The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has launched a public consultation today (Wednesday, 14 May), in relation to overcoming a potential restriction on expanding the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat’s (SSRH) operational aid for biomass and anaerobic digestion (i.e. biogas) to larger energy users, including those in the EU Emissions Trading Sector (EU ETS).
 
On 1 January 2024, new EU guidelines were introduced governing how SSRH operational aid can be allocated, with the new Climate, Environmental and Energy Guidelines (CEEAG) replacing the Energy and Environmental Guidelines (EEAG).
 
The key challenge relates to CEEAG requiring renewable energy operational aid to be set via a competitive process and offered via Contracts for Difference (CfD) where possible. This process is not required for renewable energy projects under 1MW (or 6MW for SMEs). The current SSRH can offer support over this threshold and the planned expansion to the EU ETS sector in Ireland implies large scale projects well above 1MW. While competitive auctions and CfDs are now common in the renewable electricity market, there are few instances of operational aid for heat projects using CfDs.  This issue has been identified as a potential barrier to the further uptake of SSRH operational support.
 
The Department is liaising with the European Commission in an effort to seek an exemption to the CEEAG restriction, with the next step in those efforts requiring a public consultation on the tariff supports.
 
The consultation asks a number of questions related to the proposed expansion of supports and provides an opportunity for those using biomass or AD (Anaerobic Digestion) for heat purposes, and to other stakeholders and interested parties, to express their views regarding the expansion of the SSRH operational support in the manner outlined, and in relation to the tariff supports in general.
 
The full text of the CEEAG can be found here.
 
The public consultation, which has opened today, can be found here. Submissions can be made until 5:30pm on 11 June 2025.
 
Submission can be made by email to: [email protected] or by post to: SSRH Consultation Review, Renewable Heat Unit, Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, Tom Johnston House, Haddington Road, Dublin, D04 K7X4.
 
ENDS

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, has today announced the final publication of the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, following public consultation.
The Regional and Local Plan constitutes the second part of the National EV Charging Network Plan, following the finalisation of the National Road EV Charging Network Plan in May 2024.
Launching the plan, Minister O’Brien said:
“This plan will help deliver the charging infrastructure people need, where they need it—at home, on the road, and at key destinations and neighbourhoods across communities. Together with the National Road EV Charging Plan, it provides a complete national plan, ensuring no gaps in coverage and supporting Ireland’s transition to cleaner transport.”
Developed by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), the plan sets targets and strategies for local authorities to drive EV infrastructure development at destination and neighbourhood locations, with government support. It aligns with both national and EU climate goals, helping to cut emissions and move towards a fully decarbonised transport sector by 2050.
The plan outlines a path to deliver on these ambitions, coupled with a package of proposals on investment, regulation, and policy instruments.
Minister O’Brien continued:
“The plan is another significant step in the ongoing roll-out of public accessible charge points and complements existing schemes such as the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme, the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) Community Facilities EV Charging Scheme, and the ZEVI TII EV Recharging Infrastructure Light Duty Vehicle National Road Grant Schemes.”
Minister of State for Rural and Community Development, Charities and Transport, Jerry Buttimer said:
“The new plan provides a path for the accelerated delivery of regional and local networks of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure at destination and neighbourhood locations in cities, towns and villages across Ireland. 
"The plan aims to ensure there is sufficient infrastructure in rural and remote areas to meet future demand to ensure equitable access to charging infrastructure to promote widespread EV adoption.”

Greenlink Interconnector will increase State’s security of supply and help support a net-zero energy transition
 
The Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien has welcomed news that a new subsea electricity interconnector linking Ireland and the UK has commenced operations. The Greenlink Interconnector, a 500 megawatt (MW) project, recently entered its ‘commercial operations’ phase following a successful testing period, and a three-year construction period.
 
In addition to the existing East-West Interconnector – which was commissioned in 2012 – this new interconnector will now double the State’s interconnection capacity to 1 Gigawatt (GW). It marks a significant milestone in Ireland’s journey to a more connected and energy secure Island, while supporting the transition towards a net-zero energy future.
 
Electricity interconnectors provide a way to share electricity between countries, and are valuable back-up power supplies for when electricity systems have reduced capacity. New interconnections also allow for increased energy imports in the case of an adverse shock, which may occur during extreme weather events.
 
The Greenlink Interconnector has also been recognised as a ‘Project of Common Interest’ (PCI) – key cross-border infrastructure projects that link the energy systems of European countries, and is considered to be of strategic importance. As a PCI, the project secured funding under the Connecting Europe Facility. Greenlink also facilitates increased energy security, grid resilience, and provides value to energy consumers. It is a vital project for grid system balancing, and will further the integration of renewable energy sources and regional investments.
 
The role of interconnection will increase in importance as the renewable energy sector becomes a larger proportion of supply in the Irish and European electricity system, both in relation to the import and export of electricity. Proposed new interconnection developments, aligned with Ireland’s growing renewable energy sector, will enable the State to transition from a net importer to a net exporter of electricity.
 
In July 2023, the Government published an ambitious ‘National Policy Statement on Electricity  Interconnection’. By 2030, Ireland will have re-established connectivity to mainland Europe through the Celtic Interconnector with France and envisages a further connection to Great Britain. The policy also outlines how the State plans to increase its electricity interconnection capacity by exploring new interconnection opportunities with the continent.
 
Welcoming the Greenlink Interconnector, Minister O’Brien said:
 
“I want to congratulate the team at Greenlink for bringing this critical piece of energy infrastructure for Ireland and the UK to life. I want to thank the CRU, EirGrid and ESB Networks, who have played a crucial role in the consideration and delivery of this project. I also want to thank our UK and Welsh partners for achieving this milestone, and look forward to future collaboration in this area. This project is a tangible expression of our ever-strengthening energy relationship with the UK, and highlights the value and benefits which international energy collaboration can bring.
 
“Increased electricity interconnection will be a key enabler in our growing use of renewable energy, facilitating the delivery of the necessary infrastructure to support our energy ambitions in our journey to a net-zero power system. Interconnection will also play an important role in our transition to become a net energy exporter, making Ireland central to wider European energy plans. The role of interconnection is a large part of our wider energy ambitions, and State is taking an integrated forward planning approach to interconnection, which is aligned with offshore renewable energy forward planning.”
 
The UK’s Energy Minister, Michael Shanks, said:
 
“It is important that Ireland and the UK work together to strengthen our mutual energy security, and drive forward in reaching our clean energy potential.
 
“This cable between Wexford and Wales will help deliver our Clean Power 2030 mission and support Ireland's renewable expansion by allowing us to trade more cheaper-to-generate clean energy with each other, helping both nations to move away from volatile fossil fuel markets.”

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Fingal East, Minister Darragh O’Brien, has welcomed today’s announcement by Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary of the expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme to a further 713 primary schools across the country, including 4 additional schools in Dublin Fingal East.
 
Minister O’Brien described the move as a “game-changer for families and school communities,” and said the rollout will ensure even more children in Dublin and beyond benefit from access to a nutritious, hot meal each day at school.
 
“This is a huge step forward for schools and families across Fingal. I’m delighted that 4 more schools in Dublin Fingal East have been approved to begin receiving Hot School Meals from this month,” said Deputy Minister O’Brien.
 
“We know that a hot meal can make a real difference to a child’s ability to focus and participate fully in their school day. This programme supports not only nutrition and wellbeing, but also school attendance and educational outcomes.”
 
The Hot School Meals Programme, which began as a small pilot in just 30 schools, now covers 2,850 primary schools nationwide and is providing hot meals to over 475,000 children. The 4 newly approved Dublin Fingal East schools will be contacted by the Department of Social Protection in the coming days to begin implementation.
 
The 4 Dublin Fingal East schools added to the programme are: Holy Family Senior National School, Swords Educate Together, River Valley Community National School and Gaelscoil Na Mara.
Minister O’Brien also welcomed the announcement that the programme’s nutritional standards will be reviewed and strengthened, with the removal of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt foods from menus from September 2025.
 
“As well as expanding access, it’s vital we maintain high standards. The upcoming nutritional review and the move to remove unhealthy options will make sure children are getting the best start possible in their day.”
 
Minister O’Brien encouraged any primary schools in Dublin Fingal East not yet signed up to consider participating, and committed to supporting local schools and suppliers as they transition into the scheme.
 
“I’ll continue to work closely with schools and parents here in Dublin Fingal East to make sure this programme delivers for every community. No child should have to worry about being hungry in school.”
 
A full list of the 713 schools approved for Hot School Meals from today, including the 4 in Dublin Fingal East, is available at www.gov.ie/HotSchoolMeals2025.

Local Fianna Fáil Minister Darragh O’Brien has welcomed over €31.5m in funding for major healthcare developments in Swords and the wider North Dublin area, following the publication of the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) Capital Plan for 2025.
 
Minister O'Brien said the announcement reflects Fianna Fáil’s continued commitment in Government to strengthening healthcare delivery, supporting system reform, and ensuring more accessible care within communities.
 
He said, “I was delighted to receive confirmation that €30.9m has been allocated under this year's Capital Plan to develop a Surgical Hub facility at Swords Business Park, which will serve the entire region. The Hub is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in November of this year. I understand that this will be followed by a short period of commissioning with the hub expected to become operational later this year or early next year. The facility will include two operating theatres and two minor. Funding has also been earmarked for  procedure rooms including a recovery and post anaesthetic unit as well as associated support services and staff facilities.
 
"In addition, €350,000 has been awarded for the development of a purpose-built High Support Community Residence in Swords, which will provide accommodation for residents relocating from Carlton House while an intensive support disability day service unit on Rathbeale Road will progress through design.
 
“These projects are vital to the continued enhancement of health services for Swords and the wider region. They represent real, tangible progress towards a more responsive, better-resourced healthcare system, one that meets the growing needs of our communities.
 
“I’ll continue to work to ensure these projects progress without delay.”

Minister for Transport and Minister for the Climate, Enviroment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien, has welcomed the announcement of 40 additional special classes in Dublin Fingal East for the 2025/2026 school year. These new classes will be located in schools across Malahide, Swords, Donabate, Portrane, and Portmarnock, bringing the total number of special classes in North County Dublin to 342—comprising 256 at primary level and 86 at post-primary level.
 
In addition, Belmayne Community Special School has been confirmed as one of five new special schools set to open nationwide in 2025/2026, to meet the growing demand for specialist education places in North Dublin. There are currently 19 special schools in North County Dublin supporting approximately 1,000 students.
 
Commenting on the expansion, Minister O’Brien said: “It is vital that every student is supported to reach their full potential and that our education system is fully inclusive. Enabling children with special educational needs to access high-quality education is a real priority for this Government.
 
When negotiating the Programme for Government—something I was proud to be part of—our commitment was clear: to continue expanding the number of special schools and special classes across the country, so that children can access education within their own communities.”
Minister O’Brien concluded by acknowledging the community’s efforts:
“I also want to sincerely thank the parents, teachers, and school leaders who have worked so hard on the ground to make this possible. I also want to thank my colleague, Minister Micheál Moynihan, with whom I will continue working to ensure additional special school places are delivered for this area.”