentdecisions.

52 ThemajorityofgrasslandsinIrelandareusedforagriculturalpurposesandcoveratotallandareaofcirca4millionhectares.IrelandcalculatesemissionsandremovalsfromgrasslandsandreportstheseemissionsandremovalstotheEUintheannualNationalInventoryReportcompiledbytheEPA.Grasslandsondrainedorganicsoils(~300thousandhectares)arenetemittersofCO2totheatmosphereduetotheoxidisationofthesoilorganicmatterandthecarbonpresentindrainagewaters.TheCO2 releasedduetothedrainageofgrasslandsonorganicsoilsislargerthantheCO2sequesteredbygrasslandsonmineralsoilsand,asaresult,grasslandsareanetemitterofCO2 to the atmosphere�


173

Box 17.3 – National Land Use Review

InconsideringIreland’slanduse,theNationalLandUseReviewwill:

• Balanceenvironmental,social,andeconomicconsiderations,andinvolveaprocessofevaluationoftheecologicalcharacteristicsoftheland

• Gatherdataandevidencetoreporton,anddetermine,theenvironmental,ecological,andsocio-economiccharacteristicsoflandcover,landuseandland-basedactivitiesacrossIreland,includinghowtheyinteractwitheachother

• Includeconsiderationofemissionstoairandwater,carbonsequestration,andclimateadaptationchallenges

• Examinethelandavailabilityandsuitabilityforforestryasalandusechangetakingintoaccountbiodiversity and environmental impacts and constraints

Thereviewisbeingcarriedoutintwodistinctphases:

Phase 1 – Evidential Review

Phase1oftheLandUseReviewisalreadyunderway,andwillprovideanevidencebasetodeterminetheenvironmental,ecological,andeconomiccharacteristicsoflandtypesacrossIreland.

Phase 2 – Policies, Measures and Actions

BuildingontheevidencebasefromPhase1,Phase2willidentifyappropriatepolicies,measuresandactionsinthecontextofthegovernment’swidereconomic,socialandclimateobjectives.

Wewill:

• CompletetheNationalLandCoverMapProjectofOrdnanceSurveyIrelandandtheEPAin2022,includinginformingLULUCFaccounting.

• SupportEPAresearchprogrammesonlanduse,biodiversity,andsoils.


174

17.3.5 The Marine Environment Ourcoastalcommunitiesandmaritimesectorswillplayasignificantroleincontributingtoourclimategoals,andwillbeconsultedandsupportedinbeingpartofthetransition.

ThestatutoryNationalMarinePlanningFramework53,establishedin2021,setoutobjectivesandpolicies,includinginrelationtoclimatechangeadaptationandmitigation,whichmustbeconsideredinrelationtoallprogrammes,plansorpolicies;andconsenting,approvalsorregulations,inthemaritimearea.Inaddition,managementofIreland’smaritimeareaisbeingreformedthroughtheMaritimeAreaPlanning(MAP)Bill54.Theemergingplan-ledsystemisprovidingafoundationforclimatemeasures,suchasmeetingrenewableenergytargetsthroughoffshorerenewableenergyinstallation,andidentifyingwaysthatallactivitiesinthemaritimeareacancontributetocarbonreductionandadaptationmeasures.

Actionstoprotect,conserveandrestoreourocean,suchasestablishingMarineProtectedAreas(MPAs),willincreasetheabilityofourseastomitigatetheimpactsofclimatechangethroughnaturalcarbonsequestrationandstorageprocesses,andensurethatmarineecosystemsareresilienttotheimpactsofclimatechange.

• TheMAPBilliscurrentlybeingconsideredbytheOireachtaswiththeaimofbeingenactedbytheend of 2021

• Legislationontheidentification,designationandmanagementofMPAswillcommenceatthe end of 2021

• Nature-basedcarbonstorage,andthepotentialresilienceofecosystemstoclimatechangeandoceanacidification,willbeconsideredwithincriteriaforthedesignationofMPAs.IrelandwillexpanditsnetworkofMPAstocoveratleast10%ofitsmarineareaassoonaspossible,and30%by2030

• Theseafoodindustry(fishing,seaweedharvestingandaquaculture)isoneofthekeystakeholdersoperatinginthemarineareaandplaysavitalroleinthesustainabilityofourcoastalcommunitiesaroundIreland.Over16,000peopleareemployedaroundourcoastbothdirectlyandindirectly.Theseafoodindustrywillcontinuetosupportinitiativestoimproveourunderstandingofourmarinearea,ensuringsustainableresourceuse,includingthroughbioandcirculareconomyinitiatives.Ireland’srecentlyupdatedassessmentundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(Ireland’sMarineStrategyPart1,June2020)indicatedthatatleastsomecomponentsofmarinefoodwebsarechanging.Theimpactsofclimatechangeonecosystemfunctioningwillbecomprehensivelyassessed

• TheMarineInstitutewillcontinueinvestment,undertheMarineResearchProgramme,inresearchcallstoaddressclimatechangeissuessuchasrisingsealevel,oceanacidification,fishdistributionandabundancechanges,bluecarbonstorageandsequestration,coastalerosionandflooding,andextreme storm events

53 https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60e57-national-marine-planning-framework/54 https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a1a65-maritime-area-planning-bill/


175



338 ProjectWoodlandtodevelopasharednationalapproachfortrees,woodsandforest

339 PreparethenextForestryProgrammepost2014-2020forpublicationin2023

340 ImplementForestryProgramme2014-2022(includes2yearextension)

341 Increasethelevelofafforestationtomeettargets

342 Increase output of forestry licences to meet demand

343 Promotetheroleofafforestationasaclimatesolution

344 Developtoolsforcommunicatingproductivityandclimatebenefitsofforests

345 EncouragetheplantingofsmallwoodlandsaspartofDAFMagri-environmentandafforestationschemes

346 MinimisetheimpactofdeforestationonGHGemissions,whilesupportingwidergovernmentpolices

347 Developandsupportforestsandforestownersinthesustainablemanagementofwoodlandandtheimportanceofclimatemitigationandadaptation

348 Conductresearchintospeciesselectiontoincreaseresiliencetoclimatechange

349 Assesstheimpactofforestcarbonstocks,sinks,andstoreswithintheLandUse,Land-useChangeandForestrysectorandmodelimpactsofdifferentforestmanagementandafforestationscenarios

350 Encourageincreaseduseofalternativeforestmanagementsystems

351 Supportthemobilisationoftimberforuseintheprocessingandbiomasssector

352 Supportthedevelopmentanduseofharvestedwoodproducts

353 Protectandmonitortheforestestateforpestanddiseaseinordertomaintaincarbonstocksandbuildresilience

354 IncreaseClimateresilienceinourForestEstate

355 Ensuretheinclusionofcovercropsintillageto50,000haby2030

356 SupportcapitalinvestmentsintheTillageSector

357 Supportthestrawincorporationmeasuretoreach10%ofTillage(cereal)area

358 Developadditionalcroplandmeasurestoprotectandenhancesoilcarbon

359 Promote450,000haofgrasslandsonmineralsoilsforcarbonsequestration

360 80,000hectaresin2030ofreducedmanagementintensityofgrasslandsondrainedorganicsoils


362 Continueinvestmentinpeatlandmapping

176



363 EstablishandRefineunderlyingsoildatatomeasurethenutrientandsoilcarbonin our soils

364 EstablishmentoftheNationalAgriculturalSoilCarbonObservatoryinassociationwiththeSignPostFarmProgramme

365 Establishanationalsoilmoisturemonitoringnetwork

366 Protect,enhance,andincreasethenumberofhedgerowsandtreesonfarms

367 Furtherrefinehedgerowcarbonsequestration

368 Identifyopportunitiesforadditionalpeatlandsforenhancedrehabilitation,tobringsignificantbenefitsandcontributetoIreland’stargetofbeingcarbon-neutral by 2050

369 CompletePhase1EvidentialReviewoftheLandUseReviewinlinewiththeProgrammeforGovernment2020

370 ImplementthenewAll-IrelandPollinatorPlanfor2021-2025

371 Promotionofforestryactivity

372 Research and development in forestry

373 DeliverthefullLandUse,Land-useChangeandForestryflexibilityavailabletoIrelandinthecontextofthe2030greenhousegasemissionstargets

374 Assessthepotentialopportunitiesanddemandfordevelopingadvancedbio-productsdevelopment(bio-fuelsandchemicals)fromlignocelluloseinIreland

375 Exploreandidentifyopportunitiestoincreaseafforestation

376 Supportbiodiversitydatacollection

377 BuildonthecommitmentsmadeundertheNationalBiodiversityActionPlan2017-2021

378 Assessandimplementmitigationoptionsonpost-productionpeatextractionsites�

379 CoordinatetheactionsintheProgrammeforGovernmentregardingpeatlandstomaximisethebenefitsforbiodiversity

380 Continuetoraiseawarenessofbiodiversity

381 Protectandmonitortheforestestateforpestanddiseaseinordertomaintaincarbonstocksandstores

382 Research&development-SoilTellusSoilSamplingProgramme(NationalGeological,Geophysical&GeochemicalProgrammeofGSI)

383 Research&development-PeatThickness-TellusProgramme(NationalGeological,Geophysical&GeochemicalProgrammeofGSI)

384 Conductresearchandengageonhowtosupportclimatejusttransitioninagriculture

385 Restoreandenhancenaturalsystemstoincreaseresilience–startingwithmanaginghydrologicalprocesses,carbonprocessesandpollination


177



387 StrengthentheNatura2000networkbyprovidingincreasedcapacityfortheenforcementofhabitatregulations

388 Monitorphenologicalchangeincludinginphenologicalgardens

389 Educateschoolchildrenthroughexisting(HeritageSchoolsProgramme,AnTaisceGreenSchools,CleanCoasts)andadditionaleducationalprogrammestoraiseawarenessofthelinksbetweenbiodiversityandclimatechange

390 Engagestakeholdersinallsectorstoprotectbiodiversityinordertoincreaseresiliencetoclimatechange

391 DevelopafinancialstrategytoimplementtheBiodiversityClimateChangeadaptationplanwhichincludespublicandprivatefundsinnovativefinancialmechanismsandenablesinvestmentfromnationaltolocallevel

392 IncreaseIreland’sknowledgebaseintermsofmarineclimatechangeimpactsandbluecarbonpotentialtoinformthedevelopmentofnationalmitigationactions

393 Increaseoceanknowledgeandsupportresearchandinnovation,investinginresearchandinnovation

394 EstablishmentofanewMaritimeAreaRegulatoryAuthoritytosupportacomprehensive,state-ledmarineconsentingsystembetterabletomanagethestepchangeinscaleandcomplexityofoffshoreprojects,andprovisionsforimproved enforcement mechanisms

395 DevelopamonitoringprogrammeundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectivethatallowsustoassesstheeffectsofclimatechange

396 Developcomprehensivelegislationfortheidentification,designation,andmanagementofMarineProtectedAreasinIrishmarinewaters

397 Increasebroaderpublicunderstandingoftheeffectsofclimatechangeonthesea

398 BuildonthesuccessoftheUNESCODublinBayBiosphereandachievefurtherUNESCOdesignationsforIrishsites,includingtheLoughReeregion

399 Develop criteria for marine protected areas to include nature-based carbon storageandresiliencetoclimatechangeandoceanacidification

400 DevelopaDemonstrationNaturalCapitalAccountsmodelfortheseafoodsector

401 IdentifyareasofclimateactionappropriatetotheSeafoodDevelopmentProgramme2021-27

402 CompletetheNationalStrategicPlanforSustainableAquaculture,includingclimate measures

403 PublishtheSeafoodCarbonFootprintStudy,providingadetailedanalysisofthecarbonfootprintofthecatchingandaquaculturesectors

404 Completeapilotstudyonimprovingthecarbonefficiencyoffishinggeardesign

405 Maintainparticipationrateof96%intheCleanOceansInitiativeandbringthefisheryharbourcentresinlinewiththePortReceptionFacilitiesDirective

406 Developastudytotestdifferentseaweedscultivationtechniquesforeventualinclusionincattlefeedtoreducemethaneproduction

Enterprise

178

The Circular Economy 18

The Circular Economy 18

The Circular Economy

179

18. The Circular Economy

18.1 The Challenge of Sustainable Use of ResourcesThecirculareconomyoffersanalternativetotoday’slinear(‘take-make-waste’)modelofproductionandconsumption,inwhichweextractgreatquantitiesofnaturalresourcestomakethingsthatwemayuseonlyoncebeforethrowingthemaway.Inthecirculareconomy,resourcesarekeptinuseforaslongaspossible,themaximumvalueisextractedfromthemwhileinuse,beforeresidualresourcesarethenrecoveredandregeneratedintonewproductsandmaterialsattheendofeachlifecycle.Thecirculareconomyis,therefore,aninherentlyregenerativesystem,whichminimisesoravoidstheemissionsandothernegativeenvironmentalimpactsassociated,byreplacingalinearlifespanwithaclosedloopformaterials.Achievingthiscirculartransitionwillrequiresignificantlevelsofinnovationinrelationtothedesignofbothproductionandbusinessmodels.

ThefocusoftheWasteActionPlanforaCircularEconomyisonincreasingrecycling,minimisingwastegenerationbyprioritisingthepreventionofwasteateveryopportunitythrougheco-design,reuseandrepair,andincreasingsegregation.Thecirculareconomyandclimateactionarealsoinherentlyinterlinked.AnOECDstudyoffourcountries’greenhousegas(GHG)emissionsfoundemissionsarisingfrommaterialmanagementaccountedforbetween55%and65%ofnationalemissions.Ireland’smaterialconsumptioniswellabovetheEUaverage,indicatingthatthereisscopeforsavingsinGHGemissionsthroughmaximisingtheefficiencyofourmaterialusage.

Ourcurrent,linearproductionandconsumptionmodel(basedonproduce,useanddispose)issignificantlycarbonandresource-intensive.Weneedtomovetoamoresustainableproductionandconsumptionmodelbychanginghowweconsumematerialsandresources,howwedesigntheproductsthathouseholdsandbusinessesuse,andhowweextendtheproductivelifeofallgoodsandproductsinoursocietyandeconomy.Anestimated1tonneofwasteperhomeperyearleadstoGHGemissionsthroughwastebeingcomposted,landfilled,orincinerated.Avoidingwasteinthefirstinstanceisaclimateactionwecandoeveryday.

Thesesavingswon’tbedirectlycreditedtoanysector,butwillbetriggeredacrosssocietythrougharadicalchangeinthewaywethinkaboutthecirculareconomyandtheavoidanceofwasteateverylevel,fromtheproducer,theprocessor,andtheretailertotheconsumer.

18.2 State of PlayFromaclimateperspective,theshifttoacirculareconomyisparticularlyimportantatboththeresourceextractionanddisposalphasesoftheproductormateriallifecycle.Forexample,50%oftotalGHGemissionscomefromresourceextractionandprocessing,whileiffoodwastewereacountry,itwouldbethethirdlargestglobalGHGemitter,behindonlyChinaandtheUnitedStates.Reducingtheresourceintensityofoureconomyis,therefore,anessentialcomponentofachievingnetzeroemissions.

With a circularity rate55of1.6%,IrelandlagssomewaybehindtheEUaverageof11.9%.Improvingthisratewillyieldsavingsnotonlyintonnesofmaterialswasted,butalsoincarbonemitted.TheforthcomingWhole-of-GovernmentCircularEconomyStrategywillprovideanoverallnationalpolicyframeworkforthecirculartransition,andwillincludemeasurestoimproveIreland’scircularityperformanceabovetheEUaverageby2030.ThesemeasureswillmakeprovisionforCircularEconomySectoralRoadmapswhichwillinturn,includeprioritywastepreventiontargetsinsectorswhereincreasingcircularitywillhaveasignificantimpact:construction,transport,agri-foodandconsumergoods,andadditionalenterprisesupportstodevelopinnovativebusinessmodelsandsustainableproductinnovation.

55 Circularityrateindicatestheshareofmaterialwhichisrecoveredandfedbackintoaneconomy


180

18.2.1 The Bioeconomy Thebioeconomy,whichisafacetwithinthecirculareconomy,encompassesarangeofactivitiesacrossmanysectors,includingagriculture,themarine,forestry,waterandwastemanagement,energy,aswellasbiopharmaceuticals.Itisthepartofoureconomywhichusesrenewableresourcessuchascrops,forestry,andfisheriestoproducefoodandproducts,aswellasenergy,whilealsoreducingwaste.Increasingthescopeofthebioeconomywillmeandiminishingourrelianceonfossil-basedfuelsandcarbonintensiveresourcesandwillboostouruseofrenewablebiologicalresources.

TheGovernment’svisionforthebioeconomy,assetoutintheNationalPolicyStatementontheBioeconomy,istogrowIreland’sambitiontobeagloballeaderforthebioeconomythroughaco-ordinatedapproachthatharnessesIreland’snaturalresourcesandcompetitiveadvantage,andthatfullyexploitstheopportunitiesavailablewhilemonitoringandavoidingunintendedconsequences.

Sincethepublicationofthenationalpolicystatement,aHigh-levelBioeconomyImplementationGroupconsistingofGovernmentDepartmentsandAgencieshasbeenestablishedbytheDepartmentoftheEnvironment,ClimateandCommunicationsandtheDepartmentofAgriculture,FoodandtheMarine.ThegrouphastakenforwardanumberofmajoractionsincludingthesettingupofaNationalBioeconomyForumofindustryrepresentativesandexperts,whichwaslaunchedinJuly2021.ItisanticipatedthatboththeNationalBioeconomyForumandtheHigh-levelBioeconomyImplementationGroupwillinformpolicydirectionandmakepolicyrecommendations,includingfordetailedactionstobereflectedinlateriterationsoftheClimateActionPlan,andotherrelevantpolicydocuments.

AnimportantobjectiveofthebioeconomyistoaidIreland’stransitiontoacarbonneutralandcirculareconomy.Forthisvisiontoberealised,itisessentialthatwehaveacoherent,horizontalapproachtopolicy-makingacrosssectors.

18.2.2 Minerals and the Circular Economy Mineralshaveacriticalroletoplayinrealisingthetransitiontoacircularandresourceefficienteconomy.Thecirculareconomyconceptadvocatesasignificantlyreducedprimaryresourceextraction(i.e.miningofprimarymetalsandminerals)infavourofsecondarymaterial(recycledmetalsandminerals)flowingthroughinternalloops.However,evensuchacircularsystemmaystillneedrawmaterialstofacilitatethegreeneconomy.Forexample,toachievethenationaltargetofonemillionelectricvehiclesby2030,asignificantincreaseintheavailabilityofbasemetalswillberequiredtoallowforthemanufactureofbatteriesandothercomponents.TheInternationalEnergyAgencyestimatesthattheamountofcopperneededtosupplyelectricvehicleswillincreasebyalmosttwomilliontonnesby2030,andtherearealsoprojecteddemandsurgesfornickel,cobalt,lithium,aluminium,manganeseandotherminerals.Similardemandsareprojectedonothermetalsandmineralstomeettherequirementsofthegrowinggreentechnologysector,andthesedemandscannotbemetthroughrecyclingaloneinacircular system�

18.2.3 Waste WhenitcomestotheformalinventoryofGHGs,itisemissionsfromwastetreatmentthatarereportedunderthewastesector(predominantlymethaneemissionsasaresultofdisposaltolandfill).Thegainsinreducingmaterialuse,andsubstitutingvirginmaterialwithrecycledmaterial,willbecreditedbackupthesupplychain.Minimisingwastegeneration,andimprovingsegregation,reuseandrecycling,willleadtolessemissionsassociatedwithwastetransportandtreatment.Inthisway,materialmanagementwhichleadstowastetreatmentaccountsfor1.5%ofIreland’stotalGHGsin2018.


181

Table 18.1 – Waste GHG Emissions, 201856

Waste Emissions CO2 eq.


Waste Emissions CO2eq. per person

0.91Mt 1.5% 0�2 t

WasteemissionsperheadarelowerinIrelandcomparedtotheEUaverage.Emissionshavefallensince2005,butnotasmuchasinotherMemberStatesorcomparedtotheEUaverage.Irelandhasmadesignificantprogressinmanagingwastestreams,particularlyinimprovingrecyclingratesanddiversionfromlandfill.Ambitioustargetshavebeenadoptedfor2030.

Table 18.2 – Waste GHG Emissions International Comparisons, 201857

Ireland Denmark Austria Finland EU 27Share of Total GHG 1.5% 2.4% 1.8% 3.2% 3.1%Emissions, CO2eq. per person 0�2 t 0�2 t 0�2 t 0�3 t 0�3 t

Change Since 2005 -29.7% -8.8% -49.1% -35.2% -23�8 %

ThekeypolicytoolswhichhavebeensuccessfulinIrelandare:

• Levyonlandfillanddiversionregulations• Widespreadsegregationofwaste,capturingrecyclablesandbiodegradablewaste• Industry-supportedrecyclingoperations• Regionalwasteplanning

However,toachieveourtargetsalltheseareasneedimprovement,particularlytodevelopbetterpreventionstrategies,improvecapturerates,andreducebothcontaminationandtheamountofnon-recyclable materials�

WastepolicymeasuresoutlinedintheWasteActionPlanforaCircularEconomywillhaveasignificanteffectonwasteminimisation,reuseandrecyclingratesoverthenextfiveyears.Thelatestreleaseofdataonbiodegradablemunicipalwaste(BMW)tolandfill,reportsthatIrelandmetthe2010,2013and2020targetsundertheLandfillDirective(1999/31/EC)58.Ireland’ssuccessindivertingwastefromlandfillisunderpinnedbytwokeylevers:increasesinthelevyfordisposalofwastetolandfill,andrequirementstodivertBMWfromdisposaltolandfillundertheLandfillDirectivetargets.59

Table 18.3 – Required Level of Decarbonisation in Waste

2018 Emissions60 2030 Required Emissions Based on CAP 20210.91Mt 0.77Mt

56 http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/airemissions/ghgemissions2017/57 EEA(2021),AnnualEuropeanUniongreenhousegasinventory1990–2019andinventoryreport202158 EEA(2021),AnnualEuropeanUniongreenhousegasinventory1990–2019andinventoryreport202159 Therateofthelevyiskeptunderreview,currentlyat€75atonneforliablewastedisposedatlandfill60 http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/airemissions/ghgemissions20197/


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18.3 Targets

Circular Economy • AnWhole-of-GovernmentCircularEconomyStrategywillbepublishedbyend-2021

• TheCircularEconomyBill2021belegislatedfor,puttingtheCircularEconomyStrategyonastatutoryfooting

The Bioeconomy • ReporttoGovernmentwithanupdateontheimplementationoftheNationalBioeconomyPolicyStatement,includingadetailedactionplanby2022

• Opportunitiestoexpandbothskillsandfundingmechanismsforthebioeconomywillbeexplored

Waste Landfill Reliance:

• Limitdiversionofbiodegradablemunicipalwastetolandfilltomaximumlimitof427,000tonnesby2020,andforeveryyearafter

• Reducetheamountofmunicipalwastelandfilledto10%by2035 Recycling:

• Recycle65%ofmunicipalwasteby2035

• Recycle70%ofpackagingwasteby2030

• Recycle55%ofplasticpackagingwasteby2030

• Separatecollectionobligationsextendedtoincludehazardoushouseholdwaste(byend2024),bio-waste(byend2023),andtextiles(byend2024) Food:

• Reducefoodwasteby50%by2030

Plastic Single-Use Items:

• Providefor90%collectionofplasticdrinkscontainersby2029

• Determineandintroducereductiontargetsandmeasuresnolaterthan2022tobe achieved no later than 2026

• Ensureallplasticpackagingisreusableorrecyclableby2030


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18.4.1 Circular Economy• WewillfinaliseIreland’sfirstWhole-of-GovernmentCircularEconomyStrategytoensurepolicycoherenceacrossthepublicsector,andtooutlineGovernment’soverallapproachtothecirculareconomyforstakeholdersandthepublic.Thiswhole-of-GovernmentapproachwilloutlinethedetailedmeasuresIrelandwilltaketoadvanceourcirculareconomy

• WewillbringtheCircularEconomyBill2021throughtheOireachtas,thegeneralschemeofwhichwasapprovedbyGovernmentearlierthisyear.Thislegislationwillgofurtherbytranslatingthispolicyapproachintoastatutoryrequirement.Itwillalsoprovidethenecessarystatutoryunderpinningtoarangeofactionsthatwillstrengthenwasteenforcementinrelationtoillegaldumpingandlittering

18.4.2 Bioeconomy Measures• TheHigh-LevelNationalBioeconomyImplementationGroupwillreporttoGovernmentontheimplementationoftheNationalBioeconomyPolicyStatementbyearly2022

• TheHigh-LevelNationalBioeconomyImplementationGroupwillsetoutathree-yearactionplanforthe bioeconomy in 2022

• TheNationalBioeconomyForumwillproviderecommendationsandadvicetoaidtheadvancementofthebioeconomy.ItisexpectedthatthisprocesswillresultinrecommendationsforfutureiterationsoftheClimateActionPlan,keypoliciesandotherkeyGovernmentstrategieswhicharerelevant to the bioeconomy

• Wewillidentifywhereeducation,trainingandskillgapscurrentlyexistonthebioeconomyinIreland• Wewillidentifyandengagewithpotentialfundingmechanismsfordemonstrationactionswithin

the bioeconomy

18.4.3 Mineral Exploration Measures • AdraftPolicyStatementonMineralExplorationandMiningwillbefinalisedin2021.Thiswillpromotetheenvironmentallysustainableexplorationandextractionoftheessentialmineralsrequiredtotransitiontoacircularandclimateneutraleconomy

18.4.4 Waste MeasuresIrishandregionalwastepolicyisbasedonthewastehierarchy:wasteprevention;preparingforreuse;recycling;andenergyrecovery;withdisposalbeingtheleastdesirableoption.ItisimplementedbytheGovernment,LocalAuthoritiesandtheEPA.Wearetransformingourapproachtowasteinlinewithmodern,circulareconomyprinciples61.Thisinvolvesamind-setchangetodemandthehighestlevelofprotectionforournaturalandman-maderesourcesandtheenvironment.Irelandhasscopeformajorprogressinallofthekeyareasofthewastehierarchy.

61 ThesignificanceoftheCircularEconomyindeliveringsustainablegrowthandpromotingclimatechangemitigationisreflectedininternationalpolicyframeworks.Goal12oftheUNSDGs(SustainableProductionandConsumption)setsoutaseriesoftargetsthatincluderesourceefficiency,wastedfood,wastemanagement,reuseandrecycling,publicprocurement,education,andremovaloffossilfuelsubsidies.TheEUCircularEconomyActionPlan,ClosingtheLoop,adoptedin2015,includesanambitiousnewlegislativeframeworkforwastemanagement,aswellasEco-designproposalstoimproveproductdurability;foodwastereductionactions;andproposalsforreuseofwaterandbio-nutrients,seehttps://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:8a8ef5e8-99a0-11e5-b3b7-01aa75ed71a1.0012.02/DOC_1&format=PDF


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Prevention Priorityareasforpreventionplanningareinplastics,food,constructionandcommercialwaste:

• TheWasteActionPlanforaCircularEconomyoutlinesthemeasuresIrelandistakingtosubstantiallyreducetheamountofsingle-useplasticitemsweuse,andtosustainablymanagethewastearisingfromthosethatwedouse.From3July2021,thedateoftranspositionoftheSingle-UsePlasticsDirective,single-useplasticcutlery,plates,straws,balloons,andcottonbudsticksmaynotbeplacedontheIrishmarket.Thisbanwillalsoapplytoexpandedpolystyrenecupsandfoodcontainers,andallproductscontainingoxo-degradableplastic.TheplanalsodetailsIreland’sambitiontoleadEUeffortsondealingwithdisposablecoffeecups,throughtheintroductionofalattelevyandaneventualbanondisposablecoffeeandcolddrinkscups

• Modulatedfeeswillbeextendedtoencouragetheuseofrecyclablecomponentsinpackagingproducts.Weshalldevelopafoodwastepreventionroadmaptodeliverourcommitmenttoreducefoodwasteby50%by2030

Recycling and Reuse Thereisgreatscopeforimprovedperformanceinrecycling.Only43%ofIrishhouseholdshadabrownbinin2018.Over30%ofwhatgoesintotheblackbincouldhavebeenrecycled.Contaminationrateshavetobereducedastheycanoftendestroyrecyclingforawholeload.Asignificantchallengeshallbetoreachtheplasticrecyclingtargetof55%by2030,witha90%collectiontargetforbeveragecontainers.However,anumberofinitiativeswillbeintroducedtoassistinattainingthesegoals,including:

• ExpandingtheExtendedProducerResponsibilitySchemetonewwastestreams• UsingmodulatedfeestoensurethatallpackagingplacedontheIrishmarketisreusableorrecyclableinaneconomicallyviablewayby2030

• IntroducingadepositandreturnschemeforplasticandaluminiumbeveragecontainersbyQ32022• PromotingtrialsofbetterpublicrecyclingopportunitiesonstreetandatBringCentres• WorkingwithindustrytoexpandinitiativessuchasthePlasticsPledge• Workingwithindustrytoimprovelabellingtoavoidconfusionorambiguity• Targetingtheimprovementofkeycaptureratesbyextendingsegregatedcollectionwhereitisnotnowavailable,andpromotingbetterpractice

• Implementingthetargetof30%replacementofvirginplastictoberecycled• Introducingleviesondisposableswheresustainablealternativesareavailable• Improvingsegregationandcollectionperformancetoincreaserecyclingandreducecontamination• Usingourstrengthenedenforcementstructuresandmeasurestoensurewemaximisesegregatedmaterialcollection.Wewilldrivetransparencyandinformation-sharinginmaterialsmanagement.Householders,businessesandthepublicsectorasconsumersofresourcesneedclearandreliableinformationabouttheirbehaviour,anditsimpact,beforesustainedbehaviourchangecantakeplace.Toachievethiswewillexaminewaystostrengthendatareportingandappropriateinformationsharingtobuildstakeholderconfidence

• Improvingthetake-upofcollectionservices,withtheWasteActionPlanfortheCircularEconomycommittingtoensureeveryhouseholdonacollectionservicewillhaveaccesstoathree-bin(recyclables,food/organic,andgeneralwaste)system

• Usingresearchanddevelopmentfundingtodriveinnovativedevelopments• Promotingtheoptimaluseofdatatoexploreandidentifyopportunitiesforefficienciesandsynergiesinouruseandreuseofmaterialresources


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407 PublishaWhole-of-GovernmentCircularEconomyStrategyandpromotetheCircularEconomy,includingfocusonawarenessraising,GreenPublicProcurementandinternationalpartnerships

408 EnacttheCircularEconomyBill2021

409 EstablishaCircularEconomyInnovationScheme,focusingonprovidingfundingforalimitednumberofregionaland/ornationalscalecirculareconomyprojects,withthecapacitytosignificantlyraiseawarenessofthecirculareconomyand/orimproveconsumptionpatternsinrelationtospecificproductcategoriesorwithinspecificsectors

410 Strengthentheregulatoryandenforcementframeworksforthewastecollectionandmanagementsystem,tomaximisecirculareconomyprinciples

411 Reducedemandforvirginrawmaterialsandsupportre-use,bykeepingmaterialoutofwastestreamsthroughstreamlinedEnd-of-WasteandBy-Productdecision-makingprocessesandnationalEnd-of-WastedecisionsforspecificConstructionandDemolitionwastestreams

412 ReconfigurethecurrentNationalWastePreventionProgrammeasaCircularEconomyProgrammeforIrelandtodrivethetransitionforbusiness,citizensandthe public sector

413 ContinuetodrivetherolloutofCirculEire,thenationalcirculareconomyplatform

414 TheHighLevelNationalBioeconomyImplementationGroupwillreporttoGovernmentanddevelopadetailedBioeconomyActionPlanin2022

415 TheBioeconomyForumwillcontributetothedevelopmentofactionsinfutureiterationsofkeypoliciesandstrategies

416 TheBioeconomywillbereflectedacrosscirculareconomystrategiesandpolicieswhererelevant,andregulatorybarrierswillbeexamined

417 Fundingmechanismsforbioeconomyinnovationatdemonstrationlevelwillbeexplored,aimingtoachievecoherenceacrossnationalfunds

418 Opportunitiestoincreaseskillsinthebioeconomywillbeexplored

419 Developapolicystatementonmineralexplorationandminingthatsupportsthesustainablesupplyofmineralsrequiredtotransitiontoaclimateneutraleconomy,particularlyintermsofthematerialsrequiredforrenewableenergy,energystorage(batteries),themovetoadigitaleconomy,andelectrifyingthetransport system

420 DevelopaFoodWastePreventionRoadmapthatsetsoutaseriesofactionstodeliverthereductionsnecessarytohalveourfoodwasteby2030andpromoteourtransitiontoacirculareconomy

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421 Enhancefoodwastesegregation,collectionandtreatment(anaerobicdigestionandcomposting)

422 DevelopandimplementanewRegionalWasteManagementPlansthatwillguideourtransitiontoacirculareconomy

423 Developnewandexpandedenvironmentalleviestoencouragereducedresourceconsumptionandincentivisehigherlevelsofre-useandrecycling

424 Identifyopportunitiestostrengthentheregulatoryandenforcementframeworksandstructuresforthewastecollectionandmanagementsystem,tomaximisethecollectionofclean,segregatedmaterialsforreuseand/orrecyclingfromallhouseholdsandbusinesses,andtoincentiviseconsumerstoreduce,reuseandrecycle

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Ireland’s International Action on Climate Breakdown 19

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19. Ireland’s International Action on Climate Breakdown

19.1 IntroductionClimatechangeisaglobalchallengewhichrequiresaglobalresponse.Toachievethegoalsetbythe ParisAgreement,tolimitglobalwarmingto1.5°to2°Cabovepre-industriallevels,countriesmustreduceemissionstonetzeroassoonaspossible. Irelandiscommittedtorealisingthegoalsofthe ParisAgreement,championingprogressiveaction,andensuringthemostvulnerableareattheheart ofallourengagement.

Climatechangecontinuestoreshapetwenty-firstcenturyinternationalrelationsacrossdevelopinganddevelopedcountries.Astheimpactsofclimatechangebecomemoreintense,extremeweatherevents,foodinsecurity,degradationoflandandlossofnaturalresourcesincrease.Theseeffectsmultiplytheoccurrenceofhumanitariancrises,migrationanddisplacement,andfuelinsecurityandthepossibilityofconflictforthemostclimate-vulnerable.Forthesereasons,supportingandpromotingacollectiveglobalefforttoaddressclimatechangeisapriorityforIreland.

ClimateactionsupportsbroaderIrishdiplomaticpriorities,includingtherealisationofhumanrights,themaintenanceofinternationalpeaceandthesecurity,anddevelopmentofsustainablefoodsystems.Inourbilateralandmultilateralengagements,Irelandhasaroletoplayinsupportingandencouragingothercountriestoachievetheirtargets,includingbysharingtheexperiencesofourownclimateactionefforts.

ClimateactionalsoprovidesentrypointsforrealisingtheaimsofA Better World,ourpolicyforinternationaldevelopment.IthasenabledIrelandtouseitsstronginternationalpresencetosupportpeopleinLeastDevelopedCountries(LDCs)andSmallIslandDevelopingStates(SIDS).Ithasenabled ustoamplifythevoicesofthesecountriesinclimatechangedecision-making.Irelandwillcontinue tosupportLDCsandSIDSinpreparingforaclimateresilientfuture,standinginsolidaritywith countriesthathavedonetheleasttocontributetotheproblemofclimatechange,andyetfacetheharshest impacts�

Inmakingourcontributiontowardscollectivegoals,suchasthecommitmentbydevelopedcountriestoachieve$100billionperyearinclimatefinancefordevelopingcountries,wecontinuetoinfluenceinternationalclimateaction.

Tosupporttheseefforts,theGovernmentwilldevelopaClimateFinanceRoadmapandaClimateDiplomacyStrategybytheendofQ12022.ThisStrategyandRoadmapwillbedevelopedthroughaninterdepartmentalprocessandwillelaborateandexpandontheprioritiessetoutinthischapter.ImplementationoftheroadmapandstrategywillhelpinformannualupdatesoftheClimateActionPlan.

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19.2 State of Play

19.2.1 Policy DevelopmentsBuildingoninternationaldevelopmentpolicies,includingA Better World and Ireland’s Strategy for Partnership with Small Island Developing States,newregionalstrategiesforAfricaandAsiahavebeendevelopedandincludestronginternationalclimatecommitments.Ireland’s Strategy for Africa to 2025 commitstoworkingcloselywithAfricanpartnerstosupportimplementationoftheParisAgreement,andtoensurethatresourcestotackleclimatechangearemadeavailablewheretheyaremostneeded.

Ireland’sstrategyforAsiaPacific, Delivering in the Asia Pacific Region to 2025 acknowledgesthatmanyofourpartnersintheAsiaPacificregionareparticularlyvulnerabletoclimatechange,withconsiderablenumbersofpeoplelivingindenselypopulatedcoastalareas.ThisstrategyreiteratesourcommitmenttoincreaseoursupportforSIDsinthePacific,includingthroughtheprovisionof€12milliontothe‘IrelandTrustFund’,aspeciallydesignedfundattheAsianDevelopmentBanktohelpSIDsdeveloptheirresiliencetoclimatechangeandnaturaldisasters.

AswithotherGovernmentDepartments,theDepartmentofForeignAffairs(DFA)hasestablishedaClimateUnittounderpinandcoordinatetheDepartment’seffortsonclimatechangeandtohelpsupport,shapeandscale-upIreland’sclimatediplomacyandclimatefinancingatagloballevel.TheClimateUnitactsasahubforanetworkofclimatefocalpointsacrosstheDepartment’sUnitsandMissionsabroad.

TheDepartmentofFinancehasalsoenhancedtheorganisationalcapacityoftheClimateandInternationalFinanceDivision,andwillfurtherdeepenengagementonsustainableandinternationalclimatefinancethroughinternationalforumsincludingtheEuropeanUnion(EU)andMultilateralDevelopmentBanks(MDBs).

19.2.2 Climate DiplomacyIreland’sclimatediplomacyhasastrongfocusonadaptationandresilience,whichareimportantissuesforclimatejustice.Itexplicitlyfocusesontheneedsofcountriesandcommunities,whoareleastresponsibleforcausingclimatechange,havelimitedresourcestorespondandadapt,andwhohavemosttolose.Attheheartofourworkisacommitmenttodevelopmentprinciples,gender,andafocusonthosefurthestbehind.Prioritycontinuestobegiventolocally-ledadaptation,whichchannelsfundstocommunitiesonthefrontlinesofclimatechange,supportingajusttransitiontoclimateresilience.

Inaddition,Irelandhasanincreasingfocusonsustainableoceans,andontheeffectsofclimatechangeoninternationalpeaceandsecuritythroughourclimatediplomacyasoutlinedbelow.

Inourclimatediplomacy,particularlythroughourbilateralmissionnetwork,Irelandcansupport effortsonclimateactionbysharingtheexperienceofourowneffortstoachieveclimateneutrality no later than 2050�

New Areas of FocusRecognisingthesignificanceofoceansinregulatingtheglobalclimateandtheirimportanceinsupportingadaptationincoastalcommunities,sustainableoceansandocean-basedclimateactionisadevelopingpolicypriority.ThisbuildsonnationalcommitmentswithrespecttoMarineProtectedAreasandparticipationintheHighAmbitionCoalitionforNatureandPeople,whichaimstoprotectatleast30%oftheworld’slandandoceansby2030.

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Theimpactsofclimatechangeoninternationalpeaceandsecurityisanotherareaoffocus.AsamemberoftheUnitedNations(UN)SecurityCouncilandco-chairoftheInformalExpertGroup(IEG)ofMembersoftheSecurityCouncilonClimateandSecurityfor2021,Irelandplaysanimportantleadershiprole.TheIEGoffersaforumforSecurityCouncilmemberstobuildtheirunderstandingofhowclimatechangecontributestoinsecurityandhowclimateactionhelpstopromotesustainablepeace�

Multilateral ForaIrelandengagesstronglyinmultilateralforaonclimateaction.ThisincludesourworkthroughtheEU,theUN,InternationalFinancialInstitutions(IFIs),theOECDandothers.

IrelandisastrongsupporteroftheParisAgreementandtheUnitedNationsFrameworkConventiononClimateChange(UNFCCC)processasthemultilateralmechanismtodriveglobalclimateaction.IrelandengagesinnegotiationsundertheUNFCCCthroughitsmembershipoftheEU.Ireland’sNationalClimateDelegationtotheConferencesoftheParties(COP),organisedbytheUNFCCCeachyear,isledbytheMinisterfortheEnvironment,ClimateandCommunications,andcomprisesrepresentativesfromarangeofGovernmentDepartmentsandAgencies.TheDepartmentoftheEnvironment,ClimateandCommunications(DECC)asChairoftheNationalClimateDelegation,managesandcoordinatesIreland’spreparations.AspartoftheDelegation,DECCalsoleadsIreland’sengagementintheEUpreparations,representingIreland’sinternationalclimateprioritiesinthedevelopmentofEUpositionsfortheCOP.AnumberofDepartmentsandAgenciesarealsoactivemembersintheEUExpertandIssueGroups,rangingacrosskeypriorityissues,includingadaptation,finance,science,andagriculture.

TheEUcontinuestobeagloballeaderinclimateactionwithambitiousclimatepolicy,aswellassupportingotherPartiesthroughitsclimatefinanceinitiatives,andwillcontinuetochampionenvironmentalintegrityandprogresstheobjectivesofUNFCCCandParisAgreementinthenegotiations.In2020,theEUlaunchedtheEUAdaptationStrategy,whichalignswellwithIreland’sapproachtoclimatechangeaction.

IrelandisoneofjustthreedevelopedcountriestoholdaseatintheLeastDevelopedCountriesExpertGroup(LEG),theonlybodymandatedbyPartiestotheUNFCCCtoprovidededicatedsupporttoLDCs.TheLEGassiststhesecountriesintheireffortstodesign,planandimplementNationalAdaptationPlansandfacilitatesaccesstofinancialandtechnicalsupport.ToboostcapacityforgendermainstreaminginUNFCCCclimatenegotiations,IrelandfinancestheSecretariat,andsupportsanon-governmentalorganisationpartnertopromotefeministclimatejustice.IrelandisalsoanactivememberoftheIntergovernmentalPanelonClimateChangewhichprovidesscientificassessmentsusedtoinformclimate policy development�

Irelandparticipatesinanumberofclimatediplomacynetworksincluding:theEUClimateAmbassadorsGroup,aninformalregulargatheringofEUClimateAmbassadors;theEUGreenDiplomacyNetwork;theOECDDevelopmentAssistanceCommitteenetworkonclimateandenvironment,Environet; aswellasvariousforaonadaptation,climatefinance,andotherrelatedissues.Thesenetworks, alongwithinformalnetworkssuchastheNordic+climateenvoysgroup,areimportantforknowledgegatheringandsharing.IrelandworkswithIFIsandMDBstosupportinvestmentsinhigh-qualityenvironmentallysustainableprogrammesworldwide,andencouragetheseorganisations’alignment withtheParisAgreement.


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19.2.3 Climate FinanceIreland’spolicyforinternationaldevelopment,A Better World,recognisesclimateactionasamajorpriorityinlightofthethreatitpresentstotheachievementoftheSustainableDevelopmentGoalsandinfuellinghumanitarianneed.Ourinternationalclimatefinanceistargetedathelpingthepooresttoadapttoclimateimpacts,inthesectorsthatmostaffectthepoor-andinthepoorestcountries.

In2015,Irelandpledgedtoprovide€175millioninpublicfundingforclimatefinancemeasuresindevelopingcountriesovertheperiod2016to2020.In2018Irelandachievedthisgoal,andin2019providedover€93millionininternationalclimatefinance.Thissupportisnearly100%grant-basedandprioritisessectorsthatareofmostrelevancetothepoorest,includingagricultureandfoodsecurity,energyandsocialprotection.

Intunewithdevelopmentandhumanitarianneeds,Ireland’sinternationalclimatefinanceisprimarilyfocusedonadaptationaction.Basedontheneedsidentifiedbynationalandsub-nationalactors,Irelandsupportsactionstoaddressthe‘locked-in’effectsofclimatechangethatcannotbereversed,sothoseonthefrontlinescancopewithandbuildresiliencetotheseeffects.ThisrangesfrominsuranceagainstfloodingrisksintheCaribbean,todroughtresistantseeds,technologyforwaterharvestinginaridareas,andhumanitariansupportforcommunitiesaffectedbyclimate-inducedemergencies.

UndertheProgramme for Government,IrelandhascommittedtoatleastdoublingthepercentageofOfficialDevelopmentAssistancethatisspentoninternationalclimatefinanceby2030,increasingourcontributiontotheglobalfloorof$100billionperyear.Toenablethis,wewilldevelopaClimateFinanceRoadmap.Werecentlycommittedtoincreasingourannualclimatefinancecontributionto€225millionby2025.LevelsofsupportwillcontinuetobemeasuredinIreland’sannualClimateFinanceReport,andamethodologytostrengthenclimate-proofingofallOfficialDevelopmentAssistancewillalsobedevelopedin2021.

19.2.4 Phasing Out of Fossil Fuel Extraction and Hydraulic FracturingIrelandhasrecognisedtheimportanceofthephasingoutoffossilfuelextractionatadomesticlevelwiththeendingofissuingnewlicencesforhydrocarbonextraction.Inaddition,theGovernmentpublishedastatementontheimportationoffrackedgasinMay2021.Irelandwillworkdiplomaticallytoencourageafullphaseoutoffossilfuelextractionbymeansofhydraulicfracturingataninternationallevelwithinthewidercontextofthephasingoutoffossilfuelextractionglobally.


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425 Makeeffortsthroughourdiplomacytoensurethatclimatechangeisrecognisedasadriverofinstabilityandclimateactionisanopportunityforpeacebuildinginmultilateralforawhereappropriate,includingpreparingaClimateDiplomacyStrategy

426 Placeclimateaction,especiallyforLeastDevelopedCountriesandSmallIslandDevelopingStates,attheheartofalldevelopmentcooperationandpolicypartnerships,aswellasourengagementinmultilateralprocesses

427 ConstructiveparticipationinnegotiationsonanewUNConventionontheLawoftheSea(UNCLOS)ImplementingAgreement

428 Double,atleast,thepercentageofODAspendingonclimatefinanceby2030,and report on our expenditure each year

429 Developandimplementapproachestoclimate-proofallODA,andcontinuetoincludeclimateasacorethemeinstrategydevelopmentinthecountrieswhereIrelandhasasignificantdevelopmentcooperationprogramme

430 Promotethedevelopmentofthesustainablefinancesectorinternationally,includingpreparingaClimateFinanceRoadmap

431 TheGovernmentwillworkwithlike-mindedEuropeanStatestopromoteandsupportchangestoEuropeanenergylaws–inparticulartheupcomingrevisionoftheEuropeanUnion’sGasDirectiveandGasRegulation–inordertoallowtheimportationoffrackedgastoberestricted

432 TheGovernmentwillworkwithinternationalpartnerstopromotethephasingoutoffrackingataninternationallevelwithinthewidercontextofthephasingoutoffossilfuelextraction


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Sustainable Development Goals 20

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20. Sustainable Development Goals

20.1 Introduction TheactionssetoutinthisPlanarealsoareflectionofIreland’scommitmenttoachievingthe2030AgendaforSustainableDevelopment.The17SustainableDevelopmentGoals(SDGs)areasetofglobaldevelopmenttargets,agreedbytheUnitedNationsin2015,toachieveamoresustainablefutureforallby2030.Thegoalsareallinterconnectedandaddressenvironmental,economic,andsocialchallenges.

SDG13istotakeurgentactiontocombatclimatechangeanditsimpacts.Itisattheheartofthisplan.However,manyoftheactionsalsocontribute,bothdirectlyandindirectly,totheprogressofotherSDGs.Fromahigh-levelperspective,itisclearthattheclimateactionsandinitiativessetoutinthisplanprimarilypromotefiveotherkeySDGsandrelatedgoals(inadditiontoSDG13):

20.2 SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean EnergySDG7linkstotheobjectivesofChapters6and7–JustTransition;Chapter11–Electricity;andChapter13–BuiltEnvironment,inwhichthekeyclimatechangeobjectivesoffairlyreducinggreenhousegas(GHG)emissionsareaddressedbysubstantiallyincreasingaccesstorenewableenergyandenergyefficiencymeasures,withafocusonthoseatriskofenergypoverty.ParticularSDGtargetsbeingpromotedthroughthisplanare:

• SDG7.2:increasingtheshareofsustainableenergyintheglobalenergymix• SDG7.3:doublingtheglobalrateofimprovementinenergyefficiency

IncreasedenergyefficiencyalsohelpstopromoteadditionalSDGsincluding:improvinghealth(SDG3)throughreducedairpollution;creatingnewjobs(SDG8);andtacklingclimatechange (SDG13).

Related Goals

Sustainable Development Goals

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20.3 SDG 15 – Life on Land, and SDG 2 – Zero HungerSDG15seektoprotect,restoreandpromotethesustainableuseoflandsandforests,inadditiontohaltingbiodiversityloss.SDG2istoachieve‘zerohunger’.KeyactionsrelatedtothesegoalscanbefoundinChapter7–JustTransition;Chapter16–Agriculture;andChapter17–LandUse,LandUseChange,ForestryandtheMarine.ParticularSDGtargetsbeingpromotedthroughthisplaninclude:

• SDG15.1:theconservationandsustainableuseofterrestrialandinlandfreshwaterecosystems• SDG15.2:managingforestssustainably• SDG15.3:restoringdegradedland• SDG2.4:ensuringsustainablefoodproductionsystemsandimplementingresilient agriculturalpractices

MakingagriculturalproductionmoresustainablehelpspromoteadditionalSDGsincluding:improvedwatermanagement(SDG6);andeconomicgrowth(SDG8).

Related Goals

20.4 SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesSDG11isfocusedonmakingcitiesandcommunitiesmoresustainable.ItissupportedbymeasuresinChapter10–CarbonPricingandCross-cuttingPolicies;Chapter13–BuiltEnvironment;Chapter15–Transport;andChapter18–TheCircularEconomy.ParticularSDGtargetsbeingpromotedthrough this plan include:

• SDG11.2:providingaffordableandsustainabletransportsystems• SDG11.3:ensuringinclusiveandsustainableurbanisation• SDG11.6:reducingtheenvironmentalimpactofcities

MakingcitiesandcommunitiesmoresustainablehelpspromoteadditionalSDGsincluding:goodhealthandwell-being(SDG3);buildingresilientinfrastructure,promotinginclusiveandsustainableindustrialisation,andfosteringinnovation(SDG9);andreducingmarinepollution(SDG14).

Related Goals


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20.5 SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionSDG12aimstoensuresustainableconsumptionandproductionpatterns.ActionstosupportthisgoalareinChapter12–Enterprise;andChapter18–TheCircularEconomy.ParticularSDGtargetsbeingpromotedthroughthisplaninclude:

• SDG12.4:managingwasteresponsibly• SDG12.5:sustainablyreducingwastegeneration

ConsumingandproducinggoodsresponsiblyhelpspromoteadditionalSDGsincluding:providing cleanwaterandsanitationforall(SDG6);generatingaffordableandcleanenergy(SDG7);and buildingresilientinfrastructure,promotinginclusiveandsustainableindustrialisation,andfosteringinnovation(SDG9).

Related Goals

20.6 Policy Coherence Policycoherenceisakeyobjectiveofthe2030Agenda62.ItisintendedthatfutureiterationsofthisClimateActionPlanwillmapthenationalclimateactionsagainsttheSDGindicators,toclearlyidentifywherethesynergieslieandwheretheremaybepossibleconflictsorgaps.ThismappingwillsupportenhancedreportingandmonitoringofSDGimplementation.

ImplementationoftheSDGsinIrelandisdrivenbyIreland’sSDGImplementationPlan.

62 SDG 17�14: enhance policy coherence for sustainable development


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Adaptation 21

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21. Adaptation

21.1 What is Climate Adaptation?Adaptationistheprocessofadjustmenttoactualorexpectedclimateanditseffects63� It is not a one-timeemergencyresponse,butaseriesofproactivemeasuresthataretakenovertimetobuildtheresilienceofoureconomyandsocietytotheimpactsofclimatechange.Thiscanultimatelyhelpminimisetheemergencyresponsethatisnecessarywhensevereweathereventsoccur.

Unlikeclimatemitigation,thereisnosinglemetricformeasuringthesuccessofadaptationto climatechange.Asaresult,thepolicytargetsforadaptationatglobalandEuropeanlevelsaremorevariable.Successfuladaptationgenerallyrequiresitsconsiderationtobeintegratedintodecision-makingandpolicies(mainstreaming),acrossmanysectoralpolicieswhichmightbevulnerabletoclimate changeimpacts.

Workundertakenintheareaoffloodriskmanagementtodateprovidesagoodillustrationofthisprinciple.Floodriskpreventionstrategiesoftenmakeuseofassessmentsoflong-termchangesinfloodintensityandfrequencybasedonclimateprojections.Thiscanbuildlong-termresilienceintoflooddefencestocopewithconditionsthatmayariseinthefuture.

Adaptationmeasurestakemanyshapesandforms,dependingontheuniquecontextofacountry,region,community,businessororganisation.Adaptationseekstominimisethecostsandmaximisetheopportunitiesarisingfromclimatechange.Adaptationactionsrangefrombuildingadaptivecapacity(e.g.increasingawareness,sharinginformationandtargetedtraining)throughtopolicyandfinancebasedactions.Adaptationactionsshouldberisk-based,informedbyanunderstandingofprojectedclimatechange,aswellastheexistingvulnerabilitiesofoursocietyandsystems.

Althoughtheimportanceofadaptationisincreasinglyrecognisedglobally,atEuropeanUnion(EU)andnationallevels,multiplereportshighlightthelackofpreparedness64.Reportsofextremeweathereventsandtheirimpactshaveanalmostconstantpresenceinthemedia,andtheincreasedintensityandfrequencyofweathereventsduetoclimatechangeisagrowingfeatureinglobalpolicymaking.

21.2 Global and EU PositionTheIntergovernmentalPanelonClimateChange(IPCC)SixthAssessmentReport,publishedin2021,notesthatmanychangesintheclimatesystemsignificantlyincreaseindirectrelationtorisingglobaltemperature.Theseincludeincreasesinthefrequencyandintensityofhotextremes;marineheatwaves;heavyprecipitation;agriculturalandecologicaldroughtsinsomeregions;intensetropicalcyclones;andreductionsinArcticseaice,snowcoverandpermafrost.Continuedglobalwarmingisprojectedtofurtherintensifytheglobalwatercycle,includingitsvariability,globalmonsoonprecipitation,andtheseverityofwetanddryevents.

63 IntergovernmentalPanelonClimateChange(IPCC),FifthAssessmentReport(AR5)64 AdaptationGapReport2020,GlobalCommissiononAdaptationreportsAdaptNowandStateandtrendsinadaptation2020

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Climate-relatedriskstohealth,livelihoods,foodsecurity,watersupply,humansecurity,andeconomicgrowtharealsoprojectedtoincreasewithglobalwarmingof1.5°Candwillincreaseevenfurtherifwereach2°C.In2020-oneofthethreewarmestyearsonrecord-theglobalaveragetemperaturewas1.2°Cabovethepre-industrialbaseline.Physicalclimaterisks,whentheymaterialise,canerodephysicalassets,andcausebusinessdisruptionandlabourmigration,withpossibleadverseimplicationsbothforassetvaluationsandbroadereconomicoutcomes.Between1980and2017,forexample,economicdamagesof€453billionwererecordedasaresultofnaturaldisastersintheEuropeanEconomic Area65�

TheEUrecentlynotedthattheworldhasjustconcludedthehottestdecadeonrecord,duringwhichtherecordforthehottestyearwasexceededeighttimes66.Haltingallgreenhousegas(GHG)emissionswouldstillnotpreventtheclimateimpactsthatarealreadyoccurring,andthatwillcontinueoverthecomingdecades.OureffortstoreduceGHGemissionsarenecessarytopreventtheworstimpactsofclimatechangebutwewillstillneedtoadapttotheimpactsthatareinevitablenomatterhowsuccessfulglobalmitigationeffortsare.

TheIPCCWorkingGroup1ContributiontotheSixth AssessmentReportmakesanumberofhigh-levelprojectionsforEuropeasawhole,andofmorespecificrelevanceintheIrishcontext.AnumberoffurtherprojectionsaremadefortheNorthernEuroperegion.Thereportprojectsthattherewillbe:

• Anobservedincreaseinpluvialfloodingattributedtohumaninfluenceandprojectedtofurtherincreaseatglobalwarmingof1.5°C(medium confidence)and2°Candabove(high confidence)

• Aprojecteddecreaseinriverfloodingatglobalwarmingof2°Candabove(medium confidence)• Aprojectedincreaseinseverewindstormsatglobalwarmingof2°Candabove(medium confidence)

TheEuropeanGreenDeal,theEU’sgrowthstrategyforasustainablefuture,isbasedontheconceptthatthegreentransformationisanopportunityandthatfailuretoactonclimatechangehasahugecost�

TheEUlong-termvisionisthatin2050theEUwillbeaclimate-resilientsociety,fullyadaptedtotheunavoidableimpactsofclimatechange.Thismeansthatby2050,whentheEUaimstohavereachedclimateneutrality,itwillalsohavereinforceditsadaptivecapacityandminimiseditsvulnerabilitytoclimateimpacts,inlinewiththerequirementsoftheParisAgreementandtheproposedEuropeanClimateLaw67�

TheEuropeanClimateLawprovidesthefoundationforincreasedambitionandpolicycoherenceonadaptation.Itsetsboththeframeworkforachievingclimateneutrality,andtheambitiononadaptationby2050,byintegratingtheinternationally-sharedvisionforactionintoEUlaw(i.e.theglobalgoalonadaptationinArticle7oftheParisAgreementandSustainableDevelopmentGoal13).ItcommitstheEUanditsMemberStatestomakecontinuousprogresstoboostadaptivecapacity,strengthenresilienceandreducevulnerabilitytoclimatechange.

TheEuropeanGreenDealalsopointstotheneedforadditionaladaptationactionspecficallythroughthedevelopmentofanewEUAdaptationStrategy68� Forging a climate-resilient Europe –theEUStrategy

65 FinancialStabilityReview2021:I(centralbank.ie)66 EUhttps://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_21_66367 EuropeanClimateLawCOM/2020/80final68 EUStrategyonadaptationtoclimatechangeCOM(2013)216final

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onAdaptationtoClimateChange,waspublishedinFebruary2021inrecognitionofadaptationasacrucialcomponentofthelong-termglobalresponsetoclimatechange.

ThestrategyaimstoincreaseandacceleratetheEU’seffortstoprotectnature,peopleandlivelihoodsagainsttheunavoidableimpactsofclimatechange.Buildingontheworkalreadycarriedoutasaresultofthe2013EUAdaptationStrategy,thenewStrategyoutlinesalong-termvisionofcreatingaclimate-resilientEUby2050bymakingadaptationsmarter,moresystemicandswifter,andbysteppingupinternationalaction.

ThestrategyidentifiesthatthefrequencyandseverityofclimateandweatherextremesacrosstheEUisincreasing69.Thishascausedasurgeinthefrequencyandseverityofdisastersoverthelasttwodecades70.TheseextremesrangefromunprecedentedforestfiresandheatwavesrightabovetheArcticCircle,todevastatingdroughtsintheMediterraneanregion;andfromhurricanesravagingtheEU’soutermostregionstoforestsdecimatedbyunprecedentedbarkbeetleoutbreaksincentralandeasternEurope.Slowonsetevents,suchasdesertification,lossofbiodiversity,landandecosystemdegradation,oceanacidification,orsealevelriseareequallydestructiveoverthelong-term�

WatershortagesintheEUhaveaffectedeconomicactivitiesasdiverseasagriculture,aquaculture,tourism,powerplantcooling,andcargoshippingonrivers.Itaffectsnotonlytheeconomy,butalsothehealthandwell-beingofEuropeans,whoincreasinglysufferfromheatwaves(globally,thedeadliestdisasterof2019wastheEuropeanheatwavewith2,500deaths).Itisalsoposingriskstofoodsecurity,worseningexistingsocialinequalities,andthreateningculturalheritage.

Economiclossesfrommorefrequentclimate-relatedextremeeventsareincreasing.IntheEU,theselossesalreadyaverageover€12billionperyear.Conservative,lower-boundestimatesshowthatexposingtoday’sEUeconomytoglobalwarmingof3°Cabovepre-industriallevelswouldresultinanannuallossofatleast€170billion(1.36%ofEUGDP71).

21.3 Policy Measures for IrelandObservationsshowthatIreland’sclimateischangingintermsofsealevelrise,increasesinaveragetemperature,changesinprecipitationpatternsandweatherextremes.Temperatureshaveincreasedbyabout0.9°Covertheperiodfrom1900to2019-anaverageofabout0.075°Cperdecade.Theoveralltrendisupwardsandconsistentwithglobalpatternsofchange.

Climatechangeisexpectedtohavediverseandwide-rangingimpactsonIreland’senvironment,societyandeconomicdevelopment,includingonmanagedandnaturalecosystems,waterresources,agricultureandfoodsecurity,humanhealthandcoastalzones.ThemostimmediateriskstoIrelandfromclimatechangearepredominantlythoseassociatedwithchangesinextremes,suchasfloods,droughtsandstorms�

Ireland’sprimaryadaptationpolicyresponsetothesechallengesissetoutinourfirststatutoryfive-yearNationalAdaptationFramework(NAF)72,whichwaspublishedinJanuary2018.TheNAFidentifies12key

69 https://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/soer2020-europes-environment-state-and-outlook-report70 https://www.undrr.org/news/drrday-un-report-charts-huge-rise-climate-disasters71 https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/peseta-iv/economic-impacts72 NationalAdaptationFramework

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sectorsrequiringsectoraladaptationplans.TheseplanswereapprovedbyGovernmentandpublishedinOctober2019.Thesectoraladaptationplansaregroupedunderfourthemesassetoutinthe followingtable.

Table 21.1 – Sectoral Adaptation Plans and Themes

Theme Sector Level Lead Department for Sectoral Adaptation Plans

Natural and Cultural Capital

SeafoodDepartmentofAgriculture,Food

andtheMarineAgricultureForestry

Biodiversity DepartmentofHousing,LocalGovernmentandHeritageBuiltandArchaeologicalHeritage

Critical Infrastructure

Transport Infrastructure Department of TransportElectricityandGasNetworks DepartmentoftheEnvironment,

ClimateandCommunicationsCommunicationsNetworks

Water Resource and Flood Risk Management

FloodRiskManagement OfficeofPublicWorks

Water Quality DepartmentofHousing,LocalGovernmentandHeritage

Water Services InfrastructurePublic Health Health DepartmentofHealth

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Thecompletedsectoralplansdescribeandassesstheextentoftheriskspresentedbyclimatechangetoasector,andpresentcontingencyplanstoaddresstheserisksandensureclimateresilience.Theyincludeactionstomainstreamadaptationintopolicyandadministrationatsectorallevel,aswellastoimprovecooperationandcoherencewithinandacrossothersectors.

Box 21.1 - Potential Impacts of Climate Change in Ireland

SomeoftheimpactsofclimatechangethatcouldpotentiallyimpactprioritysectorsinIrelandinclude:

• Precipitationextremesandflooding,resultingindisruptionoftransportservices,unsafedrivingconditionsandgradualdeteriorationofinfrastructure

• Increasedwaterdemandasaresultoftheincreasedfrequencyofheatwaves,leadingtofurtherstrainonwatertransmissionanddistributionnetworks,aswellasonsupply(abstractionandstorage)

• Projectedincreasesinthefrequencyofextremeprecipitationeventsmayresultinmorewater-bornedisease(e.g.E.coli)fromcontaminationofdrinkingwaterasaresultofoverlandflowsofpollutants.Projectedincreasesinannualaveragetemperature,combinedwithwetterconditions,mayresultinenhancedenvironmentalconditionsforbacterialgrowthandviralsurvivalwithapotentialincreaseinfood-bornedisease

• Projectedincreasesinsealevelsandstormsurgewillresultinincreasedfrequencyofcoastalfloodinganderosion,withsignificantimpactsforcoastalandheritagesitessituatedinproximityto the coast and on estuaries

• Projectedincreasesintheintensityofwindstorms,andinthedurationofthegrowingseason,mayresultinincreasedwind-throwleadingtodamagetooverheadpowerlines

• Projectedincreasesinthefrequencyofheatwaveswillresultindegradationofcommunicationsinfrastructure(e.g.streetcabinets),potentiallyleadingtoanincreasedrequirementforactivecooling

• Projectedchangesintemperatureandprecipitationwillresultinthearrivalofinvasivespeciesmoresuitedtochangedclimateconditions,someofwhichmayhavenegativeimpactsontheeconomy(e.g.viaimpactsonfarmingandfisheries)

• Projectedincreasesinthefrequencyofextremeprecipitationeventswillresultinincreasedlevelsofrun-offandpotentialwaterqualityissues,withimplicationsforslurrystorageandlandspreading

• Projectedincreasesinthefrequencyofheatwavesanddrought,resultingintheincreasedfrequencyofwildfiresdamagingforestsstands

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21.3.1 Whole-of-Government ResponseTheNAFrecognisestheimportanceofawhole-of-Governmentresponsetoclimateadaptation,whichincludesallgovernmentdepartments.While‘climateproofing’Irelandisacollectiveresponsibilityforbothgovernmentandcivilsociety,governmentcan:

• Leadandcoordinatetheadaptationeffort• Ensurethenecessaryinformationandincentivesareinplaceforindependentadaptationactionsby

private actors• Beproactiveinaddressingmarketfailures

WewillcontinuetoworkwithallstakeholderstodelivertheNAF,aswellastheobjectivesofthesectoraladaptationplansandlocaladaptationstrategies.

21.3.2 Local Adaptation StrategiesTheNAFclearlyidentifiesthecriticalroletobeplayedbylocalauthoritiesinbuildingclimateresilience.Fourgovernment-fundedlocalauthorityClimateActionRegionalOffices(CAROs)supportthepreparationoflocaladaptationstrategiesinall31localauthorities,drivingclimateactionatlocalauthoritylevel.Buildingontheirsuccess,theCAROshavebeengivenanenhancedclimaterolecoveringmitigation,adaptationandcitizenengagementundertheClimateActionandLowCarbonDevelopment(Amendment)Act2021.

21.3.3 Climate Impact Information for IrelandMet ÉireannClimatemodellingisacoreactivityofMetÉireann,andithascollaboratedwithUniversityCollegeDublinandtheIrishCentreforHigh-EndComputing,tocontributetothedevelopmentofanewglobalclimatemodel(EC-Earth)whichcanprovideanalysisoftheimpactsofglobalclimatechangeonIrelandtoinformpolicy-making.

Global Climate Observing SystemTheGlobalClimateObservingSystemNationalCommitteeforIreland(GCOS-Ireland),involvingMetÉireann,theEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)andtheMarineInstitute,coordinatesandpromotestheGCOSobservingprinciplesrelatingtoessentialclimatevariablesofrelevancetoIreland.TheGCOS-Irelandreport‘ClimateStatusReportforIreland2020’provideshighqualityevidencetosupportthedevelopmentofappropriateclimatemitigationandadaptationsolutions.

Climate Ireland‘ClimateIreland’isournationalweb-basedresourceofup-to-dateandfit-for-purposeclimateandadaptationinformationandtools.Itprovidesthisserviceforlocal,regionalandsectoraldecision-makersinlinewiththepublishedadaptationstrategydevelopmentguidelines.ClimateIrelandalsoplaysakeyroleinincreasingawarenessofandbuildingcapacityforadaptationplanningthroughone-to-onesupport,andtheprovisionoftailoredadaptationplanningworkshopsandseminars.

Office of Public WorksTheOfficeofPublicWorks’nationalfloodinformationportal:https://www.floodinfo.ieprovidesaccesstohistoricalandprojectedmapsoffloodextentsandplansforIreland.Thismapandplanviewerwebsiteisanimportantresource,tosupportplanning,emergencyresponseplanning,andtoempowerpeopleandcommunitiestorespondtofloodrisk.

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21.4. ActionsThedetailedimplementationmapsforactions,includingtimelinesandresponsibleorganisations,aresetoutintheaccompanyingAnnex.


433 DeliverClimateIrelandasthenationalplatformfordata,informationanddecisionsupportsonclimateimpactsandadaptation

434 BuildlocalandregionalresiliencetotheimpactsofclimatechangethroughdeliveryofLocalAuthorityAdaptationStrategiesasrequiredundertheNationalAdaptationFramework

435 ReviewNationalAdaptationFramework

436 Commencepilotprojecttoidentifyasuitableapproachfortheuseofclimatechangeadaptationindicatorsatnationallevel

437 FurtherdevelopIreland’snationalclimatechangeriskassessmentcapacitytoidentifythepriorityphysicalrisksofclimatechangetoIreland

438 Ensurethatsix-yearlyreviewoftheFloodRiskManagementPlanswillbeinformedbythemostup-to-dateresearchandprojectionsofclimatechangeonfloodingandfloodrisk;andincludeothersector-ledadaptationmeasuresbeingimplementedundertheNationalAdaptationFramework

439 Assessappropriateadaptationmeasuresforthoseexistingfloodreliefschemes,whereclimatechangemayintimeimpactthecurrentstandardofprotection

440 UndertakeaSchemeAdaptationPlanduringthedetaileddevelopmentofnewfloodreliefschemes,settingouthowclimatechangehasbeentakenintoaccountduringthedesignandconstruction,andwhatadaptationmeasuresmightbeneededintothefuture

441 Providefortheinclusionofpotentialincreasesinflooddamagesaspartoftheeconomiccost-benefitanalysisforfuturefloodreliefschemes

442 Ensurethatpotentialfuturefloodinformationisobtainedand/orgeneratedthroughaFloodRiskAssessmentthatisthenusedtoinformsuitableadaptationrequirements,withintheplanninganddevelopmentmanagementprocesses,inlinewiththeGuidelinesonthePlanningSystemandFloodRiskManagement

443 ContinuetoenhanceknowledgeandcapacitywithregardstoNature-basedCatchmentManagementSolutions,andassesstheirpotentialtobepartoffuturefloodreliefschemes.

444 BuildonGroundwaterFloodMappingdeliveredbyGSI

445 Expandthegroundwatermonitoringnetworkforanalysisofclimatechangeeffects

446 Maintainandfurtherdevelopnationallandslidemappingrelatedtoclimatechangeandlanduse

447 Developandpublishcoastalvulnerabilitymappingandcoastalerosiondatabasesfor the east and south coasts of Ireland

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448 Continuetodevelopfloodforecastingcapability,includingthedevelopmentofcoastalandmarinemonitoringandpredictivecapability

449 ContinuetoimprovetheunderstandingofandthecommunicationaroundIreland’schangingclimateandtheco-creationanddeliveryofclimateservices

450 ContinuetoimproveIreland’snationalclimatemonitoringcapabilitiesthroughthedeliveryofadvanced,sustainable,andlong-term,climateandenvironmentalmonitoringprogrammes

451 ContinuetosupportNationalEmergencyManagementduringextremeweatherevents

452 PublishanewandstrengthenedRiverBasinManagementPlanfortheperiod2022-2027

453 ExploreoptionsforthedeliveryofaNationalImplementationStrategyforNature-basedSustainableUrbanDrainageSystems

454 DevelopinterimguidanceonbestpracticeonNature-basedSustainableUrbanDrainageSystems

455 ReviewoftheSectoralAdaptationPlanfortheWaterQualityandWaterServices Infrastructure sectors

456 AdoptthefourregionalplansunderIrishWater’sNationalWaterResourcesFrameworkPlan

457 Develop clear leadership across the health sector

458 Identify,reviewandmobiliserelevantcross-sectoralmechanismstohelpensurethataHealth-in-All-Policiesapproachisapplied

459 DevelopabetterunderstandingofthehealthimpactsofclimatechangeinIreland

460 Ensureeffectivehealthserviceplanningforclimateresilience

461 Identifyandbuildcollaborativerelationshipswithkeystakeholderstoguideimplementationofhealth-relatedclimatepolicies

462 Developanewpublichealthheatwaveplanandseektoensuremoreuniformsystem-wideplanningforsevereweather

463 Conductamajorsurveyofhealthinfrastructureresiliencetosevereweatherevents:windevents,heatwaves,flooding,andextremecoldsnaps

464 AssessimplementationoftheNationalSkinCancerPreventionPlanwithfocusonactionsrelevanttoclimatechange

465 AssesstheadequacyofUV-relatedcancerregistrationandepidemiologybasedonemergingclimatechangerequirements

466 Reviewthecurrentandemergingbuildinginfrastructureanditspotentialassociationswithclimate-sensitiveUVhealthimpactsintheindoorandoutdoorarchitectural environment

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467 BuildandrefineIrish-specificclimatechangeepidemiologyrelatingtoairpollutionandidentifyriskgroups

468 Improvepubliceducationforvulnerablepopulations(asthma,andCOPD)ontheuseoftheEPA’sAirQualityIndexforHealth–inrelationtothecausesofairpollutionandaeroallergens,andwhatcanbedonetoreduceexposure

469 Undertakeclimatechangeadaptationresearchintheelectricityandgasnetworkssector

470 Continuetobuildonadaptationmeasuresintheelectricityandgasnetworkssector already in place

471 Mainstreamclimatechangeadaptationintogeneralenergypolicy,andstrategicobjectivesto2050

472 Harmonisethecollectionofbaselinedataonthecoststobusinessandthepublicarisingfrompastextremeweathereventsintheelectricityandgasnetworkssector

473 Identifyareasvulnerabletoimpactsofclimatechangeintheelectricityandgasnetworkssector

474 Identifymeasuresrequiredtoadapttoclimatechangeimpactsonvulnerableinfrastructureintheelectricityandgasnetworkssector

475 Continuetodevelopandimprovetimelycommunicationstocustomersduringweatherevents,includinginformationprovisiontousersonthestatusofelectricityandgasnetworkinfrastructure,howtheywillbeaffected,andwhennormalserviceswillberestored;andincreasepublicawarenessofthebenefitsofthemeasuresbeingtakentoensureresiliencetobuildpublicsupportforclimateadaptationmeasures

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