Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2024
102. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps being taken by his Department to assist businesses in Ireland to decarbonise, particularly in light of the findings of a report (details supplied) which found that 86% of businesses reported that they had no set commitments or targets in relation to carbon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16849/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy has highlighted, many businesses are still to embark on their decarbonisation journey. We need to bring all enterprises with us as we transition to a more sustainable, low carbon economy. I am conscious that businesses - particularly smaller businesses - have many competing priorities at present. I and my Department are focussed on engaging businesses in the green transition, and demonstrating that there are simple, cost-effective things every company can do to get started.
The Climate Toolkit 4 Business is the Government’s online tool which generates an estimated carbon footprint for a business alongside a tailored climate action plan - and is particularly useful for SMEs. The Toolkit was launched in December 2021 and to date over 12,400 tailored climate action plans have been generated for businesses.
My Department and agencies offer a multitude of supports for decarbonisation to ensure there a comprehensive suite of options available to all businesses. Throughout 2023, my predecessor held nine Building Better Business events across the country in support of the Regional Enterprise Plans. Decarbonisation and the broader green transition were a core message of these events and saw significant engagement from the businesses in attendance.
Thousands of businesses are being supported through the Green Transition Fund, SEAI energy programmes, SkillNet Ireland training, the LEO Green for Business programme, and a range of other advisory, training and grant aid offerings.
My Department will shortly publish two decarbonisation Roadmaps; one for our manufacturing industry and one for our commercial built environment. The roadmaps will signal to businesses the key policy interventions to decarbonise those sectors’ heat use, including the supports available to businesses to decarbonise, the regulations to promote decarbonisation, and the enabling measures that will help facilitate the transition.
My Department, and key state agencies, are working to ensure that all businesses in Ireland are activated and engaged in the green transition and the broader sustainability agenda. This will be a crucial component of ensuring Ireland’s economy remains competitive, resilience and sustainable as we progress towards our target to be net zero by 2050.
