CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
On the 17th of June 2019, Ireland’s Climate Action Plan was revealed, detailing the changes necessary to become a carbon-neutral country by the year 2050.
On the 4th of November 2021, an updated Climate Action Plan was released, with an added goal of halving emissions by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. It is split into several different sections, covering the main greenhouse gas emitters in the country, and the actions necessary to reduce emissions in these sectors.
The main points of interest are included below. Please click on the link to view the Climate Action Plan in full.
Electricity
16.2% GHG emissions 2018
Increase share of electricity generation from renewably sources from 30% up to 80% by 2030.
Introduction of Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) and export payment to sell excess power.
Phase out operation of coal and peat-fired electricity generation plants.
Electricity
*2018 is reference for emissions reduction
Enterprise
Reduce Ireland's enterprise emissions ~40% by 2030.
Accelerate use of low carbon heating sources
Obligation scheme to ensure a certain amount of heat comes from renewable sources.
IDA, Enterprise Irealand and SEAI work together to promote employment in decarbonisation
12.7% GHG emissions 2018
Built Environment
Increase energy efficiency of current buildings through retrofitting (500,000 by 2030).
Switch to new building standards, e.g. oil heating to heat pumps with a target of 600,000 heat pumps installed by 2030.
Reduce CO2 emissions by 40-45% by 2030 and phase out fossil fuels.
12.7% GHG emissions 2018
Transport
Goal of 945'000 electric vehicles on the road.
Increase raw bio-fuel content of fuel.
Conversion of public transport fleets to zero carbon alternatives.
Increased public transport investment as well as a roll out of EV charging ports.
19.6% GHG emissions 2018
Agriculture, Forestry and Land Use
Methane and nitrous oxide abatement measures and increase in biomethane production
Increase afforestation with new programme.
Preservation and restoration of carbon sequestering peatlands.
42.3% GHG emissions 2018
Waste and the Circular Economy
Recycle 65% municipal waste, 70% of packaging and 55% of plastic packaging by 2030.
Ensure all plastic packaging is reusable or recyclable by 2030.
Ban specific single use plastic items.
1.5% GHG emissions 2018