Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

87. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the revised energy poverty action plan will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27115/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Energy Poverty Action Plan 2022 set out the range of measures implemented, as well as key longer-term measures, to ensure that those least able to afford increased energy costs were supported and protected to adequately heat and power their homes over winter 2022/23. The implementation of the Action Plan has been monitored by a cross-departmental Steering Group, chaired by my Department.

An Annual Report outlining progress under the various actions in the Plan was published in May 2024 and is available on gov.ie

The Steering Group launched a consultation to inform the development of a revised Energy Poverty Action Plan in March 2024. The consultation was open for nine weeks and closed in May. The revised Plan will be published later this year and will set out a wide range of clear, timebound actions aimed at tackling energy poverty with appropriate governance and evaluation, and will consider the use of smart technologies to benefit energy poor households. It is intended that the Plan will build on and continue the policies and actions that have been driven to date by the existing Plan, and where appropriate, informed by stakeholder input, will supplement these measures.

The second Energy Poverty Forum was held on Monday 24 June and provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss proposed actions for inclusion in the revised Plan.