Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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167. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he and his Department continue to examine the fullest possible extent to which all measures can offset the impact of meeting such targets on industry, sector by sector, with particular reference to the need to avoid permanent damage to the economy while at the same time meeting the targets, in the context of meeting carbon reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62999/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of a climate neutral economy no later than 2050, and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Following the process set out in the Act, the Government approved sectoral emissions ceilings last July for both the first and second carbon budget periods, with the exception the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry sector, which will be determined no later than the end of 2023. The industry sectoral ceiling in the first budgeting period (2021-2025) is 30 MtCO2eq and 24 MtCO2eq in the second (2026-2030). The new Climate Action Plan will set out a roadmap to achieve these sectoral ceilings. The process allowed for public consultation as well as consultation with industry stakeholders. While operating within the sectoral emissions ceilings will be challenging for all sectors, the transition to a climate neutral economy creates opportunities. Consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of their purchases and businesses that adapt and evolve their business model to meet this demand will gain new customers. The Climate Action Plan recognises that Government support is required to reduce high upfront investment costs and improve access to low carbon technologies such as energy efficiency; greater electrification of low-to-medium temperature heating; and increased supply and use of biogas, biomethane and green hydrogen. Developments in each of these areas will present opportunities to Irish industry and enterprises.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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168. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he continues to consult with the relevant Minister and the agri-food producing sector with a view to ensuring that carbon reduction targets can be met, while at the same time meeting economic targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63000/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of a climate neutral economy no later than 2050, and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Following the process set out in the Act, a carbon budget programme proposed by the Climate Change Advisory Council was adopted by the Oireachtas on 6 April 2022. On 28 July, the Government approved Sectoral Emission Ceilings for both the first and second carbon budget periods, (2021-2025 and 2026-2030), with the exception the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector, which will be determined later.

There is target for a 25% emissions reduction for our agriculture sector by 2030. Climate Action Plan 2021 has outlined how emissions reductions can be achieved in this sector in the coming years, which involves offering farmers the means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at farm level by being more efficient, while also diversifying toward less greenhouse gas intensive practices such as organic farming and the production of renewable energy. These measures, and the extent to which progress is being made, will be reflected in the next Climate Action Plan, which is due to be published by the end of 2022. In the meantime, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine continue to develop policies for reducing carbon emissions in their sector, while also ensuring the security and sustainability of food production. The challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector, while ensuring our food security, is a key opportunity for Ireland to become a world leader in long-term sustainable food production. I remain confident that our family farms will fully exploit the opportunities of this transition without compromising on sustainable food production.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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169. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the targets, if any, set for the achievement of carbon sequestration over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63001/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of a climate neutral economy no later than 2050, and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Following the process set out in the Act, the Government approved Sectoral Emission Ceilings for both the first and second carbon budget periods, with the exception the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry sector. Finalising the sectoral emissions ceiling for the LULUCF sector has been deferred to end 2023 at the latest to coincide with the completion of the Land-use Review. Implementation and acceleration of the policies, measures and actions committed to for this sector in the 2021 Climate Action Plan will continue. The Irish LULUCF sector has been a net source of greenhouse gas emissions in all years from 1990 to 2021. This must be reversed, and the sector managed to become a net sink through sequestration in the longer term. The Government has committed to an enhanced delivery of afforestation through: a new Forestry Programme which, among other elements, enables farmers to plant up to one hectare of native woodland; and a revamped regulatory system including planning and legislation. In addition, the Government with support from the EU, is rehabilitating 33,000 hectares of former industrial peatlands across the Midlands, involving an investment of €108 million for carbon sequestration, biodiversity, water management and ecosystem services.