Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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204. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the agreement reached at COP30 and the commitments made by the EU to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 and between 66.25% and 72.5% by 2035, the way in which Ireland is aligning its national policy and emissions reduction pathway to these new EU targets; the steps the Government will take to ensure these are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62947/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The final outcome of COP30 will not be known until the negotiations conclude on 21 November. Ireland looks forward to working with EU and global partners to ensure that COP30 in Belém delivers a balanced outcome that ensures the world is on track to keep warming below 1.5C.

With respect to the EU-wide 2040 target and NDC range, the agreement was reached following guidance from Leaders at the European Council, and it reflects a pragmatic and balanced approach achieving the broadest possible consensus among Member States while maintaining Europe’s global climate leadership. I look forward to working closely with the European Commission and Member States next year on the broader implementing package that will set out the specificities of how the EU target is to be achieved as well as the individual Member State targets yet to be set.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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205. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the progress being made toward Ireland’s 2030 emission reduction targets; and the further measures planned to meet sectoral ceilings. [62970/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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This Government is committed to delivering the measures and actions so that Ireland plays its part to address the climate crisis. We are taking action to achieve national and EU targets with the ultimate aim of achieving climate neutrality no later than 2050. In pursuing these objectives the Government is also balancing affordability, competitiveness, economic and energy security objectives.

It is important to note the significant progress that is being made. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) most recent reporting confirms that Ireland has recorded overall GHG emission reductions for a third consecutive year. This includes a decrease of 6.8% in 2023 followed by a further 2% reduction in 2024. Ireland’s GHG emissions are now at their lowest level in 35 years, a notable achievement given the concurrent demographic and economic growth our country has experienced.

However, the Government recognizes that EPA projections show the current pace of delivery is insufficient to meet our 2030 targets. The EPA’s 'With Additional Measures' scenario projects a 23% reduction by 2030, against our 51% national target. Therefore, the next phase of our plan is about acceleration - doing more and doing it faster, building on the progress and momentum across all sectors.

We are undergoing a renewables-led energy transformation, with a target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030. This is supported by massive grid investment overseen by the CRU, projected at up to €18 billion for the 2026-2030 period, and a plan to deliver 9GW of onshore wind, 8GW of solar, and 5GW of offshore wind.

In transport, delivery is accelerating, and the 2025 ZEVI target for 195,000 electrical vehicle sales was surpassed in October. In the built environment, we are scaling up home retrofitting, supported by improved grants particularly for those at risk of fuel poverty.

The Solar for Schools Programme is also being rolled out, with over 2,000 installations completed. For agriculture, we will support farmers to reduce emissions by adopting practical abatement measures including diversification.

To ensure timely delivery on measures to reduce emissions, governance arrangements have been strengthened. The Climate Action Plan Programme Board, involving senior officials from all key sectors, has been established and is focused on accelerating delivery to close the emissions gap.