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Climate Action Plan

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022

Thursday, 24 February 2022

Questions (125)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he communicates with other Departments to ensure carbon reduction targets are met to the highest extent possible, having regard to the need to meet such targets but at the same time ensure the retention and continued development of the agrifood sector, incorporating best practice both to achieve targets and prevent energy or food shortages in what are becoming intensely competitive global markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10447/22]

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Written answers

In July 2021, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 was signed into law, significantly strengthening the legally binding framework to halve our emissions by 2030, compared to 2018, and set us on a pathway to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050.

The new statutory framework also seeks to ensure delivery of successive Climate Action Plans, Long-term Climate Action Strategies, and National Adaptation Frameworks, supported by a system of carbon budgeting and sectoral targets, with appropriate oversight by Government, the Oireachtas and the Climate Change Advisory Council.

The processes to develop and implement these plans and frameworks requires my Department and I to consult frequently and in a substantive manner with all relevant Ministers and their Departments.

The Climate Action Plan 2021 was published in November 2021. This plan includes additional policies and measures in every sector to bring about the significant changes needed to transform our society. It sets out actions that must be taken in every sector to ensure that we deliver on the statutory commitments in the Act.

The Climate Action Plan sets out an ambitious emissions reduction range for the agriculture sector of between 22% and 30% by 2030 when compared with a 2018 baseline. While the achievement of this target will require effort, I am confident that the sector will fully exploit the opportunities of the transition without compromising sustainable food production.

For example, one of the major actions included within the Climate Action Plan is an overall reduction in chemical nitrogen fertiliser use to 325,000 tonnes by 2030, aligning with the EU Farm-to-Fork Strategy. The Plan places significant emphasis on measures that will maintain grass productivity with reduced levels of chemical fertiliser use, including an increased use of lime and clover, as well as other multispecies swards which are less dependent on chemical nitrogen.

By implementing the measures contained within the Climate Action Plan, the agriculture sector can enhance its long-term sustainability, with co-benefits for water, air quality and biodiversity. In July 2021, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 was signed into law, significantly strengthening the legally binding framework to halve our emissions by 2030, compared to 2018, and set us on a pathway to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050.

The new statutory framework also seeks to ensure delivery of successive Climate Action Plans, Long-term Climate Action Strategies, and National Adaptation Frameworks, supported by a system of carbon budgeting and sectoral targets, with appropriate oversight by Government, the Oireachtas and the Climate Change Advisory Council.

The processes to develop and implement these plans and frameworks requires my Department and I to consult frequently and in a substantive manner with all relevant Ministers and their Departments.

The Climate Action Plan 2021 was published in November 2021. This plan includes additional policies and measures in every sector to bring about the significant changes needed to transform our society. It sets out actions that must be taken in every sector to ensure that we deliver on the statutory commitments in the Act.

The Climate Action Plan sets out an ambitious emissions reduction range for the agriculture sector of between 22% and 30% by 2030 when compared with a 2018 baseline. While the achievement of this target will require effort, I am confident that the sector will fully exploit the opportunities of the transition without compromising sustainable food production.

For example, one of the major actions included within the Climate Action Plan is an overall reduction in chemical nitrogen fertiliser use to 325,000 tonnes by 2030, aligning with the EU Farm-to-Fork Strategy. The Plan places significant emphasis on measures that will maintain grass productivity with reduced levels of chemical fertiliser use, including an increased use of lime and clover, as well as other multispecies swards which are less dependent on chemical nitrogen.

By implementing the measures contained within the Climate Action Plan, the agriculture sector can enhance its long-term sustainability, with co-benefits for water, air quality and biodiversity.

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