Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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920. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific measures taken in his departmental offices and operations in reducing energy usage and to assist in Ireland meeting our climate targets for 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23313/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Climate Action Roadmap outlines activities aiming to achieve a 51% reduction in carbon emissions and 50% more energy efficient by 2030 and net zero by 2050, in line with the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and Public Sector Mandate. These measures include infrastructure investment, service improvements and behavioural changes. My Department has actively engaged staff in awareness and education initiatives through working groups, formal education and internal communication platforms. In 2024 the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) successfully reduced its GHG emissions by 33.3% of 2016-18 levels and achieved an improvement in energy efficiency by 62.4% compared with 2009 levels. The Department achieved ISO 50001 accreditation in energy management in 2024 and the Smarter Travel Mark at silver level. We also monitor food waste, recycling, and ensure implementation of our green procurement policies.

My Department has consolidated office space in Portlaoise, Cork and Dublin Airport, reducing our physical footprint, with additional consolidations to come.

Energy is procured centrally through the Office of Government Procurement for cost savings. Our Green Teams, across our office portfolio, have been active in promoting and undertaking sustainable activities. As with other obligations, such as Health & Safety and Data Protection, it is the responsibility of every staff member to co-operate with all measures undertaken, and to contribute to the Department of Transport’s efforts to achieve its carbon reduction goals. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is committed to integrating climate action into its strategy and decision-making processes.