Climate Action Plan

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023

Tuesday, 27 June 2023

Questions (133)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

133. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a climate delivery taskforce has been established to focus on the specific areas or initiatives of climate delivery that require cross-Government collaboration in all relevant departments in the built environment sector, as outlined in the Climate Action Plan annex of actions; if he will report on their progress to date and the participation of his Department in the taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31177/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Heat and Built Environment Taskforce has been established to accelerate and drive delivery in relation to retrofitting, renewable heat, district heat, decarbonisation and overall energy use needs of the building stock. The overarching aim of the Taskforce is to: identify work on the critical paths to key targets under each area; ensuring alignment in the development of polices and activities underway across Government Departments; and, proactively managing risks to ensure targets are achieved. The Taskforce has met four times this year, in January, February, March, and May, and will meet again this week. The Terms of Reference for the Taskforce and notes of previous meetings have been published at www.gov.ie/en/publication/097fa-heat-and-built-environment-taskforce/.

The membership of the Taskforce aligns with the initial allocation of Ministerial responsibilities for the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings, as agreed by Government. The Taskforce is supported by working groups established to examine specific aspects of its remit including groups on industry, public sector, residential retrofit, biomethane, and district heating.