Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 December 2021
35. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the main policy achievements and initiatives undertaken by his Department during 2021; and his main priorities for 2022. [62193/21]
View answerMy Department's Statement of Strategy for the period 2021-2023 was approved by Government and published in March of this year. The Statement of Strategy sets out the strategic goals for the Department, in line with the Programme for Government, and identifies the Department's long-term vision of a climate neutral, sustainable, and digitally connected Ireland. In 2021, my Department has continued to make significant progress on the development and implementation of a wide range of policies and programmes in line with this Strategy. While these will be set out in full in the Annual Report for the department which will be published in 2022, I have set out below some of the main deliverables achieved by the department this year:
Goal 1: Be a recognised leader in climate action:
In 2021:
- Enactment of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, setting Ireland on the path to net-zero emissions no later than 2050, and to a 51% reduction in emissions by the end of this decade.
- Publication of the Climate Action Plan 2021 detailing the actions needed to deliver on our climate targets.
- 51 Just Transition Fund projects have finalised grant agreements. The total value of projects in delivery mode is approximately €24 million, with €17.3 million in grant funding. The EU Territorial Just Transitional Plan is in development.
- Climate ambition full reflected in NDP 2021 – 2030.
In 2022, my Department will continue to drive the climate agenda through the implementation of the Climate Action Plan 2021, building resilience in citizens, communities, and businesses to overcome climate adaptation challenges, and maximise climate mitigation and adaptation opportunities. Goal 2: Transform our energy system for a net zero emissions future:
In 2021:
- Publication of National Retrofit Plan and progression of loan guarantee to be finalised in 2022.
- €221.5m secured for residential and community retrofit programmes in Budget 2021.
- Acceleration of timetable for second RESS auction with the process now commenced.
- Terms and Conditions for first Offshore RESS auction published and consenting process for first 7 offshore projects being developed.
In 2022, my Department will ensure continued secure and reliable supplies of energy; implement the National Retrofit Plan to support over 22,000 home energy upgrades and continue the work to deliver up to 80% of Ireland’s electricity from a combination of onshore and offshore renewable sources of electricity by 2030. Goal 3: Transition to a circular economy:
- Publication of Circular Economy Bill for enactment in 2022.
- Publication of a Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy.
- Regulations to underpin introduction of Deposit and Return scheme signed to come into force next year.
In 2022, work relating to the Circular Economy will continue as Ireland aims to be an EU and global leader in the circular economy transition, protecting our natural resources, environment and health while also assisting in the journey to net zero by 2050. Goal 4: Deliver world class connectivity and communications:
In 2021:
- Rollout of the National Broadband Plan with 277,000 premises surveyed and 125,000 premises at construction stage by end November.
- Capacity review of the National Cyber Security Centre completed and recommendations being implemented.
Work in 2022 will continue the delivery of high speed broadband connectivity to more premises by the end of 2022, bringing us closer to ensuring quality connectivity to all premises and business in Ireland, regardless of location and separately on improving cyber security and resilience of network and information systems to support the development of the digital economy. Finally, my Department will prioritise work to develop the Departments people, culture and organisation to ensure that it has the capacity and capability to deliver on our Statement of Strategy and strategic goals.
