Ciarán Ahern

Labour Party · Dublin South-West

Activity on Environment — 153 events (31 lobbying · 122 questions · 0 votes) full profile →

• 2026-04-16
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment in light of the recently announced suspension of the carbon tax increase, the way in which he plans to make up the shortfall in funding allocated in budget 2026 to the SEAI for home energy upgrade schemes, and to just transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27884/26]
• 2026-04-15
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the volume of biomethane generated in Ireland in each year since 2020; the proportion that was added to the national gas network in each year; the target for biomethane generation in 2026 and 2027 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27410/26]
• 2026-04-15
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether mechanisms and actions will be put in place in the Climate Action Plan 2026 to address the emissions gap arising out of the exceedance of the first carbon budget (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27660/26]
• 2026-03-26
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department can calculate the cost of providing an amnesty or write off to the 320,000 people in arrears on their energy bills. [23166/26]
• 2026-03-04
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason the SEAI does not consider the bereaved partner’s (contributory) pension a qualifying welfare payment for the warmer homes scheme; his views that this excludes many single people from eligibility for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17397/26]
• 2026-02-27
  LOBBY
  An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland Environment

  • Scheduling of consultation on the scale of fees under s.294 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 issues with the consultation documentation and webpage on the scale of fees under s.294 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 Re Gov announcements on various legislative changes impacting on JR rules and statistics on JR
• 2026-02-25
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide details of all occasions in which he or his predecessors exercised the power conferred on them under Section 15(3) of the Climate Action & Low Carbon Development Act (2015), which states that ‘the relevant Minister may, from time to time, give a direction to a relevant body requiring it to adopt such measures as are specified in the direction for the purposes of compliance by the relevant body with subsection (1)’; to provide the details of the direction given in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15237/26]
• 2026-02-18
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to confirm that the concept of 'sufficiency', defined when applied to the building sector as meaning above all making the best use of existing buildings to create a built environment that is attractive, affordable, and aligned with the actual space and accessibility needs of occupants, will be included in the National Building Renovation Plan (NBRP); how his Department plans to integrate the concept of 'sufficiency ' into the NBRP, which Ireland is yet to submit to the EU Commission, given it is recommended to be included in Annex II of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, as well as in the template published by the Commission in June 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12932/26]
• 2026-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reforms or changes that have been made to the Environmental Protection Agency on foot of the recommendations contained within the OECD’s review of the EPA in 2020, ‘Driving Performance at Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency’; the measures outstanding; if he plans any statutory changes or reforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12781/26]
• 2026-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide a list of the recommendations from the 2011 Review of the EPA that have not been implemented; and to outline in each case the reasons for not progressing that reform, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12782/26]
• 2026-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to outline the accountability mechanisms for ensuring actions are delivered under the EPA’s Performance Delivery Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12783/26]
• 2026-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when a new strategic plan will be prepared and published by the EPA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12784/26]
• 2026-02-04
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of times the Climate Action Delivery Board has met since 19 July 2024; the dates of these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7801/26]
• 2026-02-04
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the current members of the Climate Action Delivery Board; the date on which each was appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7802/26]
• 2026-02-04
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the minutes of the meetings of the Climate Action Delivery Board held since 19 July 2024 will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7803/26]
• 2026-02-04
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of times the Climate Action Delivery Board has reported to Government since the start of 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7804/26]
• 2026-02-04
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the Climate Action Delivery Board has presented an annual progress report to the Government for 2025; if so, when that was received; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7805/26]
• 2026-02-04
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the list of Departments, the Climate Action Delivery Board has engaged with since the start of 2025; the dates of those engagements, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7806/26]
• 2026-02-04
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of times the Climate Action Programme Board has met since its formation; the dates of those meetings; if he will provide the agenda of each meeting and the approved minutes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7807/26]
• 2026-02-04
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will allow retrospective access to SEAI's individual energy upgrade grants for households impacted by a company that went insolvent (details supplied) after they had paid a deposit for works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8131/26]
• 2026-01-29
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if SEAI grant applicants who have been approved for a grant but haven’t drawn it down by 3 March 2026, will be automatically upgraded to the new grant levels for retrofitting windows and doors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7298/26]
• 2026-01-22
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the breakdown of new gas fired electricity generation in MWs which has been added to the grid in each year since 2020; the location of each of those new gas fired generators; the individual capacity of each; the gas generation capacity (if any) was decommissioned in each of those years; the additional capacity which is planned for addition in each of 2026, 2027 and 2028; and further the level of temporary emergency generation which is in place and the capacity of that; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5205/26]
• 2026-01-21
  LOBBY
  Friends of the Earth 3 returns Environment

  • Briefing for Oireachtas members on data centres
  • Demands regarding PR6 and energy affordability
  • Communication with Members of Joint Oireachtas Commitee on Climate Obligations
• 2026-01-21
  LOBBY
  Ibec Environment

  • Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025
• 2026-01-21
  LOBBY
  Christian Aid Ireland Environment

  • COP30 & climate action
• 2026-01-21
  LOBBY
  Irish Rural Link Co-Operative Society Limited Energy and Natural Resources

  • Presented to the Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy. Invited to attend as part of energy poverty group to discuss impact of energy poverty on low income households in particular in rural areas
• 2026-01-21
  LOBBY
  Opportunity Green Environment

  • Advancing Climate Leadership through Aviation Taxation and the EU ETS under Ireland’s EU Presidency
• 2026-01-21
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps he is taking to reduce waiting times for works to be carried out under the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4540/26]
• 2026-01-21
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if it is the Government's position that Ireland's carbon budgets to 2030 will not be met; and if so, whether this is due to insufficient implementation of Ireland's climate action plans, or if the plans themselves are considered inadequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4738/26]
• 2026-01-20
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA Environment

  • Implementing Climate Action Measures
• 2026-01-20
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to list the roles within public or semi-State organisations under his Department that are excluded from the single public service pension scheme; the number of people employed in those roles, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3612/26]
• 2026-01-20
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an up-to-date contact list for queries from Oireachtas members to agencies under his Department, in tabular form. [3866/26]
• 2026-01-19
  LOBBY
  The Union of Students in Ireland Environment

  • Stop Climate Chaos Lobby Day
• 2026-01-16
  LOBBY
  ENERGY CLOUD Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) Energy and Natural Resources

  • Written Submission and Presentation to Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Energy and the Environment
• 2026-01-15
  PQ
  Asked Transport

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the anticipated impact on aviation-related carbon emissions of his decision to remove the passenger cap at Dublin Airport; whether his Department carried out an environmental impact assessment in advance of this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2900/26]
• 2026-01-14
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will extend the 15 January deadline for the public consultation on the regulation of costs payable in matters prescribed on foot of section 294 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (scale of fees) (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2530/26]
• 2026-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of applications refused under the warmer homes scheme in 2024 and 2025, respectively; the percentage of applications refused in 2024 and 2025, respectively; the reasons for these refusals, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74565/25]
• 2026-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Culture

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Culture; Communications and Sport if an environmental impact assessment has been undertaken in respect of the hosting of an event (details supplied); if the car parking is being that facilitated for this event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2909/26]
• 2026-01-12
  LOBBY
  Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment - ACE Ireland Environment

  • Correspondence sharing ACE Ireland's report 'Getting Recycling Sorted', highlighting the report's key recommendations and how ACE Ireland can work to support Ireland’s circular economy goals.
• 2026-01-08
  LOBBY
  Irish Green Building Council 2 returns Environment

  • On behalf of members to inform on the work of Vacant to Vibrant Building Alliance
  • On behalf of members to inform on the work of The Irish Green Building Council
• 2025-12-18
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the process for the carbon budget proposal for 2031-2035, and the fourth carbon budget provisional proposal for 2036-2040; to clarify timelines for the next steps of the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73355/25]
• 2025-12-18
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the unanimous recommendations made by the Joint Oireachtas Committee in its report on the proposed carbon budgets, with specific reference to the recommendation to conduct a transparent peer review on the proposals, will be adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73356/25]
• 2025-12-18
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the purpose of the proposed state-led FSRU for Cahiracon, Co Clare; the situation in which use of such a reserve will be permitted and the definition of ‘emergency use’ as outlined by the Department press release in March 2025, following the Government’s approval of a state-led emergency gas reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73428/25]
• 2025-12-18
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the expected timelines and legislative process for the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve (Amendment) Bill 2025; which Act is proposed to be amended through this process; when a general scheme of the Bill will be made available; the expected dates and duration of pre-legislative scrutiny on the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73429/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total amount of battery storage available on the Irish electrical grid as of the latest figures; the capacity added in 2025 and the projected amount to be added in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72339/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total amount of wind power generation on the Irish grid as of the latest figures; the capacity added in 2025; and the projected amount to be added in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72340/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total amount solar power generation on the Irish grid as of the latest figures; the capacity added in 2025; and the projected amount to be added in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72341/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the projected additional power needs for data centres in 2026; if any recent analysis or report has been prepared for him, or within his Department, on the energy needs of data centres in Ireland in 2025 and projected for the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72342/25]
• 2025-12-09
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of older people 65+ that benefited from energy upgrades under the warmer homes scheme over the past year. [70178/25]
• 2025-12-04
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the respective number of approvals and drawdowns for the home energy upgrade scheme loan, by county, to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68553/25]
• 2025-12-04
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of home energy upgrades carried out under the better energy homes scheme to date in 2025, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68555/25]
• 2025-12-04
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of home energy upgrades carried out under the national home energy upgrade scheme to date in 2025, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68556/25]
• 2025-12-04
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the respective number of approvals and drawdowns for the solar electricity grant, by county, to date in 2025, in tabular form; the average award under the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68557/25]
• 2025-12-02
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of home energy upgrades carried out under the warmer homes scheme to date in 2025, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68554/25]
• 2025-11-28
  LOBBY
  National Traveller MABS Environment

  • NTMABS joined with other organisations to send a joint letter to the Oireachtas Climate Committee outlining our concerns regarding the lack of civil society organisations being called as witnesses for their session on energy affordability.
• 2025-11-25
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the Marine Protected Areas Bill; when the Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65898/25]
• 2025-11-06
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to confirm if he has received the land use review phase 2 report; the reason he has not yet released the review; when he plans to release it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60840/25]
• 2025-11-06
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his priorities ahead of COP30; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60499/25]
• 2025-11-06
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his engagements with the European Commission on the EU’s ‘simplification’ process as it applies to the ETS2 directive and the Social Climate Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60498/25]
• 2025-11-04
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when the levy on disposable cups, as provided for in the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022, will be introduced; the reasons for the delay in its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59005/25]
• 2025-10-21
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he recognizes the State’s clear obligations to prioritize rapid and effective emissions reductions now in order to support and protect children’s rights; the plans to implement the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child General Comment No. 26 through law and policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56627/25]
• 2025-10-21
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on the Taoiseach’s comments on 9 October 2025 in which he suggested that climate initiatives will not be fulfilled due to a risk of causing polarisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56628/25]
• 2025-10-21
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps he will take to ensure that the EU’s ‘simplification’ process as it applies to the ETS2 directive and social climate fund is conducted transparently and that the SCF will target vulnerable households explicitly, and not weaken the ETS2 directive obligations on member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57282/25]
• 2025-10-16
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the way in which emergency market adjustment charges, which were introduced by energy companies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, were calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56144/25]
• 2025-09-30
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of approvals for and drawdowns of the home energy upgrade scheme loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51725/25]
• 2025-09-30
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the Government’s National Heat Policy Statement; when he expects that it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51734/25]
• 2025-09-30
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the expansion of the definition of ‘vulnerable customers’ to include financially vulnerable customers as committed to in the previous Energy Poverty Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51735/25]
• 2025-09-30
  PQ
  Asked Housing

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 264 of 18 September 2025, to provide a timeframe for the completion of the prior risk assessment of cherry laurel and if it is expected to be added to the list of species of national concern; whether environmental NGOs and community woodland groups will be formally consulted in developing and implementing control measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51667/25]
• 2025-09-21
  LOBBY
  Statkraft Ireland Limited Energy and Natural Resources

  • Meeting Request and Introduction
• 2025-09-19
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA Environment

  • Ireland's Climate Targets 2026 - 2030
• 2025-09-19
  LOBBY
  Friends of the Earth Environment

  • Climate Committee Programme of Work
• 2025-09-19
  LOBBY
  Irish Wildbird Conservancy Environment

  • Important Bird Areas for Seabirds in Ireland
• 2025-09-19
  LOBBY
  Community Law & Mediation Environment

  • Sent the Centre for Environmental Justice's Pre Budget Submission.
• 2025-09-19
  LOBBY
  Teneo Strategy Ireland Limited Environment

  • Update on the Deposit Return Scheme
• 2025-09-18
  LOBBY
  Opportunity Green Environment

  • Opportunity Green briefing on the EU Emissions Trading Scheme shared with members of the Committee on Climate,Environment and Energy
• 2025-09-18
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he or his Department have been lobbied with regard to the promised increase in the quantity of oil and gas which is to be purchased from the United States of America by the European Union; the contribution that this State is expected to make towards such an increase, and-or the potential for related loosening of environmental and climate regulations and human rights safeguards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49306/25]
• 2025-09-18
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will support legislation to enable the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities to give more specific directions in terms of mandatory emissions reduction and offsetting measures to large energy users like data centres, such as a requirement that they generate and are operated using localised, sustainable and renewable energy sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49307/25]
• 2025-09-18
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if a separate renewable heat obligation rate was considered for the liquid fuels sector; the reason this was not advanced given those working in the sector claim they can reach a rate of 20% from year one rather than the current 1.5% rate that applies to all fuels in the home heating sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49310/25]
• 2025-09-18
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has carried out a review of the level of performance of all public bodies with regards to their obligations under section 15 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015; to provide a report on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49308/25]
• 2025-09-18
  PQ
  Asked Housing

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 1239 of 8 September 2025, the reason a comprehensive review of the entire List of National Concern under the 2024 invasive alien species is required when the purpose of the new list is to give EU Member States the discretion to add species where scientific evidence demands it; the exact process that governs the addition of species to the national list under the 2024 regulations; if regulation 12 will be invoked to restrict the sale, distribution, and planting of cherry laurel in the interim; the grounds on which the cherry laurel has not yet been listed despite repeated recommendations from Ireland’s leading environmental and biodiversity bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49541/25]
• 2025-09-17
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if there are requirements for a regular review of the operations or scope of the deposit return scheme; if he plans to review the materials that are within the scope of the deposit return scheme; if so, when will the first review be conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48292/25]
• 2025-09-16
  LOBBY
  Coalition 2030 2 returns Environment

  • Invite to Roderic O'Gorman TD, Ciaran Ahern TD and James Geoghegan TD to speak at a Coalition 2030 press and media event in support of a Bill to introduce a Future Generations Commissioner
  • Email to Ciaran Ahern requesting he submit two parliamentary questions
• 2025-09-16
  LOBBY
  Fair Seas Ireland 2 returns Environment

  • Ciaran Ahern to place PQ
  • Meetings with opposition political parties regarding marine protected area legislation progress
• 2025-09-11
  LOBBY
  Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment - ACE Ireland Environment

  • Correspondence with members of the Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy introducing ACE Ireland and highlighting their work to improve recycling processes and practices, and discussing the Programme for Government commitment to provide investment in sorting technology in Ireland’s MRF network.
• 2025-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reasons for the delay in transposing the Renewable Energy Directive III into national law, for which the European Commission has now launched infringement proceedings against Ireland; the steps he is taking to address this failure; if a detailed roadmap or legislative timeline for compliance with the Directive is now in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44859/25]
• 2025-08-21
  LOBBY
  Too Good To Go Ltd Environment

  • Discussed the subject of food waste and the EU Revision to the Waste Framework Directive
• 2025-07-29
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if consideration will be given to changing regulations to allow household solar PV energy generation in the event of a power cut, provided a changeover switch is installed and thereby isolating the property from the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41338/25]
• 2025-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his priorities for Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39452/25]
• 2025-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the way in which he plans to address the €3.3 billion environmental investment gap identified in the latest European Commission Environmental Implementation Review country report for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39453/25]
• 2025-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his response to the fact that Ireland’s waste recycling rates have not improved for the past five years and are at risk of missing 2025 recycling targets; the steps he is taking to remedy the situation; the way in which he plans to improve Ireland’s circular use of materials rate, which stood at 2.3% versus an EU average of 11.8% in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39454/25]
• 2025-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the timeline for the phase-out of incineration in our waste management system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39456/25]
• 2025-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for a progress report on the implementation of Buying Greener: Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39457/25]
• 2025-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the implementation of the previous Government’s 2022 Policy Statement on Mineral Exploration and Mining; the items that remain outstanding; the steps he is taking to ensure their implementation by the end of the five year implementation period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39458/25]
• 2025-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps he is taking to increase the construction and demolition waste materials recycling rate in Ireland, which stood at 39.7% in 2020 versus an EU average of 78.1%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39459/25]
• 2025-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views regarding the remunicipalisation of waste services in Ireland; if he has engaged with campaigners on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39460/25]
• 2025-07-01
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the annual emissions generated by all existing data centres currently operating in the State in each of the past ten years, in tabular form; the expected emissions to be generated in each of the next five years by the additional 14 data centres currently under construction and the 40 data centres which have received planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35504/25]
• 2025-07-01
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment how the 14 data centres currently under construction and the 40 data centres which have received planning permission in the State will be powered; the amount of energy and water that will be used on an annual basis by the 14 data centres currently under construction and 40 data centres which have received planning permission; whether the electricity network has capacity to supply energy to the additional 40 data centres which have received planning permission; the amount of that energy that will come from sustainable sources; the amount of the energy that will come from gas or other fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35505/25]
• 2025-06-26
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps his Department has taken to support the development of Ireland’s next Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) National Implementation Plan; and how stakeholders, particularly civil society organisations, are being engaged in its formulation. [35094/25]
• 2025-06-26
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the means by which his Department is ensuring that the next SDG National Implementation Plan will reflect an integrated, whole-of-Government approach; and the mechanisms in place to coordinate actions across Departments, especially on cross-cutting goals. [35095/25]
• 2025-06-12
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the actions he will take to future-proof Ireland's energy grid for extreme weather events, considering the EPA's National Climate Change Risk Assessment report identified a lack of storm resistance in the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30749/25]
• 2025-06-12
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the State's plans for waste disposal given the country's operational landfill sites are almost at maximum capacity; to outline the Department's longer-term plans for waste disposal, including if any waste incineration plants are being planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30750/25]
• 2025-06-10
  PQ
  Asked Climate

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason, according to analysis from the Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland will only deliver a 23% reduction in emissions by 2030, not the 51% target in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, or the 42% target in the EU effort sharing regulation; how the State plans to finance the potential fines of up to €26 billion for missing EU targets; the actions he will take to remedy the situation and reduce our target emissions gap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30748/25]
• 2025-06-10
  PQ
  Asked Housing

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department plans to designate hundreds of rivers, lakes and estuaries as 'heavily modified water bodies'; if this means the Department no longer intends to improve the water quality and environmental health standards of these sites and is essentially giving up on them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30751/25]
• 2025-05-27
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the members of the Irish delegation attending the 2025 UN Ocean Conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27100/25]
• 2025-05-21
  LOBBY
  Friends of the Earth Environment

  • Meetings with Oireachtas members on Climate Action
• 2025-05-21
  LOBBY
  MKC Communications Environment

  • Provide information on opportunities for Waste to Energy to support Ireland's climate and energy policy goals including district heating, carbon capture and emissions reduction. Extend invitation to visit CEWEP member sites.
• 2025-05-21
  LOBBY
  Teneo Strategy Ireland Limited Environment

  • Update on the Deposit Return Scheme
• 2025-05-20
  LOBBY
  Coalition 2030 Environment

  • Meeting with Ged Nash TD and Ciarán Ahern TD to discuss the Irish Government's delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals, funding issues for Irish International Development NGOs and work to bring back a previous Dáil Bill to create a Future Generations Commissioner for Ireland.
• 2025-05-20
  LOBBY
  Community Law & Mediation Environment

  • Request to submit PQ re the National Building Renovation Plan
• 2025-05-20
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeline for the publication and implementation of the second Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy; if this strategy will include collection and sorting targets for specific packaging materials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25326/25]
• 2025-05-20
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeline for the implementation of the Programme for Government commitment to provide investment in sorting technology in Ireland’s materials recovery facility (MRF) network to improve recycling processes and rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25327/25]
• 2025-05-20
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to elaborate on the Programme for Government commitment to publish a plan to expand producer responsibility schemes to take accountability for the full lifecycle of products including what the information the plan will contain and the timeline for the plan’s publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25328/25]
• 2025-05-19
  LOBBY
  Fair Seas Ireland Environment

  • Introduce Fair Seas and Marine Protected Area legislation issue
• 2025-05-19
  LOBBY
  Wind Energy Ireland Energy and Natural Resources

  • National Designated Maritime Area Plan for Offshore Wind Energy
• 2025-05-14
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he intends to publish the revised Energy Poverty Action Plan, for which a public consultation was held in 2024 in recognition of the increased cost of energy for low-income households in 2023 and 2024; the measures he proposes to take in 2025 to implement the European Commission’s Recommendation (EU) 2023/2407 of 20 October 2023 on energy poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24626/25]
• 2025-05-13
  LOBBY
  Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment - ACE Ireland Environment

  • Correspondence introducing ACE Ireland and discussing the Programme for Government commitments related to waste management and ACE Ireland’s ongoing work to improve the recycling process of cartons placed on the Irish market.
• 2025-05-13
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has reversed previous Governments’ policy which banned fracked gas in Ireland; if it is now Government policy to allow the importation and use of fracked gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23169/25]
• 2025-05-13
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his response to the European Commission's decision to open an infringement procedure against Ireland (INFR(2025)2005) for failing to correctly transpose the Landfill Directive (Directive 1999/31/EC as amended by Directive 2011/97/EU and Directive (EU) 2018/850) which sets standards for landfills to prevent adverse effects on human health, water, soil and air; the corrective actions he will take to ensure that the Directive is correctly transposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24225/25]
• 2025-05-13
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware that Irish-based financial institutions hold more than €31 billion in investments in fossil fuel industries; how he intends on encouraging such institutions to divest from polluting industries, given both national and global emissions reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24339/25]
• 2025-05-01
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason there is still no assignment of unallocated emissions or a sectoral emissions ceiling for the land use, land use-change and forestry sector given the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 was adopted four years ago; the steps his Department is taking to rectify the issues preventing these from being adopted for the land use, land use-change and forestry sector; and when he expects that they will be in place. [21830/25]
• 2025-04-29
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will ban imported fracked gas in Ireland, given the fact that in the High Court judgment [2024] IEHC 555 concerning the planning application for Shannon LNG it is noted that “the Proposed Development does not depend on fracked gas and the Applicant is confident it can source gas from non-fracked sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19002/25]
• 2025-04-29
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the analysis of the UK’s North Sea Transition Authority to the effect that the additional energy requirements associated with LNG relative to natural gas supplies, including the additional energy expended on liquification, transport and regasification, mean that LNG imports are on average over double the emission intensity of domestic gas and pipeline gas imports with a correspondingly increased adverse impact on decarbonisation targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19003/25]
• 2025-04-29
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question 2 of 10 April 2025, if he accepts that given An Bord Pleanála’s requirement to ‘have regard’ to Government policy, his decision to overturn the moratorium on LNG introduced in 2021 has been the primary impetus behind Shannon LNG receiving planning approval to construct a permanent terminal after initially being refused on the basis of said moratorium, and that as a result of his plans to develop a State-led temporary floating LNG terminal he is actually locking Ireland into fossil fuel use for decades to come, noting that Paragraph 169 of the High Court judgment in Shannon LNG v. An Bord Pleanála states that “the new Government approved a plan to develop a State-led LNG terminal and terminated the former fracking policy in doing so” and that this was the basis for granting planning approval to Shannon LNG; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19523/25]
• 2025-04-29
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will grant a contract extension of three months to those projects funded by his Department under the community climate action programme from the end of September 2025 to the end of December 2025, in order to enhance the impact of the projects without altering the financial framework established in the original agreements after delays were experienced in commencing the projects as a result of the impact of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21186/25]
• 2025-04-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will intervene to stop the construction of the Shannon LNG terminal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18315/25]
• 2025-04-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the Climate Action Plan 2026; when he expects the plan to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18069/25]
• 2025-04-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has undertaken a review electricity costs and the current market design to determine the cause of high prices in Ireland when compared to other EU Member States; if so, whether his Department will publish that review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18067/25]
• 2025-04-10
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update regarding Ireland’s post-2030 wind energy strategy; if work is underway to develop a policy document in this regard; when he expects that work to be complete and a policy document published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18066/25]
• 2025-04-08
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeframe for the public consultation on the national building renovation plan, required under the energy performance in buildings directive by December 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17413/25]
• 2025-04-02
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider extending the deposit return scheme to other waste materials, such as glass bottles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15886/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the projected total capital cost of the strategic gas reserve; the estimated annual operating cost; to outline the future mechanism for recouping the costs of the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10928/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the projected annual additional cost on a domestic natural gas bill to fund the provision of a strategic gas reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10929/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has been provided with estimates of the amount by which the standing charge for a domestic natural gas bill will increase in order to fund the provision of a strategic gas reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10930/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total volume of natural gas used in Ireland in each year since 2016, in tabular form; to provide a breakdown of the volume used for electricity generation, household and business use; the projected volume requirement for each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10931/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated additional volume requirement of natural gas for electricity generation and data centres for each of the next ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10932/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he will identify the location for a floating strategic gas reserve; the agency that will be responsible for securing planning permission and operating the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10933/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the conditions he intends to apply to the source of the natural gas stored in any strategic gas reserve; if it will be filled from the existing network through the interconnector or use an LNG carrier to refuel/refill the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10934/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how many electricity and gas customers were in arrears on their energy bills based on the most recently available figures; if he will outline what reporting his Department receives on those in arrears; how the most recent figures compare to those from the same date in 2024 and 2023 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11237/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he projects the first new offshore renewable wind energy to become available on the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11239/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how much new gas-fired electricity generation will be added to the grid in 2025; how much was added in 2024 and if he will provide a breakdown by project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11240/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how much natural gas was used respectively by data centres and large industrial processes respectively in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11241/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of electricity storage available on the grid; the plan to add more over the next five years; if he will confirm if pumped hydro storage is included; to outline the current location of electricity storage facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11242/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to list the functions, roles and services that were carried out and delivered by civil service or State agency workers; the cost to the State of each contract since the implementation of the Building Momentum public service agreement, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12440/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will engage with Electric Ireland on poor communication levels with businesses regarding power outage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12744/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will engage with Uisce Éireann on poor communication levels with businesses regarding water outages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12745/25]
• 2025-03-04
  PQ
  Asked Transport

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the actions he will take to implement the recommendations of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Climate Change Advisory Council in their respective annual national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, reviews, and GHG projections to ensure that the transport sector meets its sectoral ceiling of 54MtCO2e for the budget period 2021-2025 and the 50% overall reduction in GHGs by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9527/25]
• 2025-03-04
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the Commission for Regulation of Utilities’ (CRU) assertion that the provisions of section 15 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 are insufficient to enable it to mandate explicit emissions reduction and offsetting measures for data centres; whether the decision to allow data centres to be powered by non-renewable sources is consistent with the CRUs obligations under section 15 of the Act; if he will exercise his right under section 15(3) of the Act to give a direction that it does explicitly state that data centres must be powered by renewable sources to ensure compliance with section 15(1) of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8999/25]
• 2025-03-04
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he still plans to bring a memo to Cabinet recommending an LNG facility for Ireland given that the consultancy firm which originally recommended a facility is now reviewing its findings; when he expects the latest analysis to be complete; when it will be publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9000/25]
• 2025-03-04
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on whether the importing of liquified natural gas is consistent with the Programme for Government commitment to take decisive action to radically reduce Ireland's reliance on fossil fuels; if he will ban the importation of liquified natural gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9001/25]
• 2025-03-04
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the Gas Networks Ireland report, as commissioned by his predecessor, that outlines the challenges and risks of bringing a floating storage regasification unit into Ireland, will be released for public consultation. [9004/25]
• 2025-03-04
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how frequently the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in any proposed State-led floating storage and regasification (FSRU) unit will need to be replenished, given the inevitable boil-off of LNG over time; if he will provide clarity on the countries this gas will be sourced from; the measures taken to ensure an FSRU is compliant with section 15(1) of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9005/25]
• 2025-02-20
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he intends to intervene to halt the privatisation of Bord na Móna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7037/25]
• 2025-02-20
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the potential use of liquefied natural gas as an energy source in Ireland; if he envisions the construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal in Ireland in the future; if he intends to ban the use of liquefied natural gas as an energy source in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7038/25]