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Government approves preparation of a General Scheme for Maritime Area Planning legislation
The Government today approved the preparation of a General Scheme for the Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill which will amend the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021. The Bill will provide a legislative basis for the designation and effective management of marine protected areas (MPAs) in Irish waters. It will also provide for a number of other amendments to the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021, which have been identified through practical application of the Act so far. This will further support the regulatory system and ensure a streamlined, effective, and efficient delivery of maritime planning in Ireland. Approval in principle was also given for the transfer of the consenting function of the Environmental Protection Agency under the Dumping at Sea Act 1996 to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). Provisions for the transfer of this function will be included in the Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill General Scheme. This revised approach moves away from creating a third system of spatial designations in Irish waters previously proposed and, instead, aligns the marine protected area designation process with the current regulatory system for marine spatial planning. In this regard, the Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill will amend the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 to allow for the designation and effective management of MPAs using the Act’s existing spatial planning tool, termed Designated Maritime Area Plans (DMAPs). This approach will provide for the key elements which will underpin effective marine protection. Speaking about the Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill, Minister O’Brien said: “Ireland has an obligation under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) to achieve and maintain good environmental status in our maritime area. Among the measures laid down by the MSFD are spatial protection measures, including area-based conservation measures like MPAs that will contribute to the achievement of good status in our marine waters. This decision and its expected legislative outcome will further enable Ireland to meet its target of protecting 30% of the maritime area in an ecologically coherent manner by 2030.” Minister of State Timmy Dooley said: “My primary ambition is to achieve our stated ambition of designating 30% of the maritime area protected by 2030. I consider that our new legislative approach will ensure that we get there as quickly as possible, establishing an ecologically coherent network of MPAs, and achieving this by empowering us to use the existing spatial planning tool, namely, the DMAP process of designated marine area plans.” This approach will continue to support the attainment of the objectives of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the National Marine Planning Framework, and it will include an in-depth public participation process. This will build on and complement the stakeholder and public participation undertaken to date under Ireland’s DMAP process, and the MPA process. A full General Scheme for the Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill will be brought to Government, whose approval will then be sought to draft a Bill on that basis for publication and presentation to the Oireachtas. Minister O’Brien announces publication of Department’s NDP Sectoral Capital Plan for 2026-203012/11/2025
Plan will support investment of over €5.6 billion by Department in key Government priorities, plus €14 billion by ESB and EirGrid in Ireland’s electricity grid infrastructure
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien has today launched the Department’s Sectoral Capital Plan for 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. The plan is strongly aligned with the goals, objectives and actions of the Department’s new Statement of Strategy, Le Chéile 28 (published in September). The Sectoral Capital Plan provides for a total capital funding envelope under the National Development Plan of up to €5.6 billion and describes priority investments in the energy, climate and circular economy sectors over the next five years, together with planned electricity grid investments that will be leveraged by a separate equity investment of €3.5 billion in EirGrid and ESB. Under the Department’s Sectoral Capital Plan, a key priority will be to meet the commitments in the Programme for Government to allocate a share of annual carbon tax proceeds for investment in energy efficiency programmes. The largest single programme in the plan, up to €3.7 billion, will be invested in residential energy efficiency programmes through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. This funding will enable the Department to expand delivery of the National Retrofit Plan, to increase the delivery of home energy upgrades to homeowners, community groups and, through the Warmer Homes Scheme, households at risk of energy poverty towards the cost of a range of home energy efficiency measures aimed at reducing energy consumption and supporting the transition away from fossil fuels. Other key priorities under the Plan include:
Commenting, Minister O’Brien said: “I was delighted to secure an allocation under the National Development Plan Review 2025 of €9.14 billion to fund the Department’s capital programmes and those of its agencies over the next five years, including €3.5 billion in new equity to EirGrid and to ESB. This record level of funding to the Department is a strong vote of confidence by the Government in the achievements of the Department to date, and its capacity to continue to deliver important outcomes for our citizens, communities and businesses across Ireland, and to prioritise the delivery of transformative, critical and growth-enhancing infrastructure over the next five years. “The Government’s decision to provide a total equity investment of €3.5 billion into ESB and EirGrid will future-proof Ireland’s electricity system and ensure it can meet the growing demands of our economy, our homes, and our climate targets. The transition to a renewables-led energy system is crucial to provide secure, sustainable, and affordable energy for generations to come.” Minister of State with responsibility for Circular Economy Alan Dillon said: “This plan commits to significant capital investment between 2026 and 2030 in measures that will support the development of a more circular, sustainable economy – one where waste is designed out, and value is kept in. Increased investment in landfill remediation and strengthened waste enforcement will also drive systemic change in our approach to protecting our environment. The implementation of Ireland's second Whole-of-Government Circular Economy Strategy will provide the overall policy framework for these investments and will help to drive this change over the coming years, enabling us to build a resilient, climate-neutral and nature-positive economy for future generations.” Minister of State with responsibility for the Marine Timmy Dooley said: “I welcome the capital funding provision in this Plan for delivery of our key priorities in the marine planning and environment and inland fisheries areas. Our goal is to ensure that our rivers, seas and oceans are clean, healthy, productive and sustainably used. Funding commitments to key programmes and for our agencies will enable sustained action towards these objectives over the coming five years.” The Department’s NDP Sectoral Capital Plan for 2026-2030 can be viewed at this link: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/sectoral-capital-plan/ Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, today secured Cabinet approval for a policy proposal to establish a dedicated MetroLink delivery body.
The proposed statutory delivery body would work under the aegis of the Minister for Transport, and be responsible for delivering the project for the public. This reflects the size and importance of MetroLink for the country. Minister O’Brien said: “I would like to express my thanks to all the staff and the Board of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), for their extensive and important work in advancing MetroLink to date. This has included the establishment of the MetroLink Directorate within TII, bringing MetroLink through the planning application process, the continuing design and progression of the procurement strategy, and the significant public consultation and promotion of the project.” This policy proposal follows the 2nd October decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála to grant approval for the MetroLink Railway Order, as well as the Government’s firm commitment in the National Development Plan Review to fund construction of MetroLink from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund. The Department of Transport will now establish a working group consisting of officials from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the National Transport Authority, and other relevant Departments. The group will review practical and legislative issues to be addressed in establishing the dedicated MetroLink delivery body. This work will include the preparation of a General Scheme of a Bill to help give legislative effect to this policy proposal. MetroLink will directly support the delivery of approximately 31,700 additional housing units along the corridor to support a population growth of close to 90,000 people, including the Transport Orientated Development areas of Ballymun and Lissenhall. It will provide access to hospitals, schools and third-level institutions, and leisure facilities, as well as Dublin Airport. The provision of a Park and Ride facility will ensure access beyond those who can easily walk or cycle. Funding boost to empower over 24,000 children and their families to take environmental action in their communities
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with special responsibility for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon, today announced funding of nearly €380,000 for the Picker Pals Programme, which will see the programme delivered to 966 classrooms nationwide this year. Minister O’Brien said: “I’m delighted that our Department is supporting the expansion of Picker Pals to nearly a thousand classrooms across Ireland. This programme is a fantastic example of how we can inspire environmental responsibility from an early age. By empowering children to take action in their own communities, we’re helping to build a culture of care and sustainability that will benefit generations to come.” Speaking after a visit to one of the school’s involved in the programme, Minister of State Alan Dillon said: “I am pleased to continue the Department’s support for the programme, which delivers environmental education to primary schools, focusing on litter, and providing the tools for children and their families to pick up litter in their area. I understand that teachers and their students love the programme, which has helped to make it such a success. “Visiting Meelickmore National School in Mayo, I saw firsthand the enthusiasm of teachers and students for the programme, which has clearly helped make it such a success.” Meelickmore NS is a 4-teacher rural primary school near Claremorris Co. Mayo. The school have been participating in the programme for the last 3 years. Last year they earned a special visit from Picker Pals because they are so enthusiastic about caring for the environment. This school has just received a Booster Box, as they are keen to reuse the equipment they already had in one class and have even applied for another pack for a different room so that more classes can take part at the same time. Ms. Keaveney, a teacher at Meelickmore N.S. said: "The Picker Pals programme is great initiative for schools! The children get a little kit that they bring home every week to pick up litter with their families, then do a little report about it. They love it! It helps to embed the habits of litter-picking or simply not dropping litter in the first place. It instils those environmental values in them." Picker Pals is delivered by Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment (VOICE), a leading E-NGO focused on waste reduction and citizen engagement. Since its launch, the programme has grown into a national movement, empowering thousands of children to be active stewards of their environment. This year the programme is aiming to inspire over 24,000 primary school children and 36,000 of their family members to take action. Picker Pals is active in every county in Ireland, helping to foster environmental responsibility from a young age by getting children directly involved in caring for their communities. Gary Jones, Programme Manager at VOICE Ireland talked about the scheme: “Picker Pals gives young children the chance to become “The Boss” on family litter-picks and sets positive attitudes towards the environment as a result” At the heart of the programme is the Picker Pack, a kit containing family-sized litter-picking equipment and classroom resources. Each week, a different child brings the pack home from school and leads a family litter-pick, sharing their experience with classmates when they return. This model not only removes litter from local areas, but also builds lasting awareness and pride of place. In fact, over 900 tonnes of waste have been collected by Picker Pals since the programme began. To promote sustainable use of equipment, schools will receive packs on a 50:50 basis. New schools receive a Full Programme Pack, including all necessary equipment and learning materials. Returning schools receive a Booster Box, which enables them to reuse existing equipment while benefiting from refreshed educational content. The programme is further enriched with:
The Department of the Environment’s support ensures that the programme remains completely free for schools, removing barriers to participation and enabling long-term impact at scale. SCHOOL QUOTES Picker Pals is an amazing initiative for the whole-school community. The families took responsibility for the upkeep of their locality and it really empowered our pupils. St. Mary's NS, Lifford We did Picker Pals last year - Brilliant response the kids and their parents loved it too! Barnacarroll CNS, Claremorris Our students got a real sense of achievement being able to go out and collect litter. It tied in with our tidy schools and they loved the litter pickers. St. Mary's Special School, Rochestown My students absolutely loved Picker Pals this year. I think it had a huge impact of them and help them get used to take care of their environment. St. Brigid’s NS, Cabinteely, Dublin €5 Million Pre-Construction Fund Launched to Accelerate District Heating Projects in Ireland6/11/2025
Government opens Expression of Interest to support early-stage development of efficient district heating networks
District heating is a pivotal technology to help Ireland reach its climate ambitions, while also improving our energy security and affordability. The deployment of district heating at scale, particularly in densely populated areas with readymade heat sources located nearby, is a key Government objective under the Climate Action Plan. The State has financially supported the development of district heat networks in Ireland through the Climate Action Fund. In line with the Government’s District Heating Steering Group Report recommendation to provide financial support for district heating, the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien approved the allocation of €5 million to support pre-construction costs for efficient district heating projects in Ireland. The funding will come from the Climate Action Fund and will be administered by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. Through the SEAI website, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has opened an Expression of Interest (EoI) for interested parties to be considered for the fund. Support for the pre-construction costs is being used as a pilot fund to bridge the gap for district heating projects until significant capital funding is in place, and to ensure that efficient district heating projects are in position to avail of this future funding. The fund will aim to grow the district heat market and overcome the market failures in early stages of development, that exist in the decarbonisation of heating in Ireland. This support will bring industry to the next step and underpin the future development of district heating networks. Minister O’Brien said: “I am pleased to see the swift progress on opening this fund and I thank the SEAI District Heating Centre of Excellence for their support and assistance to make this allocation available as soon as possible. “Prior to the announcement and since that time, I have observed that this industry is poised for advancement. I look forward to seeing the progress of this industry, and this initial fund represents the first step in that journey. The establishment of future State funding will be the next step to support the full construction of efficient district heating projects in the years to come.” William Walsh, CEO of SEAI, said: “District heating works really well in other countries and there’s huge potential for it here in Ireland. It's a vital piece of our overall plan to move away from fossil fuels – towards more secure, sustainable ways to heat our homes and other buildings. In order to get the industry properly off the ground, we need to offer help with set up costs and that's what this pre-construction fund is designed to do. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland [SEAI] is excited to work with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, to realise the full potential of district heating in Ireland.” How to register your Expression of Interest Details on how to register your interest in accessing this fund can be found on the SEAI website – at this link: https://www.seai.ie/renewable-energy-and-projects/district-heating/pre-construction-fund. Only applicants who register here will progress to the next phase of the fund. Expressions of interest will remain open until 12 December 2025. Applicants should expect to be contacted by February 2026 in relation to their submission. Who is eligible? The target audience of the fund will be Project Sponsors looking to develop efficient district heating projects in Ireland. The fund is open to all public and private sector applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and are legal entities (such as companies or organisations), as individuals cannot apply to the fund. Key deliverable under the National Biomethane Strategy – Biomethane Environmental Sustainability Charter now published
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon have announced the publication of the Biomethane Environmental Sustainability Charter. The Government remains committed to supporting the development of a biomethane sector of scale in Ireland. The development of a Biomethane Sustainability Charter as part of the National Biomethane Strategy is key to ensuring the successful roll-out of an Agri-led biomethane industry, and to mitigate against any unintended or negative environmental consequences. Developed in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the Charter compliments and builds on existing regulatory or legal obligations and sets out best practice guidelines to maximise the benefits of anaerobic digestion, while minimizing its environmental impact on land use, water quality, biodiversity, and ensuring a high health and safety standard within the sector. Developed in consultation with key stakeholders, and overseen by the Biomethane Implementation Group, the Charter will apply to biomethane projects being developed in Ireland and in receipt of any form of public funded support, including a national AD/Biomethane support scheme. The Charter outlines the scope and vision for the biomethane sector, and best practices that participants in the industry should commit and adhere to during plant design, construction and operational phases of production. Charter Commitments The Charter includes 17 commitments, and 8 Recommendations focused on 4 key principals which include:
The Charter is available to view here. Also published is a progress report on delivery of actions within the National Biomethane Strategy. This is available to view here. Commenting, Minister O’Brien said: “A fundamental objective of the establishment of an indigenous biomethane industry of scale is to promote and enhance environmental sustainability. As such, all AD plants must be expected to meet the highest of environmental and industry standards. “The Biomethane Environmental Sustainability Charter commits the AD and biomethane industry to the necessary environmental safeguards and community engagement as we begin to increase domestic renewable energy resources in our energy mix. By following the best practices outlined in this document, operators, farmers, engineers, planning consultants, design engineers and developers demonstrate their commitment to maximizing the benefits and valorisation of anaerobic digestion and bio-based products, while minimizing its environmental impact, improved water quality and ensuring high health and safety standards. “Government is committed to supporting a production level of up to 5.7 Terra Watt hours (TWh) of indigenously produced biomethane per annum, which equates to approximately 10% of current gas demand in Ireland.” Minister Heydon commented: “The publication of The Biomethane Environmental Sustainability Charter is another important milestone in the development of the Biomethane Sector in Ireland. This charter is a key deliverable under the National Biomethane Strategy to help ensure that Ireland’s Biomethane sector can sustainably achieve the 5.7 TWh target by 2030. “From an agricultural perspective there are clear benefits in terms of contributing to the delivery of renewable energy targets. Along with the opportunity to diversify farm incomes, the Biomethane sector also represents a pathway for farmers to reduce fertilizer usage through the increased availability of domestically produced digestate.” |
NEWSArchives
June 2026
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