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Publication of Ireland’s first statutory National Mitigation Plan

Climate Action Minister Denis Naughten has today published Ireland’s first statutory National Mitigation Plan. Prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, 2015, the Plan represents an initial step to set Ireland on a pathway to achieve the deep decarbonisation required in Ireland by mid-century in line with the Government’s policy objectives.

The National Mitigation Plan contains a series of mitigation measures and actions to address the immediate challenge to 2020 and to prepare for the EU targets that Ireland will take on for 2030.  It will also begin the development of work to meet the objectives of the National Policy Position for 2050. 

Announcing the publication of the Plan Minister Denis Naughten said:

As a country we are playing catch-up on our obligations in relation to climate change. This obligation is as much an opportunity as an obligation. In any event it is a moral necessity and a vital national interest. The work does not end here, however, but rather begins. The Plan sets out the full range of measures already being undertaken to reduce our emissions but crucially it also provides the framework for further work that must now be undertaken by Government as a whole in the months ahead. On climate change, change is possible. Our role is to put the levers for change into peoples’ hands. 

The National Mitigation Plan provides a robust framework for action and accountability for progress as follows:

  •       106 distinct actions are included in the final Plan to be implemented across Government in order to advance the national transition agenda;
  •       robust implementation and oversight through a National Mitigation Plan High Level Steering Group which will be chaired by Minister Naughten;
  •       accountability for progress through the statutory Annual Transition Statement delivered to the Oireachtas which will incorporate a National Mitigation Plan Progress Report;
  •       a commitment to more integration of climate change into the annual estimates processes and into the Government’s Public Spending Code; and
  •       the Climate Change Advisory Council to review annual progress in line with its statutory mandate.

Further information on the National Mitigation Plan can be accessed here.