Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
123. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide details on his Department's role in selecting members for the citizen engagement working group established to assist in the review of the emissions reduction target for the land use, land use change and forestry sector (LULUCF); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54678/23]
View answerAn integral part of the Land-use Review is consideration of how land users and other relevant stakeholders should be engaged with in the on-going production of the knowledge base; the co-creation of a shared vision of the transition in land use; the formulation of priorities that will inform a national land-use strategy; and the design of evidence-based and collaborative plans and actions.
One of the tasks for the Citizen Engagement Working Group will be to communicate, inform, engage and motivate all stakeholders on the agreed national priorities that comprise a shared vision for the necessary transition in land use. Priorities include not only emissions reductions to meet climate targets, but also achieving better outcomes for biodiversity, water and air quality; while underpinning sustainable economic growth and resilient communities.
The engagement group is currently being established. It is repurposing the National Economic and Social Council's (NESC) Climate Transition in Agriculture engagement group. It will be adjusted and augmented as appropriate by the Chair, following consultation and agreement with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, myself and the Minister for State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, so as to have a balanced membership from across civil society; environmental groups; farmers and farming organisations; industry; Government; and academia. It is to be chaired by Rory O’Donnell, retired Director of NESC.
