Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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29. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the specific measures and initiatives to which the additional €157 million dedicated to circular economy measures in Budget 2026 will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55584/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Details of the 2026 allocations for my Department are published at programme level in the budget day abridged estimates (copy attached) with a total of €85.4m current and €71.5m capital allocated to the Circular Economy Development programme in 2026.

In line with usual practice, allocations at subhead level will be finalised and published later this year in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2026.

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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30. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the specific measures and initiatives to which the additional €64 million dedicated to the Environmental Protection Agency in Budget 2026 will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55585/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allocation under Vote 29 for 2026 is currently being finalised and will be set out in the Revised Estimates Volume 2026 in due course. For details of EPA activity and its expenditure, please refer to the latest annual report and audited accounts available at www.epa.ie/publications/corporate/governance/EPA-Annual-Report-2024-EN.pdf.

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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33. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the way in which the €3.5 billion released for ESB Networks and EirGrid in capital expenditure in Budget 2026 will assist in developing grid capabilities to support high-capacity electric vehicle charging hubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55592/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The planned €3.5 billion equity injection into ESB and EirGrid will part finance the PR6 grid investment programme. The PR6 programme includes hundreds of grid projects that will enhance Ireland's grid capacity, flexibility, and resilience.

These improvements will also allow for the grid to provide electricity supply for the growing national fleet of EVs.