Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

58. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the ten most important proposals or initiatives contemplated by his Department calculated to be of most benefit in the context of climate action and environmental protection; if specific deadlines have been agreed on these issues; if he has identified specific threats to progress in this area; the anticipated costs of action required; the costs in the event of no or insufficient action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38636/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In the context of environmental protection and climate action, the Programme for Partnership Government sets out a coordinated approach to shape the long-term future of Irish environmental policy, including how we will achieve our transition to a low carbon climate resilient future. Recognising the roles of climate change plans, both mitigation and adaptation, and their interaction with the areas of energy, agriculture, transport and flood risk management, the Programme for Government identifies the key measures to be pursued on a cross-sectoral basis which also address key areas of environmental protection.

Environmental sustainability is, of course, a core principle of this Government's work and is at the heart of the policies and schemes that are implemented by my Department, particularly given Ireland's objective of achieving a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050.  In this regard, the important role of the Environmental Protection Agency should also be highlighted in terms of its primary responsibilities covering licensing and enforcement, and monitoring and reporting on the environment.

Within my own remit I am currently initiating a number of key priority actions which are relevant to climate action and environmental protection:

- Tomorrow I will present Ireland's first Annual Transition Statement as required under our Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, 2015.

- In the coming days, I intend to initiate a preliminary public consultation to inform the preparation of Ireland's first draft National Mitigation Plan so as to ensure our citizens can contribute to the process of its preparation. Economic analysis to underpin the plan is on-going and will be finalised in the Spring.

- Both of these actions I see as being key components of Ireland's National Climate Dialogue which I intend to formally launch early in 2017.

- I am also prioritising a National Adaptation Framework to ensure we address climate resilience in terms of our long term planning out to 2050. An economic framework for costing adaptation will be a key aspect of this work.

- I will shortly publish an initial consultation paper on a Clean Air Strategy for Ireland. This strategy will seek to ensure on-going compliance with EU legislation, while bringing about improved health outcomes and wider environmental benefits.

- An increased budget in 2017 of over €100m will help expand the Better Energy Scheme and introduce new measures such as the Renewable Heat Incentive. A record €25m in grants will be ring-fenced for projects that bring our communities together to engage in collective energy efficiency activity through the Better Energy Communities scheme.

- A new Public Sector Energy Efficiency Action Plan has been developed to draft stage with publication, subject to Government approval, due to take place before the end of this year.

- Significant work has taken place in the development of a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, with a further consultation to take place in early 2017 followed by finalisation of the scheme subject to State aid approval from the European Commission.

As Minister for the Environment, I also have responsibility for making allocations from the Environment Fund, which is ring-fenced for environmental purposes.  Allocations totalling €40.5million were made from the Environment Fund in 2016 and targeted, inter alia, waste schemes, environmental research and development, the Local Agenda 21 Scheme, and support for Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations, all which have relevance for climate action and protecting our environment.

The range of actions being pursued by my Department, and other key Departments and Agencies, is evidence of the cross-Government commitment to protect Ireland's environment and manage effectively the transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable future.