Written answers
Tuesday, 29 July 2025
Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
Climate Action Plan
Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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1592. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to provide an update on the seven legacy action due as outlined in the Q1 2025 progress report (details supplied); to outline which actions they are; the reason for the delay; the status of the progress to date; the timeline for completion; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43040/25]
James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is working hard to achieve our shared Climate Action goals.
My Department had no new actions to report on in Quarter 1 but has continued to work on delivering legacy actions carrying over from Climate Action Plan 2024. In Quarter 1 2024 two legacy actions were completed:
- The publication of a report on exploring investment requirements for energy efficiency upgrades in the private rental sector on 21 February 2025.
- Good Agricultural Practice (Amendment) Regulations S.I 42 of 2025 were put into effect on 22 February 2025 based on the review of maximum nitrogen limits as part of the Nitrates Action Programme Interim Review.
The Revised National Planning Framework (NPF) was approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas in April 2025. This concluded the Revision process and allows the revised NPF to take effect in the planning system.
An update on the 7 legacy Actions for my Department from the Climate Action Plan 2025 Q1 progress report is provided in the table below:
| Action | Output | Reason for delay | Progress status | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AG/24/7 Review maximum N allowances | Legislation updated | N/A | Complete | N/A |
| BE/23/3 Commence development of report on the split incentive for rental properties | Publication of the report | N/A | Complete | N/A |
| BE/24/1 Development of regulations and Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) to effectively ban fossil fuel boilers in new dwellings and those undergoing major renovation where practical | Public Consultation on Technical Guidance to Building Regulations | The effective ban of the use of fossil fuel boilers in new homes in Ireland is fully completed for new dwellings. A public consultation on major renovations for dwellings closed in February 2025. Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations have now been revised accordingly and will be published shortly. | In progress | Q3 |
| AD/24/5 Improve the resilience of Ireland’s water infrastructure through implementation of a Nature Based Solutions (NBS) Programme. | Publish drainage Area Plans covering 5 large urban centres, develop 2 exemplars of sludge Drying, implement Reed Bed systems. Plant 50,000 native trees. | Uisce Éireann has completed 6 Drainage Area Plans and installed 3 Sludge Drying Reed Beds (SDRB’s). In Q1 2025, an additional 20,000 trees have been planted, with total of 112,500 trees planted to date. Tree planting target not yet reached. | In progress | TBD |
| EL/24/3 Revision to the National Planning Framework to include regional capacities for the allocation of national targets at a regional level in order to inform local development plan policy | National Planning Framework published | The Draft Revised National Planning Framework (NPF) was subject to public consultation between July and September 2024, with 272 submissions received. A schedule of amendments to the Draft was considered and agreed by Government on 5 November 2024 and this has allowed for the completion of the environmental assessments that are required by EU law. | Complete | N/A |
| EL/24/5 Develop Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines for onshore wind | Guidelines published | The CAP 24 Annex of Actions set out a timeframe of Q1 2025 for the finalisation of the Guidelines. The finalisation of the Guidelines is linked to, in particular, the finalisation of the National Planning Framework (NPF), which itself has been delayed, and the commencement of the Planning and Development Act 2024. Further to the Programme for Government commitment, the Department is working to conclude the review of the Guidelines as a matter of priority, pending the finalisation of associated reforms and reviews, including the revision of the NPF. | In progress | TBD |
| MA/23/5 Develop comprehensive legislation for the identification, designation, and management of Marine Protected Areas in Irish marine waters | Legislation enacted | Substantial progress has been made on drafting the Marine Protected Areas Bill. Following issues raised by the DAFM and DCEE in June 2024, the Minister established a cross-departmental drafting group. The Bill is on the priority list for publication and publication is intended for 2025. | In progress | TBD |
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