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Climate Action Plan

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 March 2022

Wednesday, 30 March 2022

Questions (15)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

15. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will develop and fund a specific carbon removal strategy for Irish hotels as per suggestions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16945/22]

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Written answers

The Programme for Government sets out a commitment to an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030 (a 51% reduction over the decade) and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

The Climate Action Plan (2021) sets out the various policies and measures for Ireland to achieve our emissions targets. While there are no plans to develop a specific strategy for the hospitality sector, my Department funds a wide range of energy efficiency and renewable energy supports for businesses and industry. These supports help educate and enable organisations to improve their energy efficiency and decarbonise their activities. Supports include:

- The Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design scheme, which supports organisations with the costs of embedding energy efficient design in their assets, to reduce lifecycle impact with lower energy use and carbon emissions.

- The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat, which provides financial support in the adoption of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and other non-domestic heat users.

- The Communities Energy Grant, which is aimed at upgrading building stock and facilities to high standards of energy efficiency and renewable energy usage, thereby reducing fossil fuel usage, energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

- The Support Scheme for Energy Audits, which supports SMEs with a €2,000 voucher towards the costs of a professional energy audit.

The Accelerated Capital Allowance, which is a tax incentive scheme which allows businesses to reduce their taxable profits by the full level of expenditure on energy efficient equipment in the year the investment is made.

Full details on all available supports can be found at: https://www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/

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