YESTERDAY the final legislation for Ireland’s new Net Zero emissions plan, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill, was passed by Government.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development ( Amendment) Bill aims to see a 51% reduction in Ireland’s carbon emissions by 2050 and will set Ireland on the path to meet it’s EU climate targets.
The Bill includes features such as five year carbon budgeting plans and an annually revised Climate Action Plan that will oblige public bodies to take national emission restrictions into account in the running of their operations.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill sets out legally-binding targets that the government will be accountable for reaching. The plan will give Ministers the responsibility of achieving targets set in place for their own sectoral area. An evaluation of progression towards these targets will be reviewed by an Oireachtas Committee on an annual basis.
In a public appearance following the new Bill , Minister Ryan said “I think today we can put out a message that Ireland is actually showing real leadership now on climate action, that’s important. It gives us a sense of direction”
“Today we can say that Ireland is actually showing real leadership now on climate.”
We listened to the science, the NGOs and the experts, and we’ve ended up with a really strong #ClimateBill that I think stands up to any similar legislation around the world – Minister @EamonRyan pic.twitter.com/QFJXXKLje6
— Green Party Ireland (@greenparty_ie) March 23, 2021
He said “We finally have urgent ambition set in legislation that puts Ireland on the road to net-zero emissions by 2050. We also have a legally-binding framework in place which includes accountability to deliver our target of a 51% reduction over the next decade.
“It’s time to set out a new Climate Action Plan, to begin the journey to Net Zero, by halving our emissions over the next ten years. In doing so, we can build a cleaner, more sustainable and secure future for us all.” he added.
In order to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, Ireland must see a 7% reduction in its yearly emissions. To reach these goals the government has introduced The Interim Climate Actions 2021 which will ensure that climate objectives are being met across all divisions until the Climate Action Plan 2021 has been finalised for publication.
Addressing the new Bill, Taoiseach Micháel Martin said “This is a landmark day for Ireland. We all know that Climate Change is already happening, and the time to act is now. The Bill we are publishing today affirms our ambition to be a global leader in this field.
“As we begin our journey towards net zero emissions, the government is committed to tackling the challenges, and embracing the opportunities, this transition can bring our economy, our society and our country. We must continue to act, across Government, as there is no time to waste when it comes to securing our future.
“We finally have urgent ambition set in legislation that puts Ireland on the road to net-zero emissions by 2050. We also have a legally-binding framework in place which includes accountability to deliver our target of a 51% reduction over the next decade.
“It’s time to set out a new Climate Action Plan, to begin the journey to Net Zero, by halving our emissions over the next ten years. In doing so, we can build a cleaner, more sustainable and secure future for us all.” he concluded.
The 2021 Climate Action Plan also introduces a public consultation, urging communities and households to contribute their suggestions with the hopes of involving the Irish public in the Climate Conversation.
The consultation will remain open until 17.30 May 18th 2021 and can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/f6197-climate-conversations/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/climateconversation/
