Engineers Ireland has welcomed the publication of the Climate Action Plan 2021. The plan lists the actions required to deliver on Ireland’s climate targets, including a commitment to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030. 

The Climate Action Plan follows the Climate Act 2021, which commits Ireland to a legally binding target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050. These targets are a key pillar of the Programme for Government.

  • An increase the number of EVs to circa 1 million by 2030;
  • Planned publication of a whole-of-Government Circular Economy Strategy, the enactment of the Circular Economy Bill 2021, and the development of a Bioeconomy Action Plan;
  • Implementing the National Planning Framework to promote compact and sustainable housing, growth and development;
  • Promotion of the digital transformation, sustainable remote working practices and the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan;
  • A Climate Action Delivery Board to be overseen by the Department of the Taoiseach to monitor delivery.

Prof Feely also welcomed the government’s commitment to annually update the Climate Action Plan and its roadmap of actions, to reflect annual developments, advancements in technology and research in relation to climate action and to ensure the required emissions reductions. “This commitment by Government will help to safeguard our future and that of future generations,” she said.