• Updating of plans, and associated exercises, part of ongoing and prudent contingency planning

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien has published the updated National Plan for Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Exposures. This is Ireland’s fourth such national plan.
Such plans, and associated exercises, are updated regularly and routinely – to stress-test the systems and procedures that are in place to ensure that the Government, State agencies and industry are prepared to effectively manage a range of potential, hypothetical scenarios. Such plans play a key role in ensuring a coordinated response to significant incidents in the unlikely or rare event that they occur, and are in line with international best practice.
The plan sets out the steps for a national response to such an emergency exposure accident or incident from abroad, and the subsequent transition to a managed existing exposure situation. The plan provides for the use of the established structures of the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group (NECG), as provided for under Government’s Strategic Emergency Management (SEM) Framework. These structures set out the appropriate steps, responsibilities and procedures to any such event.
Following the exercising of the 2019 national plan in September 2022, the plan has been reviewed and updated – based on work undertaken to address recommendations from the exercise; on independently verified atmospheric dispersion modelling conducted by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency); and in accordance with generic criteria for protective actions developed by international organisations. The recommendation for sheltering in Ireland is, therefore, no longer considered applicable and the ‘Go In, Stay In, Tune In’ message has been removed from the updated plan.
Extensive engagement with supporting Departments and key Agencies
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, along with the EPA, have undertaken extensive engagement with supporting Departments and key Agencies with roles and responsibilities during a national emergency exposure accident from abroad. The Department and the EPA have also consulted with the Office of Emergency Planning in the updating of the updated National Plan and engaged with the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning. The role played by these bodies ensures a coordinated response to major incidents, should they take place.
While an event of this nature is highly improbable, the Government is aware of the impact it could have and is committed to ensuring that any such risks are minimised and that contingencies are addressed. The updated national plan, along with infographic and public information, is available at: National Plan for Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Exposures.
The national plan will be kept under review, to take account of changes or lessons identified from exercises and events, and changes to the nuclear landscapes of Ireland’s neighbouring countries.

• White Paper will chart our path to an electrified energy future – based on clean, secure, affordable electricity
• Power Sector White Paper will provide a framework for future policy, legislation and investment

Minister for Climate, Energy, and the Environment Darragh O’Brien today announced the commencement of a new White Paper on Ireland’s power sector – encompassing electricity generation, transmission, distribution and regulation. This White Paper will set out the long-term vision for Ireland’s power sector to 2050. It will provide a framework for future policy development, legislation and investment – towards achieving Ireland’s stated 2050 obligation of climate neutrality in the EU.
Ireland’s long-standing energy strategy is to electrify the economy. This is the model through which Ireland will seek to achieve clean, secure, affordable energy by 2050. The White Paper will address strategic issues and trade-offs in the power sector and will set out how we can develop a future energy system that is based on clean electricity, more energy security and affordability for all. It will be grounded in high quality systems-level analysis that will examine risks; scenarios; supply and demand; the grid; and governance. It will identify and evaluate the policy choices available to the Government – over the period to 2050.
Commenting, Minister O’Brien said:
“Ireland’s energy transition represents a momentous opportunity for us all, to help make our economy and industries more efficient and competitive, to open new opportunities for businesses, and create tangible benefits for our communities across Ireland.
“This White Paper will be a key part of guiding the energy transition to clean, secure, affordable electricity. It will set a path to deliver – for this generation and future generations.
“It will require national conversation and collaboration. Starting today, I invite all stakeholders across Government and the public, private and voluntary sectors to work with us on this initiative.”

Government today approved proposals to progress the development of a new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS). The Scheme will support people with mobility needs to access adapted vehicles and maintain independent mobility.
The Scheme will be developed as part of the Government's commitment to improving transport accessibility and ensuring that all those who need support can participate fully in society, employment, education and community life.
The VAS is designed to support those needing more minor adaptations to their vehicles. It is not a support towards the capital cost of purchasing a vehicle.
Welcoming the Government decision, Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien said:
“I am delighted that the Government has approved plans to advance the development of the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme. Access to personal transport can be transformative for people with additional mobility needs, enabling greater independence, social inclusion and participation in everyday life.
“Today's decision marks an important step towards establishing a modern, fair and sustainable scheme that will support those who require vehicle adaptations to help meet their mobility needs.”
Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports Seán Canney said:
“Since details of the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme were first announced, the proposal has been broadly welcomed by stakeholders and representative groups. There is clear recognition of the positive impact that targeted support for vehicle adaptations can have for people.
“Approval of these proposals today represents a significant milestone in the development of the Scheme and will enable the Department of Transport to progress the detailed implementation work required for its delivery.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer said:
“While significant progress continues to be made in expanding and improving rural public transport services, we recognise that personal transport remains indispensable for many people. The Vehicle Adaptation Scheme has the potential to remove barriers to mobility and improve quality of life for individuals and families across the country.”

Progressing this revision is a priority of the Irish EU Presidency

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien has today (Friday, 17 July) welcomed the publication of the European Commission’s plans for the review of the EU Emissions Trading System Directive (EU ETS1). Urgently completing the ETS review is a priority for European leaders, the European Parliament and the European Commission in the One Europe, One Market Roadmap. This has been identified as a priority of the Irish EU Presidency and is key to ensuring the EU’s competitiveness.
The Minister welcomed the proposal to amend the cap-and-trade system that has seen emissions in scope reduce by 50% since its inception in 2005.
The Minister said:
“The EU is a global leader in this space, with the EU ETS [Emissions Trading System] being replicated in jurisdictions around the world. It has proved agile through multiple reforms, adapting to increasing ambition and changing global contexts, and this is simply the latest iteration.”
Proposed revisions to the EU ETS1 focus on market stabilisation, and include amending the trajectory for industry towards decarbonisation, and broadening the scope to include certain aviation and maritime emissions. The plans also include the addition of carbon removals, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors, and the use of international carbon credits.
Following discussions at official level, Minister O’Brien will chair discussions on the review at the Environment (ENVI) Council, with the aim of reaching a General Approach at the December Environment Council in Brussels.
The Minister confirmed:
“Reviewing our decarbonisation and competitiveness framework will be vital to achieve our climate targets and to secure the prosperity of our industries. Changes will be difficult but necessary. We will be honest brokers and ensure all Member States have their voices heard on a system that has proven vital for the decarbonisation and competitiveness of EU industry.”
Official discussions will commence on Monday, 20 July, in Brussels.
The related European Commission press release (17 July 2026) can be seen at: Commission boosts Europe's competitiveness, decarbonisation and independence.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has announced his intention to appoint four new members to the board of daa plc. Fred Barry, Laura Burke, Lisa Dillon and Niamh O’Regan will be appointed with effect from Monday 20 July. Minister O’Brien has also reappointed Ger Perdisatt to the Board. 

Minister O’Brien said: 
“I am pleased to appoint Fred Barry, Laura Burke, Lisa Dillon and Niamh O’Regan as board members of daa, and to re-appoint Ger Perdisatt. 
“These directors will bring an impressive and diverse collective experience to the Board, with expertise and skills across many sectors including governance, regulation, finance, and infrastructure development. I wish each member the very best in their roles.”

Mr. Gary Owens, the Chair of daa, also welcomed the new appointees to the Board:
“I am delighted to welcome four new directors to the Board of daa, and I congratulate Fred, Laura, Lisa and Niamh on their appointments. In addition to the existing board members, I believe that their wide experience and skills will be hugely beneficial to daa in delivering on our mandate in the coming years.”

The appointments follow an open call for expressions of interest on the State Boards website, and an assessment process operated by publicjobs.

Minister delivers Ireland's National Statement at the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien has set out Ireland’s commitment to sustainable development at the United Nations ‘High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development’ in New York today (Monday).
Minister O'Brien explained:
“This year’s High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development comes at a critical time, as we continue our collective journey towards 2030 and as we seek to urgently accelerate implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals – especially for the furthest behind.
“Especially now, we can see the importance of strengthening inclusive partnerships and focusing on impacts – across governments, the UN system, civil society, the private sector and under-represented groups, as well as women, youth and academia.”
At the HLPF this year Ireland – along with The Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the International Renewable Agency (IRENA), and the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA) – is leading and co-hosting an official Side Event. The Side Event is titled ‘Accelerating SDG 7: Building Bridges for the Clean Energy Transition: How Governments, Institutions and Civil Society can Partner to Decarbonise Island Nations, from Europe to the Pacific’.
During his time at the HLPF, Minister O'Brien is also attending a number of special events. These include a High-Level Plenary on Critical Energy Transitions and a Special Event on Financing Resilient Agrifood Systems in the context of the current crisis.
Minister O'Brien will also attend several bilateral meetings, with representatives from Albania, Canada, Japan, the Marshall Islands, Saudia Arabia and Tuvalu. He will also meet representatives of academia and civil society, as well as youth representatives. Minister O’Brien will also meet with UN Assistant Secretary General Selwin Hart, as preparations are underway in advance of COP31 which takes place in Antalya, Turkey in November 2026.
National Statement
The National Statement – delivered by Minister O'Brien – can be viewed on the Department of the Climate, Energy and the Environment website at this link: National Statement by Minister Darragh O’Brien at the UN High-Level Political Forum 2026.