Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has published the Final Progress Report on the implementation of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) Action Plan 2022–2025. 

The Final Progress Report marks the conclusion of the first SMP Action Plan and highlights the substantial progress made since the National Sustainable Mobility Policy was launched in 2022. The report provides a comprehensive account of progress across all 91 actions contained in the Action Plan, and demonstrates the significant investments made to expand sustainable transport options across Ireland. 

Among the key achievements delivered over the lifetime of the Action Plan are:

• More than 185 new and enhanced public transport services introduced through the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, connecting over 240 towns and villages to the public transport network
• 53% of Public Service Obligation (PSO) State-subsidised urban bus fleets in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford transitioned to low- or zero-emission vehicles, exceeding the original target of 40%
• More than 1,000km of new or upgraded walking and cycling infrastructure delivered nationwide since 2020
• The Independent Travel Support Scheme expanded to Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, helping people with additional needs travel independently on public transport
• The number of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles in the SPSV fleet increasing by more than 25%, achieving the target set out in the Action Plan 
• More than 500 bus shelters installed on regional and rural services, significantly exceeding the target of 200 
• Public transport journeys continuing to grow, with PSO passenger numbers increasing by more than 35% compared with 2018 levels. 

The report shows that approximately 70% of actions have been delivered. Significant progress has also been made on the remaining actions, many of which are now being carried forward through the SMP Action Plan 2026–2030 and other related Government strategies and programmes.

Minister O’Brien said:
“The publication of this Final Progress Report marks an important milestone in the delivery of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy and our wider ambition to create a cleaner, healthier and more connected transport system.
“Since 2022, we have seen significant progress across public transport, active travel, accessibility and decarbonisation. Communities throughout Ireland are benefiting from improved public transport services, safer walking and cycling infrastructure, and greater transport choice.
Through continued investment under the National Development Plan, which has allocated €24.33 billion to the sector up to 2030 and the implementation of the new SMP Action Plan 2026–2030, we will continue to build a transport system that is sustainable, inclusive and accessible for everyone. The impact of this investment is outlined in a report commissioned by the National Transport Authority (NTA) which will also be published today. The ‘Benefits of Active Travel Investment’ shows the financial benefits of funding for walking and cycling to both the individual as well as to wider society.”

Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney said: 
“This report demonstrates the real progress that has been made in improving sustainable mobility options for people across Ireland, particularly in regional and rural communities.
The increased number of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, the expansion of the Travel Assistance Scheme and the delivery of hundreds of new bus shelters are examples of practical improvements that are helping to make our transport network more inclusive and more accessible. While challenges remain, the progress achieved provides a strong platform for the next phase of delivery under the SMP Action Plan 2026–2030.”
The new Sustainable Mobility Action Plan that runs up until 2030 was published in March this year and can be found here.

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien has appointed four members to the Board of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) in accordance with Section 45 of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 (as amended). These appointments will support MARA in carrying out its statutory functions as Ireland's maritime area regulator.
The following board members have been appointed:

• Ciara Reynolds, representing the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment – New Appointment.
• Eugene Waters, representing the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage – New Appointment.
• Kevin Kelly, representing the County and City Management Association – New Appointment.
• Patrick Moran, representing the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation – Reappointment.

Commenting on the appointments, the Minister O’Brien said:
“I am pleased to welcome Ciara Reynolds, Eugene Waters and Kevin Kelly to the Board of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority and to reappoint Patrick Moran. Their collective expertise and experience across Government and local government will make an important contribution to MARA’s work as it continues to support the sustainable development and effective regulation of Ireland’s maritime area. I look forward to working with the Board as MARA continues to play a key role in delivering our offshore renewable energy and maritime planning ambitions.”
Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment Timmy Dooley said:
“These appointees bring significant experience from across central and local government, providing expertise in climate and energy policy, planning, infrastructure, public administration and local government. Their appointments will strengthen the Board's capacity to oversee and support MARA's important role in managing and regulating Ireland's maritime area.”

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien TD and Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD today announced the enactment of the European Union (Common Rules Promoting the Repair of Goods) Regulations 2026, bringing the EU Right to Repair Directive into Irish law and strengthening consumers' ability to repair products rather than replace them.

The new regulations are designed to make repair a more attractive and accessible option for consumers, helping to extend the life of products, reduce waste and further support Ireland's transition to a circular economy. 

The regulations introduce new rights and support aimed at encouraging repair over disposal, including a repair obligation for manufacturers of certain products subject to EU repairability requirements, a standardised European Repair Information Form, and the establishment of a national repair platform to help consumers locate repair services. 

The national repair directory, RepairMyStuff.ie, will be further developed to fulfil the role as Ireland’s national repair platform.

The regulations will:

• Make it easier for consumers to access repair services when products develop faults outside of the seller's liability period;
• Improve transparency through the European Repair Information Form, allowing consumers to receive clear and consistent information on repair services;
• Support consumers in locating repair providers through a national repair platform linked to the wider European repair network;
• Encourage longer product lifespans and reduce the need for premature replacement of goods.

The regulations will also create opportunities for businesses by:

• Supporting the growth of Ireland's repair sector and circular economy;
• Increasing visibility for repairers through the national repair platform;
• Encouraging greater demand for repair services and refurbishment activities;
• Providing a proportionate regulatory framework that focuses on compliance and promoting repair rather than creating unnecessary administrative burdens.

The regulations complement wider Government initiatives to promote sustainable consumption and waste prevention.

Announcing the Regulations, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said:
"These regulations will make it easier for consumers to choose repair over replacement, while also creating opportunities for Irish businesses operating in the repair and refurbishment sector. In implementing the Directive, we have sought to strike the right balance between supporting consumers, encouraging sustainable economic activity and ensuring that businesses are not faced with unnecessary regulatory burdens. Repair should be an accessible, practical and affordable option for consumers, and these Regulations help make that a reality."

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien TD emphasised:
“These new regulations are important in helping to meet our climate goals by realigning how we produce, consume, and value materials. With the combined leadership of government, enterprise, and communities, Ireland can emerge as a European leader in circular economy innovation — designing out waste, reducing our reliance on the extraction of raw materials to reduce emission to secure a cleaner, fairer, lower‑carbon future.”

Welcoming the new Regulations today, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth TD said:
"Making repair easier for consumers is good for households, good for business and good for the environment. By promoting transparency, supporting digital tools that connect consumers with repair services and relying on proportionate compliance measures, these regulations will help build consumer confidence while supporting growth in Ireland's repair and circular economy sectors.”

Minister of State with special responsibility for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD also welcomed the Regulations stating:
"The Right to Repair is an important step in Ireland’s transition to a more circular economy. By making it easier for people to repair products and keep them in use for longer, we can reduce waste, conserve valuable resources and cut the environmental impact linked to producing and disposing of goods. The redevelopment of the national repair platform, RepairMyStuffrepairmystuff.ie, will also make it easier for consumers to find local repair services and help embed a stronger culture of repair in communities across the country."
 
Notes to Editors

• The European Union (Common Rules Promoting the Repair of Goods) Regulations 2026 transpose Directive (EU) 2024/1799 on common rules promoting the repair of goods.
• The regulations provide for a repair obligation in respect of certain goods covered by EU repairability requirements.
• The regulations introduce the European Repair Information Form to improve transparency and facilitate informed consumer decision-making.
• The regulations provide for the establishment of a national repair platform to help consumers locate repair providers and related services.
• The regulations amend the Consumer Rights Act 2022 to reflect changes introduced by the Directive.
• The regulations support the objectives of Ireland's Circular Economy Strategy and broader EU sustainability initiatives.

 
ENDS
For further information please contact Press Office, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, [email protected] or (01) 631-2200

Solar is now the third highest supplier of indigenously generated electricity to the national grid
Solar is now a key pillar of our electricity supply, from rooftop installations to utility-scale solar farms

Minister for Climate, Energy, and the Environment Darragh O’Brien has highlighted that this week saw the highest ever level of daily solar electricity generation on the national grid. On Tuesday (yesterday), EirGird data shows that (grid-scale) solar generation topped 1,258MW just before 1:00pm – the highest level witnessed thus far. To put that in context, solar energy accounted for approximately one third of all electricity used at that time across the country.
Commenting, Minister O’Brien said:
“This week has seen a major milestone – establishing a new daily record for grid-scale solar energy. It’s fitting that this happens in a week where we will witness a historic solar eclipse – one that I hope people up and down the country can enjoy safely, taking all precautions. This new daily peak comes on the back of EirGrid’s most recent monthly report – showing that July was a record month for solar energy in Ireland.
“We currently have over 8 GW of renewable electricity generation capacity connected to the network. To put that into perspective, we have added approximately 5 GW of new renewable electricity generation capacity in just ten years. That includes a doubling of our wind energy capacity, along with establishing a strong solar energy supply. Just over 10 years ago there were 2 MW (Mega Watts) of solar in Ireland. Now there are over 2.6 GW (Giga Watts). A rooftop revolution is underway, as households take up Government grant supports to install rooftop solar.
“Solar energy is now firmly established as a key pillar of our electricity supply, from rooftop installations to utility-scale solar farms. Solar is now the third highest supplier of indigenously generated electricity to the electricity grid.
“By reducing demand on the grid during daylight hours, solar energy helps to alleviate demands from other energy sources at key times – this supports a more resilient energy system. Evidence shows that both rooftop and utility-scale solar generation are increasingly displacing gas generation during midday periods, particularly at this time of year when solar is at its strongest. This will ultimately help to lower electricity costs for households and businesses.”
The Minister added:
“The increasing affordability challenges – arising out of recent global events – underline the importance of continuing and accelerating the energy transition. Every megawatt of renewable electricity added to our system helps reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels; this will stabilise prices in the long term and ensure a secure and affordable supply of indigenously produced electricity for Irish households and businesses.
“A diversified renewable electricity mix helps ensure a more stable and reliable electricity supply. Wind and solar complement each other by generating electricity at different times, under different weather conditions.
“The successful solar growth in Ireland has been underpinned by clear Government policy and targeted support schemes and measures. Through initiatives such as the solar PV grant, and our various renewable electricity support schemes, solar deployment is supported at every scale. We are committed to funding the Solar PV grant for the lifetime of this Government, up until 2030."