Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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20. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide an update on the establishment of the carbon capture and removals working group, including details of its membership and the terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41669/24]

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. Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP24) was approved by the Government in December 2023. The plan sets out an ambitious all-of-Government response to the challenges posed by climate change.

The sectoral emissions ceilings, agreed by the Government in July 2022, include 26 MtCO2eq. of unallocated savings from 2026 to 2030, the second carbon budget period. Pathways for these unallocated savings are now required in advance of the second carbon budget period and associated Climate Action Plans.

In addition, Ireland’s Long-Term Strategy on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction published in June 2024, points to several cross-sectoral challenges which will need to be addressed. This includes developing a strategy for negative emissions technologies. CAP24 identified a potential for technologies such as Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) to assist with achieving compliance with our commitment and our national objectives. It is expected CCUS will play a significant role in future decarbonisation of industry, including the cement industry.

The CAP24 Action IN/24/3 details the development of a CCUS strategy to provide a clear policy framework to guide long-term investment decisions. In line with this action, a CCUS Taskforce is being established under the joint leadership of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Taskforce’s objectives in its terms of reference include:

• Validate the emissions savings potential;
• Estimate costs for delivering the emissions reduction measures;
• Assess of the potential impacts (e.g., economic, social, environmental); and
• Identify key actions/ roadmap to deliver.