Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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431. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress in emission reduction targets in areas that are the responsibility of his Department; which measures are particularly successful and which measures are underperforming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67053/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is committed to achieving its climate action goals, as set out in the Programme for Government and our recently published Statement of Strategy. Climate action is an ongoing process, and we are working actively to reduce emissions and to improve energy efficiency in our buildings.

As reflected in the latest SEAI reports, the total CO2 emissions for my Department in 2024 were 1377 tonnes which is 35.7% below the 2016-18 baseline and on track to achieve the 2030 target. Similarly, my Department’s energy efficiency has improved by 42.8% since the 2009 baseline and is also on target for 2030. These results are mainly due to a reduction in electricity related emissions, driven by demand focused measures such as lighting upgrades and behavioural changes from initiatives like the Optimising Power at Work campaign, combined with the higher mix of sustainably produced electricity across the grid.

A key area of positive impact has been in the area of paper reduction, where ongoing digitisation programmes are removing thousands of tonnes of paper from processes annually and reducing associated postage and transport impacts.

There has also been a strong positive effect from various ‘Smarter Travel’ aligned actions, helping staff recognise and avail of opportunities to use active travel modes and public transport.

Staff engagement on climate action is strong and there is an active network of Green Teams across Department buildings, driving local initiatives and educating their peers, supported by a Green Steering Group that oversee the implementation of my Department’s Climate Action Roadmap.

My Department has had limited success in reducing fossil CO2 emissions, which are driven by thermal energy to heat buildings. These have only reduced by 6.8% since the 2009 baseline, however, this should be viewed in the context of a large increase in our building footprint and staff numbers in the intervening years. With the newly retrofitted 6 Ely Place Upper, a nearly zero energy building (NZEB), coming on stream in 2026, there will be an improvement in fossil emissions as we move from existing less energy efficient accommodation. My Department is also actively engaging with the OPW on measures to address heating related emissions for our existing buildings, which can be challenging for heritage buildings in particular.