Written answers
Thursday, 7 March 2024
Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Environmental Policy
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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156. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which progress is being made towards achieving climate action targets as set out; the degree to which efforts continue to be made to encourage full participation in achieving such targets while at the same time ensuring the continuation of the agrifood sector which in the past has proven to be the main stay of the economy; if efforts continue to be made to ensure that hedgerows, boglands and Ireland’s existing natural sequesters of carbons are fully included in climate change alleviation calculations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11497/24]
Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to a climate neutral economy no later than 2050 and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030. Following the process set out in the Act, the agriculture sector has been set the target of a 10% reduction in emissions by 2025 and a 25% reduction by 2030. Responsibility for meeting this sectoral target sits with the Minister for Agriculture.
Climate Action Plan 2024 was approved by government in December, subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment and consultation. The plan outlines how emission reductions can be achieved in the coming years, increasing our ambition for efficiency in the sector while also heavily promoting the diversification of agricultural activities. These actions will both improve animal breeding, feeding and finishing and also encourage farmers to diversify into sectors including organics, tillage and biomethane feedstock production. Livestock grazing out of doors dominates Irish agriculture and our agriculture sector has an international reputation for high quality and sustainably produced food. Maintaining that reputation is an imperative for our agrifood industries, as 90% of our production is exported.
The plan and its accompanying annex of actions are open for public consultation until 5 April. If anyone wishes to make a submission or observation on it, or the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, they can do so.
In relation to the accounting for emissions from land use and natural features, the Environmental Protection Agency - in its annual reporting under the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 - is responsible assessing the reporting categories for inclusion. The latest reports have incorporated recent research on the land use categories including wetlands. The estimates were submitted to the EU on the 15th January with final data to be submitted on March 15th. The submission is accompanied by the National Inventory Report (NIR) which details the methodological approach. Copies of the NIRs can be found on the EPA website.
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