Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Bruton for the question and for the significant work and the path he carved out as a previous Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment in climate and energy and making real progress in reducing emissions in the wider economy.

The Teagasc marginal abatement cost curve, MACC, published in 2018, has undoubtedly been the foundation for what agricultural climate measures are now included in the agricultural chapter of the Climate Action Plan 2024. We are making progress. The agriculture sector reduced emissions in 2022 and further reductions are projected for last year, 2023.

The sustained reduction of chemical nitrogen sales over the past two years in particular is an excellent example of progress since 2018, with a reduction of 14% in 2022 being followed by an additional 18% reduction in 2023. Research will be key to producing the scientific and technological advancements necessary to achieve our targets. My Department has provided funding of €8 million to 12 methane-related research projects in the past five years. For example, METH-ABATE, is a research project looking at the development and validation of novel feed technologies to reduce methane emissions from pasture-based Irish agricultural systems.

Building on the 2018 MACC, the 2023 marginal abatement cost curve reflects new developments in technology, research and global market conditions.

The 33 measures set out in the 2023 MACC now need to be considered together with stakeholders for them to be turned into actions in the climate action plan for 2025. Achieving our climate ambition in the agrifood sector in Ireland requires new and innovative approaches by everyone in the industry and beyond. Funded by the European Commission through the European Institute of Technology, EIT Climate-KIC is Europe’s leading innovation community working to support the delivery of a climate-resilient economy and society. My Department has partnered with it to work with public and private stakeholders in the Irish agrifood sector and help the sector deliver an accelerated pathway of climate action. This targeted and multifaceted approach is setting the agricultural sector in Ireland on a positive trajectory to achieving our climate targets.

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