Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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151. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to outline plans for maintaining emissions in the event of lower electricity imports arising from linking the British and European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms. [27541/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The EU - UK summit which took place on 19th May marks the beginning of an ambitious new phase of EU-UK cooperation, to the benefit of people and businesses across our continent and across the island of Ireland. It is welcome that both sides have reached agreement on a strategic partnership and a forward-looking agenda for cooperation targeted at improving opportunities for their citizens.

The UK and the European Commission have agreed to work towards establishing a link between carbon markets by way of a EU-UK agreement linking the UK Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) and the EU ETS. This commitment is welcome. As a result, carbon allowances issued by either the EU or the United Kingdom could be recognised for compliance under the greenhouse gas ETS of the other party.

Furthermore, the agreement to link the UK ETS and EU ETS should create the conditions for goods originating in our jurisdictions to benefit from mutual exemptions from the respective European Union and United Kingdom Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs). The agreement would be based on the dynamic alignment of the UK with the relevant EU rules underpinning the functioning of the ETS link.

The linking of respective ETS and mutual exemption from CBAMs will need further detailed negotiations and work programmes to resolve the technical detail. However, what is most important is that we have now agreed an ambitious agenda for strengthening ties to the benefit of people and businesses in both the EU and UK. We believe that the UK is a valuable partner for the EU as we seek to achieve our 2030 targets and beyond. Energy is an area where we can cooperate in a mutually beneficial way.

Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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152. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide a breakdown of the percentage of Ireland’s final electricity demand that was imported electricity; to provide a breakdown of the cost in each of the years 2015 to 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27630/25]

Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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153. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the percentage of the reported 1.3% energy emissions reduction in 2024 that is contributed by imported electricity; what this equates to in tonnes of carbon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27631/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.

The recently published SEAI Interim Energy Balance report for 2024 notes that there was a 1.3% decrease in energy-related emissions in 2024, including a 7.5% reduction in emissions from electricity generation, and a 1.2% reduction in transport emissions, though there was a 2.4% increase in heating emissions. In 2024, the gross supply of electricity increased by 4.1% compared to 2023.

Emissions from electricity generation in 2024 decreased due to reduced electricity supply from fossil fuel generation in Ireland. Electricity supply from fossil fuel generation in Ireland in 2024 was 0.5 TWh lower than in 2023, and 0.2 TWh higher for renewable generation. The report highlights that there was a 5.6% increase in renewable electricity generation in 2024. These are provisional figures and a detailed breakdown of emissions calculations won't be available until the EPA calculates Ireland's national inventory of greenhouse gases, with 2024 figures expected to be published in July.

In 2024, 14% of Ireland's gross supply of electricity came from net-imports across interconnectors, including 7.4% across the East-West interconnector from Britain, and 6.6% across the North-South interconnector from Northern Ireland. Electricity supply from the net import of electricity across interconnectors in 2024 was 1.8 TWh higher than in 2023.

The CSO collates data around electricity imports and exports including around costs overall. Detailed monthly statistics are available on the Central Statistics Office website .

The increasing number of interconnectors between the continent, Britain & Ireland is enabling greater sharing of solar, onshore and offshore wind as weather patterns move across North-West Europe. This increasing interconnection is reducing emissions, prices and improving security of supply across all the interconnected countries.