Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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231. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the areas that he will be highlighting in relation to Ireland's decarbonisation role for COP26; if it is intended to put forward proposals in relation to hydroelectric power from tides or tidal flows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46544/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Ireland is committed to concerted global action to address the climate crisis and engages in negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement through its membership of the European Union (EU). Ireland is actively engaging with its EU partners in preparation for the 26th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP26) in Glasgow. The EU’s official position paper will be presented for Ministerial agreement at the Environment Council on 6 October, and will set out shared EU objectives on core issues for the negotiations.

In line with the official EU position, Ireland has a number of key areas of focus for the National Delegation at the COP which will feed into global decarbonisation efforts. A primary objective is the finalisation of the Paris Rulebook, which will allow for the full operationalisation of the Paris Agreement. This includes agreement on matters such as transparency, climate finance, and adaptation, as called for by developing countries. Throughout the negotiations, Ireland will also advocate for environmental integrity, the participation of non-party stakeholders, and approaches guided by the best available science.

While international cooperation is essential to effective climate action, it is important that we match these actions domestically. Ireland has committed to reaching at least 70% renewable electricity by 2030. Advancements in wave and tidal energy are monitored by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and are supported at national policy level through the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP). Work on a revised OREDP is currently underway in my Department, and will provide an evidence base for the assessment of areas suitable for deployment of wind, wave, and tidal technologies.