The Irish government has today formally approved Climate Action Plan 2025, the third statutory update outlining the country's strategy to meet its legally binding climate targets.

The plan builds upon the existing Climate Action Plan 2024 and details how Ireland intends to accelerate its response to the climate crisis, embedding climate considerations into all aspects of social and economic progress.

Climate Action Plan 2025 is intended to be read in conjunction with its 2024 predecessor and marks the conclusion of the first five-year Carbon Budget period, considered a crucial midpoint in the "decade of climate action". Ireland is legally committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 (compared to 2018 levels) and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, as mandated by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021.

Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O'Brien commented on the plan's approval: "It's 10 years since we signed the original Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act into law in 2015. Climate action has to be seen in that context; years of ambition and hard work have led us to a point where we are finally starting to see meaningful reductions in emissions in Ireland."

He added, "In 2023, emissions reduced by 6.8%. Producing an annual update to the Climate Action Plan allows us to take stock each year to see how we're doing. Climate Action Plan 2025 is the latest response to that stocktake. But climate action is happening up and down the country every day, with retrofitting and more energy efficient homes, thereby reducing energy bills, with more reliable Local Link bus services connecting towns across Ireland, and more home-grown wind power – driving energy security."

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Minister O'Brien, for whom this is his first Climate Action Plan in his current role, stated his commitment to building on the progress made, highlighting the positive impacts of climate action on citizens' quality of life and the natural environment.

While acknowledging the significant progress in emissions reduction, with initial data for 2024 suggesting further decreases, the government recognises that more intensive efforts are required. Accelerating the implementation of outlined actions and strengthening climate governance structures in this plan and the subsequent Climate Action Plan 2026 will be vital to bridge the emissions gap and adhere to the established Carbon Budgets.

Minister of State for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon emphasised the pivotal role of circular economy principles in achieving climate neutrality: "Climate Action Plan 2025 marks a pivotal moment in Ireland's journey toward climate neutrality, embedding circular economy principles across every sector is no longer optional—it's essential. The transition to a more circular, less wasteful economy is not only good for the environment, it's a massive opportunity for innovation, competitiveness, and job creation. From reducing material use and designing out waste to supporting repair, reuse and recycling, circularity will be at the heart of our emissions reductions and economic resilience. I look forward to accelerating this progress with communities, businesses, and public bodies across the country."

Minister of State with special responsibility for the Marine Timmy Dooley highlighted the increasing understanding of climate change impacts on Ireland's marine and coastal environment. He stated: "Our increased understanding of the impacts of climate change on our marine and coastal environment has helped inform this latest Climate Action Plan. From a climate change perspective, we will continue to carry out scientific and research programmes to improve our knowledge of our marine space. As part of this plan, the establishment of marine protected areas will help enable the protection and conservation of marine biodiversity, and a reduction in emissions from the seafood sector will continue."

Minister Dooley also pointed to the potential of Ireland's maritime territory for energy transition: "Ireland's vast maritime territory also offers an untapped resource which can be the cornerstone of our energy transition. The State's continued commitment of a fit-for-purpose regulatory and planning regime for the marine environment is an important element this plan and builds on work already underway in the maritime regulatory space. A proper regulatory and planning regime will be vital for the development of offshore energy production, but it will also help protect our marine environment."