Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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142. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the work being done to develop climate change mitigation policy applicable to his Department, and the public participation opportunities incorporated in that work. [3337/14]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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While primary responsibility for Climate Change mitigation policy rests with the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, the achievement of climate change objectives requires contributions from a range of sectors including energy. Increasing Ireland's levels of renewable energy and energy efficiency is critical for reducing our heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels and thereby improving the sustainability of our energy supply. Ireland's target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources, as mandated under the Renewables Directive (2009/28/EC), is a significant contribution in the context of the current Energy and Climate Framework objectives.

The period between 2020 and 2030 is the next critical phase in the evolution of both EU climate and energy policy and the European Commission has just published on 22 January 2014, a Communication setting out its ambition for a 2030 Energy and Climate Framework. As Minister with responsibility for energy policy, I welcome the inclusion of a target for renewables, which I, along with Ministers from seven other Member States specifically called for this. I look forward to examining the Commission's proposals for 2030 in more detail and to working closely with all relevant Departments on this important cross cutting issue to ensure a fully coordinated approach is taken. Not only is the renewable energy sector of key importance for how emissions targets in the context of Climate Change policy are met, it also provides a real, and sustainable, economic opportunity for Ireland, both in terms of a secure, indigenous, source of energy and as a clean energy export.

Regarding 2050 policy, I published a scoping report in November 2013 on a low carbon roadmap for the electricity generation sector that will feed into the national roadmap envisaged under the Government's forthcoming Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill. The public consultation on this scoping report has just concluded. A total of fourteen responses were received and I intend to publish these on my Department's website shortly. In addition, I intend to publish the third iteration of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) later this year. Reducing energy consumption through efficiency remains the most cost-effective means of reducing greenhouse gases and one of the primary means of achieving Ireland's climate change objectives. My Department intends to publish an energy policy green paper later this year which will involve a full public consultation process.

The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) operates a number of programmes and projects which aim to provide data or planning toolkits to support policy and interventions by a range of public bodies and agencies in relation to climate change mitigation. The INFOMAR seabed mapping programme is a joint venture between the GSI and the Marine Institute. The near shore mapping acquired has contributed to improved coastal flood modelling taking into account the effects of climate change including sea level rise. Work is also under way in conjunction with the British Geological Survey to complete a feasibility study on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in the Irish Sea basins. CCS technologies may assist in reducing Irish CO2 emissions in the medium term. GSI is also conducting a shallow geothermal project, providing best practice guidelines with a view to supporting industry and homeowners in this emerging renewable energy sector.