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Climate Change Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021

Tuesday, 18 May 2021

Ceisteanna (195)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

195. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures being considered to support investment and growth in the green economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25690/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Government recognises that significant investment will be required over the next decade to support the achievement of our climate targets. To support this increased investment, an estimated €9.5 billion will be raised, with revenues ring-fenced, over the decade through annual increases in the rate of carbon tax. My Department is currently preparing a new Climate Action Plan which will set out the policy changes required across every sector to achieve the Programme for Government target of a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and that set us on the path of systemic change that is required for Ireland to become a climate-neutral and climate-resilient society and economy no later than 2050.  In parallel, the Government is currently reviewing the National Development Plan, which will ensure that the State’s public investment framework, as well as individual capital investment programmes, is aligned with our climate ambition for the next decade.

To support the achievement of Climate Action Plan and Programme for Government targets, I have made substantial additional funding available in 2021, with €221.5 million provided for SEAI residential and community retrofit programmes. This represents an 82% increase on the 2020 allocation and is the largest annual amount ever made available for these schemes.  This allocation has facilitated the expansion and improvement of existing SEAI grant schemes and the introduction of new initiatives.  

In addition, the Climate Action Fund, which was established on a statutory basis in 2020 to provide support for projects, initiatives and research that contribute to the achievement of Ireland’s climate and energy targets, will invest at least €500 million over the period to 2027.   Almost €185 million has been committed to projects to date.  

My Department is currently developing proposals to provide further support from the Climate Action Fund through a community climate action programme. The design of this programme will be informed by feedback received through the climate consultation that is currently underway and open until 18 May. Information on the types of projects that may be supported, who may apply for this support, and the application process, will be published on my Department’s website when the programme is launched shortly.

In advance of the finalisation of this programme, Creative Ireland, in collaboration with my Department, has launched Creative Climate Action, a competitive fund of up to €2 million supported by the Climate Action Fund and the Creative Ireland Programme.  The fund will support creative and cultural projects up to the end of 2022, connecting people with the profound changes that are happening in our environment, society and economy arising from climate change, with the objective of transforming that connection into behaviour change and climate action. Further information is available at the Creative Ireland website: www.creativeireland.gov.ie

My Department also provides funding to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its Green Enterprise Programme, a flagship initiative of the National Waste Prevention Programme (NWPP). The Green Enterprise Programme aims to develop innovative practical applications and solutions (in new/altered products, processes, services or solutions) that prevent waste and stimulate the circular economy.  Funding is provided to projects in the areas of resource efficiency, clean technology, engagement, and behaviour change - from research stage to demonstration and commercial (or community) application. The EPA currently has plans to hold a 2021 call for Green Enterprise projects to be launched in the coming weeks and has allocated €625,000 to new Green Enterprise projects, which includes €250,000 to meet expected commitments arising in 2021, with the remainder (€375,000) for commitments arising in future years.  Depending on the response to the 2021 call, this funding envelope should support approximately 7 to 10 new projects.

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