Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 February 2021
43. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason Ireland has not submitted a final long-term climate strategy to the European Commission as was required by 1 January 2020 under Article 15 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the governance of the energy union and climate action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6358/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSubstantial work has been undertaken in developing Ireland’s Long-term Strategy on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction, which will identify pathways to achieve a climate neutral economy by 2050. The strategy, reflecting the increased climate ambition set out in the Programme for Government, will identify specific indicative pathways to achieve a climate neutral economy by 2050, underpinned by analysis of transition options across all key sectors of the economy, including energy, the built environment, transport, enterprise, waste, agriculture and land use.
The development of the strategy has been informed by extensive consultation and engagement with Departments, Agencies, Commercial Semi-States and the public. A total of 404 submissions were received in response to a public consultation, which asked respondents to consider 26 specific questions in relation to potential decarbonisation pathways for Ireland to 2050.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill includes provision for the preparation of national long term climate action strategy. It is my intention that once the Bill is enacted, the Long-term Strategy will be completed, and will meet the requirements of both the EU Governance Regulation and our new national climate legislation.
