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The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) today convened a meeting of the Government’s Energy Security Group, at the request of Minister Darragh O’Brien, to assess the current implications of the conflict in the Middle East and Gulf region.
Building on regular engagements since the beginning of the conflict, the meeting brought together senior officials from relevant Government Departments, state agencies, and regulators to ensure that Government is fully informed of ongoing developments in global energy markets. The group reviewed current supply and pricing conditions across oil, gas and electricity, and assessed the local impacts arising from the evolving situation. The group also heard from fuel industry representative body Fuels for Ireland. The group reiterated International Energy Agency (IEA) updates that while oil prices continue to fluctuate, yesterday saw some stabilisation and markets remain adequately supplied. Similarly, wholesale gas prices, while elevated, remain well below the peak levels seen in recent years. Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, said: “The Energy Security Group met today on my request to take stock of the situation and to get an up-to-date picture from all relevant energy stakeholders. It’s important to say that Ireland’s fuel supply chains are reliable and all appropriate contingency arrangements are in place across the energy sector. “This week, I wrote to retail electricity and gas suppliers as well as fuel suppliers to emphasise the importance of reducing the exposure for Irish consumers from the price shocks that global uncertainty can create. I have also written to the Chair of the CRU in this regard, following my request in December 2025 for CRU to undertake a review of competition in the retail energy markets. The CRU have already begun that work, including engagement with the CCPC. “Energy affordability is a priority for this Government, and range of measures was introduced in Budget 2026 aimed at helping households with energy costs. I have also engaged recently with the four biggest energy retailers in recent months to ensure that hardship funds and focused measures are in place for any customers who find themselves in difficulty. “My Department continues to actively monitor the situation and the impact on energy markets and supply. We are engaging with our EU and international partners to ensure Ireland remains fully appraised of all developments.” The group will continue to meet as required as the situation evolves. We all are all deeply concerned about the escalating conflict in the Gulf region following US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Iranian military action in response. The situation is fast moving and unpredictable. At the heart of this Government's concerns are Irish citizens either transitioning through the area or living there, and indeed families at home who are deeply concerned about their loved ones. I am in close contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs, who are closely monitoring the situation and officials, including officials in Embassies across the region, stands ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance to all Irish citizens that need it. The security situation in the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait, and across the wider Gulf region, remains volatile following continuing and widespread missile and drone attacks. A large number of Irish citizens are already registered on our citizens’ registration platform, with more than 15,000 registering since the weekend. We continue to advise Irish citizens living in, visiting, or transiting through the region to register with the Department via our Citizens Registration facility, available on www.citizenregistration.dfa.ie if they have not already done so. Citizens are advised against all travel to Israel, Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon. Citizens are also advised against non-essential travel to the Gulf (Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia). We understand that a limited number of flights are departing Abu Dhabi Zayed and Dubai International airports. We understand that those flights are focused on those stranded in transit, and airlines are in direct contact with those eligible to travel. We are encouraging those offered a flight to take it. We are maintaining close contact with the airlines of those citizens who were in transit when the conflict began. We are in ongoing contact with our EU and other partners around all possible options to support citizens. As part of contingency planning, we are exploring broader options to support citizens, including around the feasibility of charter flights, should commercial flights remain limited. Given the unstable security situation, we strongly urge citizens not to pursue anything other than essential journeys, to remain vigilant, to monitor developments and media, and to follow advice from local authorities on the ground, including when this is to shelter in place. Citizens with queries or concerns are being asked to contact the Consular Crisis team in Dublin at +353 1 4082000. Citizens in the region should contact their local embassy. We are encouraging citizens to monitor the Ireland.ie travel advice pages and X accounts, as well as their local embassy’s social media channels. Our Travel Advice to various countries, we are keeping these advisories under close review. I know this is a worrying time for families and individuals in our area and across the country, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with my office if you require further assistance or information. Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien today announced the publication of the new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.
The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent NDP Review will provide almost €45 million capital investment under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030, with €9 million in capital supports available for allocation in 2026. In addition, current funding will be provided on an annual basis as part of the Estimate process. In total, over €19 million is available for allocation under the Programme in 2026. The Programme will support connectivity and balanced regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity across regional airports. Accordingly, the Programme has been broadened to support airports with up to three million passengers (on average over the two preceding financial years). The airports that currently meet the criteria for the new Programme are Shannon, Ireland West Airport (Knock), Kerry and Donegal. Minister O’Brien said: “The Programme for Government acknowledges that, as an island nation with a dispersed population and an open economy, it is essential for Ireland to have good connectivity within the country and with the rest of the world. This connectivity is vital to supporting economic growth as well as local communities. “In line with this, the Programme for Government gave a commitment to continue to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. This new programme marks the delivery of this important commitment. “I am delighted to announce that, for the first time, the scope of the Programme has been broadened to include airports with up to three million annual passengers. “In recognition of passenger traffic growth forecast by Ireland West Airport over the lifetime of this Programme, the Programme will ensure that Ireland West Airport continues to be supported in a scenario where they grow beyond the one million annual passenger threshold. Ireland West Airport will be supported on a step-down basis up to 1.5 million passengers with capital and operational supports. “In addition, to maximise the existing capacity at Shannon Airport, the Programme will also provide capital supports, on a further step-down basis, to airports with over 1.5 million and up to three million annual passengers. Shannon Airport is Ireland’s second largest long-haul airport after Dublin and is of strategic importance for the State. Its inclusion under the Programme will support it in accelerating its capital investment programme as it grows towards three million passengers.” Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney said: “Both Ireland West and Shannon provide key gateways to the west, northwest and the midlands, serving international business needs and bringing tourists directly to the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. “The expanded Regional Airports Programme will bring funding security to Ireland West Airport over the next five years, as it continues to grow from last year’s record of 946,000 passengers. Shannon Airport is strategically and nationally important: open 24 hours a day for 365 days a year, with passenger traffic of 2.3 million last year, and offering a 24-hour emergency service for aircraft using Irish airspace. Including Shannon Airport in the Regional Airports Programme supports this critical national infrastructure as it continues to grow towards three million passengers.” Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer said: “Government recognises the important role regional airports play in their areas and in regional development. Air connectivity is essential for the sustainability of rural communities, connecting remote regions to global markets, attracting investment as well as boosting inbound tourism. This new Programme will continue to support airports in attracting new business, and to make a sustainable contribution to their respective local economies and communities.” In line with National Aviation Policy, the Programme will ensure that these airports receive support for measures aimed at maintaining compliance with the European Union’s safety and security related obligations. It is generally recognised that, without State support, these airports would struggle to comply with international regulatory obligations in these areas. Projects with a sustainability focus will also be supported, encouraging eligible airports to meet their carbon emission reduction targets under the Climate Action Plan, as well as build resilience against the likely impacts of climate change. The Programme will also support Exchequer funded Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services. Currently, one PSO air service is in place between Donegal and Dublin airports. In line with the Programme for Government commitment to engage with all relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin and Derry City airports, it is expected that a PSO air service between Dublin and Derry will also be introduced later this year.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon today launched Ireland’s Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028. The strategy sets out an ambitious national plan to accelerate Ireland’s transition from a linear ‘take make waste’ model to a circular, sustainable economy. The strategy will enhance our ability to keep materials and products in use for longer, reduce waste and enable circular innovation across every sector of society, building resilience in supply chains, lowering emissions, and strengthening Ireland’s competitiveness as part of its broader climate and green enterprise agenda. Minister O’Brien said: “Nearly half of global greenhouse gas emissions come from how we make and use goods, food and materials. By embedding circularity across our economy, we can cut those emissions at the source – long before they reach our atmosphere. This is not simply an environmental project; it is a cornerstone of our climate action agenda. Every tonne of material that’s reused, every product that’s repaired rather than replaced, represents carbon that never needs to be emitted. That is the power of the circular economy. This Strategy sets out how we will harness that power – through innovation, investment, and collaboration.” Minister Dillon said: “The circular economy is central to how Ireland will grow cleaner, smarter, and more self-reliant. Through innovation, design and enterprise we can transform how we use materials and resources, cut waste, boost productivity, and create sustainable jobs in every part of our country. Implementation of this strategy will show that circularity is not an abstract idea but a practical, economic, and achievable way forward – one that helps families and businesses get better value, while strengthening Ireland’s competitiveness and resilience. My ambition is to make circular thinking the new normal and secure a more prosperous, resilient, and sustainable Ireland. “This second Circular Economy Strategy is about practical action – changing how Ireland designs, builds, consumes, and reuses. It places innovation, enterprise, and people at the heart of climate action – cutting waste, creating jobs, and reducing costs for households and businesses.” The strategy aims to:
National Pilot Repair Voucher Scheme Behavioural studies have found that the price of repair (and especially the price gap between repair and replacement) can be the most important factor influencing a decision to repair. A National Pilot Repair Voucher Scheme will be introduced, supported by the Circular Economy Fund, that will focus on the reuse and repair of consumer products. The pilot scheme will be designed through the National Reuse and Repair Network and will be rolled out by 2027. This will facilitate a shift in consumer roles – from purchasers to stewards of products and devices by reducing repair costs, increasing the perceived value of used devices and driving society-wide support for repair. Digital Product Passport (DPP) The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is an innovation (under the 2024 EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) that will store and share data about a product's sustainability, circularity and regulatory compliance. The DPP will be available to consumers, businesses and relevant authorities. It will help consumers to make informed decisions about what they buy, and it will drive demand for sustainable products. The DPP could also host additional information, like product instructions or conformity documents. Priority products that will have a DPP over the coming years include textiles, furniture, tyres and mattresses. Sectoral Action and Targets: The strategy sets actions and targets for six key priority sectors – to deliver environmental and economic benefits:
“Ireland’s second Circular Economy Strategy is about practical action – changing how we design, build, consume, and reuse. It will help us meet our climate goals, grow resilient businesses, and empower communities. Every person, business, and public body has a role to play in making circularity the new normal. This strategy prioritises six key sectors to lead the way in delivering environmental and economic benefits by delivering clear actions through measurable targets.” The Strategy can be viewed at this link. An investment of over €5 million will complete construction of the Swords Surgical Hub, significantly increasing elective care capacity in the region. The hub will help reduce hospital waiting times in the short term while delivering much-needed additional surgical capacity for Swords and the wider North Dublin area.
The facility will include: • 4 operating theatres • 2 minor procedure rooms • A dedicated recovery and post-anaesthetic care unit • Associated clinical support services and staff facilities The Surgical Hub will operate six days per week, from 8am to 8pm. It will provide day-case and minor procedures only, with a maximum patient stay of 12 hours and no overnight admissions. Once fully operational, the hub is expected to deliver up to 10,000 day-case and minor procedures annually, making a significant contribution to reducing waiting lists and improving access to planned care. Minister O’Brien says this investment reflects his ongoing commitment to the people of North Dublin to strengthen healthcare delivery in the region. “I am delighted to see this project now moving towards completion. I campaigned for the development of this Surgical Hub as part of broader health improvements for North Dublin. Last year, we secured €30.9 million in funding for this project, and this additional €5 million will now ensure construction is completed and that the facility can open within months. This hub will be crucial for the area in terms of reducing waiting times and improving access to care across the region. I remain committed to delivering more accessible, timely healthcare for our community.” Funding of €1.4m has also been given to progress the new planned Primary Care Centre in Swords, in the old Hertz Building ,which was purchased last year for €20 million. When fully operational it is anticipated the primary care centre will provide a broad range of services, including primary care, GP, disability and mental health services. As well as being close to the proposed Seatown stop on the Metrolink, the site is also located within 500 metres of the main street in Swords village. There is also funding of over €800,000 for the provision of a purpose-built 10 High Support Community Residence to provide accommodation for the residents of Carlton House, Swords, a residential care home for people with long term mental health needs. Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney and Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer today announced that the Department of Transport will provide over €1.5 billion in exchequer funding for national, regional and local roads in 2026. This represents a 13% increase in road funding over 2025. The €800 million allocation for national roads includes:
The €718 allocation for regional and local roads will allow approximately 2,800kms of roads to be maintained and 2,330kms to be improved. The funding includes:
"Advancing the new national road projects in the current National Development Plan and the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport is a priority for this government, along with the protection and renewal of the existing national, regional and local road network. Government is committed to assisting affected local authorities with financial support to assist with the aftermath of Storm Chandra. My Department is liaising with affected counties, who are continuing to compile and assess damage on the ground to enable proper estimation of the total damage caused and the estimated cost of remediation. “The allocations I’m announcing today will enable multiple major new road projects on the national road network to progress, including those that are at or are close to construction. This will enable greater connectivity across our country, support economic development, and deliver safer roads and less congested towns and communities. “Projects such as the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge, the M28 and the Adare Bypass, which are currently in construction, demonstrate the clear commitment to the ongoing development of our national road network. Taken together with the new road projects which are at an earlier stage of the project lifecycle, an increased number of new national roads projects have been allocated funding this year." “A new two-year work programme under the Community Involvement Scheme for regional and local roads is starting this year with €16.2 million being allocated to the scheme in 2026. This is an increase of €1.4 million in funding from last year, upholding the Programme for Government commitment to increase funding for the Community Involvement Scheme.” Minister Canney said: “Today’s funding allocations ensures that our primary focus of protecting and maintaining the existing road network so that it remains safe, resilient and capable of meeting the needs of all road users - including freight operators, is to the fore. This funding also supports essential road safety improvements, which are critical to delivering our Road Safety Strategy Over recent decades, substantial investment has been made in the national road network, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting economic growth across the country.” “Reducing speed limits and making roads safer, in support of the Government commitment of Vision Zero, remains a priority. The Department of Transport will also continue to offer grant assistance to local authorities for the implementation of reduced speed limits as per the speed limit review.” Minister Buttimer, said: “As Minister with responsibility for Rural Transport, I recognise the critical role played by the national road network in ensuring that all parts of Ireland are connected. A safe and efficient road network enables those living in rural communities to connect to work, education and healthcare. In addition, it also facilitates the improved bus services that operate across rural Ireland. The funding announced today will help to protect and enhance this vital national asset for all our citizens." “The allocation of €718 million for regional and local roads will strengthen and support towns, villages, and communities right across the country. It’s an investment that will improve connectivity, help local businesses thrive, and make everyday journeys to school, work, and community activities safer and more convenient for families.” |
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March 2026
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