Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
357. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has given consideration to introducing carbon limits for our built environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22808/22]
View answerThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally-binding target of a climate neutral economy no later than 2050 and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030 (compared to 2018 levels).
The carbon budget programme proposed by the Climate Change Advisory Council has been approved by Government, and adopted by the Oireachtas. This carbon budget programme comprises three successive 5-year carbon budgets from 2021 up to 2035.
Under the Act, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (MECC) will now prepare, within the limits of the agreed carbon budget programme, the maximum amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are permitted in different sectors of the economy during a budget period (‘sectoral emissions ceilings’) and different ceilings may apply to different sectors.
The MECC is currently consulting with my Department and others in relation to these sectoral emissions ceilings - this includes the Built Environment Sector.
Proposals will be brought to Government following this process.
