New fund will support large-scale creative projects to engage communities in climate action. 
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, and Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment, Darragh O’Brien, today announced a new €6.5 million Creative Climate Action Fund, which will support imaginative, large-scale creative, cultural and artistic initiatives that help communities engage with climate change and empower citizens to make meaningful behavioural change.
The Creative Climate Action Fund III is an initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme in partnership with the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment.
The Creative Climate Action Fund III (2026-2029) will support ambitious, durational projects that bring together expertise from the arts and culture sector, climate science, and community engagement, and is delivered through a cross-Government partnership. 
This Fund is seeking proposals that respond creatively to key national climate priorities, including those set out in the Climate Action Plan 2025, the National Dialogue on Climate Action, and the work of the Just Transition Commission. 
As part of this overall investment, €1 million is being contributed under the Government’s Shared Island initiative. This Shared Island funding may be granted to projects with a strong all-island, North-South or East-West partnership, or to projects conceived and delivered entirely on a Shared Island basis. The aim for Shared Island supported projects is to promote cross-border cooperation and deepen collaboration between communities and citizens engaging with climate change, in both jurisdictions, across the island.
Funding is aimed at organisations with experience in delivering public engagement projects at scale, proposing projects with extensive public participation over time. Grants of between €400,000 and €750,000 will be available for projects delivered over a four-year period. 
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
“Climate change is a critical, shared challenge and I welcome this opportunity, supported by the Government’s Shared Island Fund, for those in the arts, culture, climate and science, and community engagement sectors across this island to collaborate to increase public awareness of climate challenges and to support the public in taking impactful, sustainable actions.” 
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD said:  
“I am proud to see Government supporting this innovative approach to addressing the challenges posed by climate change, and to see Ireland leading in embracing the power of creative practices to capture hearts, stir minds and spark lasting change in communities as we move towards a more sustainable world. Through this fund, communities are supported to deepen their connection with their natural environment, explore creative approaches, and imagine a more sustainable future together.”
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien TD said: 
“The climate challenges we face require strong collaboration across Government and society. We welcome the role of the creative and cultural sector in helping to deliver the priorities of the national Climate Action Plan and in supporting the systemic change needed to adapt to, and mitigate against, a crisis that is already affecting communities across the island.”
Applications will open on February 16, 2026, at Creative Grant Call 2025 - Creative Ireland Programme and will close on April 15, 2026.
Notes to the Editor

• Since 2021, the Creative Ireland Programme, through the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, in partnership with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, and the Department of the Taoiseach, has invested a total of €8.5m in 57 Creative climate action projects.
• The Government’s Shared Island initiative aims to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement to enhance cooperation, connection and mutual understanding on the island and engage with all communities and traditions to build consensus around a shared future.
• For more information, visit https://www.creativeireland.gov.ie/en/creative-grant-call
• Information on previous projects funded under Creative Climate Action is available here. 
  

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, has announced the appointment of Mr. Ultan Courtney as Chairperson of the board of Iarnród Éireann, and Board Member of Córas Iompair Éireann for a period of one year while a recruitment process is carried out.
The Minister made the appointment to Iarnród Éireann following the stepping down of the previous chairperson, Mr. Steve Murphy. Following the Minister’s appointment, Government appointed Mr. Courtney to the Board of Córas Iompair Éireann under the Transport (Reorganisation of Córas Iompair Éireann) Act of 1986.
Speaking about the appointments, Minister O’Brien said:
“I am very pleased to be appointing Mr. Ultan Courtney as Chairperson of Iarnród Éireann. Mr. Courtney brings a wide range of experience, skills and expertise to his role, which will help guide the Board through the next year.”
“I am also very pleased that Government has approved Mr. Courtney’s appointment to the Board of Córas Iompair Éireann. He brings with him a strong track record in management and delivering on wider Government policy objectives, and I wish him well in his roles.”
"I am grateful to the outgoing Chairperson, Mr. Steve Murphy for his contributions to the Boards over the past three years, as both the Chair and an Ordinary Director, and for giving generously of his time and expertise. I would like to wish him all the best for the future.”

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has today secured agreement from Cabinet for priority drafting of the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026. This will provide him with the power to address the 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport. 
Minister O’Brien said: 
“This Government recognises the strategic importance of Dublin Airport as our primary international gateway and the vital role it plays in supporting economic growth, connectivity and jobs across the State. Today, I received Government agreement for the publication of the General Scheme, which sets out the legislative approach to address the passenger cap. This represents the first concrete step in delivering on the commitment set out in the Programme for Government. I will now engage with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport to progress pre-legislative scrutiny and advance the formal drafting of the Bill.”
The General Scheme empowers the Minister for Transport to make an order to amend or revoke the 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport.  In advance of making an order, the Minister will engage with An Coimisiún Pleanála who will carry out any relevant assessments required under EU law. The Minister will take the outcome of those assessments into account when making an order. This approach will facilitate the sustainable development of Dublin Airport by ensuring compliance with applicable EU law, while balancing the rights of local residents with the objectives of Ireland’s National Aviation Policy and the needs of business and tourism.
In parallel with legislation being progressed by the Minister, the “Infrastructure Application” lodged by daa is progressing through the planning system. This application seeks permission to raise the passenger cap and to develop several capacity-enhancing projects, including new piers and aircraft stands, along with a new Integrated Transport Centre. Together, these measures provide the infrastructure required to facilitate the increase in passengers.   
Minister O’Brien is committed to the priority drafting of the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill and intends to introduce it for passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible.

Fianna Fáil Minister Darragh O’Brien has welcomed significant changes to the Interim Remediation Scheme for fire safety defects in apartments and duplexes built between 1991 and 2013, saying the measures will provide “certainty for homeowners in the months ahead.”
The changes come ahead of legislation for a broader statutory remediation scheme, which is due to be introduced later this year.
The updated Interim Remediation Scheme focuses on fire detection and alarm systems. It is designed to simplify the process, reduce administrative hurdles and allow urgent safety works to begin more quickly. Enabling Owner Management Companies to carry out essential upgrades while ensuring residents can remain safely in their homes until full building remediation is completed.
Speaking about the extension, Minister O’Brien said it will ensure full funding for interim safety measures so buildings can reach an acceptable level of fire protection while longer term works are put in place.
“The extension of today’s scheme will ensure full funding of interim measures to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings, pending completion of full remedial works,” he said.
“It will also ensure owners remain supported and compensated for defects in their properties as we move toward statutory legislation that will fund the full programme of works.”
Minister O’Brien said he has seen firsthand the hardship and stress these defects have caused homeowners across Dublin and beyond during his time as Minister overseeing the intorduction of the statutory legislation.
He said the Government is committed to delivering practical solutions and fast-tracking critical fire safety measures.
These will prioritise fire detection systems, along with resident alert and evacuation infrastructure. A streamlined approval process will allow this work to proceed ahead of comprehensive remediation under the forthcoming statutory scheme.
“This legislation will ensure that people who bought their homes in good faith will receive the remedies they deserve.
“Today’s announcement provides certainty as we get closer to a long-term solution.”
To help Owner Management Companies act quickly, the Government will provide up to 50% of funding in advance. This will remove financial barriers to carrying out essential works.
Funding for necessary fire detection and alarm system works is expected to begin rolling out to Owner Management Companies from 2026, with a significant number of applicants set to receive support during the first half of this year.
ENDS
Notes
What is the Interim Remediation Scheme?
The Interim Remediation Scheme is for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013.
The Scheme is administered by the Housing Agency on a nationwide basis, and provides for the full funding of interim measures (emergency fire safety defect works) in order to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings, pending completion of full remedial works.
Scale of defects in apartments and duplexes
The Working Group to Examine Defects in Housing that reported July 2022, estimated that between 50% and 80% of apartments and duplexes (or associated common areas) constructed between 1991 and 2013, may be affected by one or more fire safety, structural safety or water ingress defects. There have been 230 applications to the interim Scheme to date, equating to approximately 20,000 apartments and duplexes.

“I am truly shocked and saddened to learn of today’s tragic incident in Dublin City Centre. 

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the person who has lost their life and to those injured in this horrific incident. They are in my thoughts at this difficult time.

I am being kept informed on the latest developments. Emergency services and Bus Éireann personnel attended the scene. Bus Éireann is offering its full support to the relevant authorities and will provide any additional assistance required.

I would also like to pay tribute to the men and women in the emergency services who have responded to this incident in the most professional manner.”

Fianna Fáil Minister, Darragh O’Brien, has welcomed the inclusion of two school building projects serving Dublin Fingal East under the Education Sectoral Plan announced today by the Minister for Education.
The two schools included in the plan are to progress to tender and/or construction in 2026 and 2027. These projects include a 1,000 pupil post primary school with a provision made for special educational needs for Portmarnock Community School, and a 600 pupil post primary school with provisions made for special educational needs for Gaelcholáiste Reachrann.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan involves a capital investment of €7.55bn in our schools and Youth Sector for the 2026 to 2030 period. This investment builds on progress made over recent years and will support the operation of the school system and the Youth sector with the necessary infrastructure and facilities for the years ahead. 
It will be broken down as follows:

• €5 billion of NDP funding to support prioritised project rollout to provide additional capacity and modernisation of facilities with strong special education dimension to all projects
• €2.25 billion of NDP funding to focus on supporting the existing school estate in terms of maintenance, minor works and ICT grant funding, Climate Action Summer Works Scheme.
• €0.3 billion to be used as a contingency fund for 2026 to 2030 period.

Speaking on the announcement, Minister O’Brien stated:
"I am absolutely delighted to hear that under the Education Sectoral Plan that these two major school building projects will progress to tender and or construction over 2026 and 2027. These works will provide better working conditions for the teachers, staff, and further enhance the learning experience of the students.
"These projects ensure students have equal access to first class facilities, regardless of their abilities. These projects will go on to provide a supportive environment where they will allow students to excel, learn, and thrive.
"As a population we are well regarded for our high standard of education, and in Fianna Fáil we are committed to enhancing the learning experiences for our students nationwide, and ensuring they have access to first class facilities".