Climate Change Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 March 2022

Wednesday, 2 March 2022

Questions (105)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

105. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 16 February 2022, the engagement he or his Department has had with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications with regard to the roll-out of decarbonisation zones in each local authority; his Department's role in the development of the promised guidelines for the implementation of the decarbonising plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11950/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department had responsibility for the initial stage of coordinating the identification of decarbonising zones by Local Authorities under the Climate Action Plan 2019. 

Responsibility for coordinating the subsequent development of Decarbonising Zone plans rests with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.  Development of the plans is subject to the publication of statutory guidance under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 under the remit of the Minister of  Environment, Climate and Communications.  Action 80d and 80e in the Climate Action Plan 2021 identifies the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications  and the Environmental Protection Agency as having responsibility for developing guidelines for Decarbonising Zones.