I thank Deputy O'Rourke. Ireland, along with other member states, submitted its draft updated national energy and climate plan in 2023. The European Commission has issued country-specific recommendations to the member states, including Ireland, regarding their draft updated NECPs. My Department, with the assistance and contributions of colleagues across Government, is working through the Commission's recommendations with a view to addressing and incorporating them in the final updated NECP, which is due to be submitted by 30 June 2024. The SEAI is currently preparing updated modelling based on the "With existing measures" and "With additional measures" scenarios for inclusion in the final version of the NECP. Existing modelling, including that used in the draft NECP, was produced prior to the agreement of new targets under the directives. Updated modelling will show additional progress towards our new European targets.
The achievement of our new European targets is going to be challenging and may require the development of further policies in some areas. The Government remains fully committed to the achievement of our targets and has put in place extensive plans and ambitious investment programmes to deliver emission reductions, renewable energy and energy savings across all areas of our economy and society. Ireland’s ambition is outlined in our climate action plan, which is updated annually to reflect the latest developments in our climate-related policies and measures. These ambitious programmes will continue to require significant ongoing commitment from Government and across all sectors of society to meet our objectives.
