Climate Action News | Spring

Welcome to Climate Action News

In the first edition of 2025, we reflect on some of the progress made on climate action and the challenges that lie ahead. The latest data from the European climate change service Copernicus confirms January was the 18th month in a 19-month period in which the global-average temperature was more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial level.

Also: Investment in the clean energy transition, The Deposit Return Scheme marks first birthday, EPA releases highlights report, and EV and active travel developments.

€600 million invested in clean energy transition last year

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has reported a €616 million investment in the clean energy transition in 2024.?

This marks a significant increase in financial supports and advisory services to householders, communities, businesses, and public bodies.?

2024 was a record year SEAI with more than 54,000 home energy upgrades completed. This includes free upgrades for more than 7,700 energy poor homes.??

The end of year review is available here.?

Deposit Return Scheme celebrates big numbers on anniversary

After a little over one year in operation, the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is celebrating the return of the 1,000,000,000th drinks container.?

Some 84% of Irish people have participated in the scheme so far, bringing a near 50% reduction in bottles and cans being littered.?

Passing the 1 billionth figure brings us closer to Ireland’s EU "separate collection target for single use plastic beverage bottles" of 90% by 2029.?

To hear more about the scheme watch this this video.

Visit Re-turn.ie for more.

EPA Highlights 2024

The Environmental Protection Agency has published its 2024 Highlights report, which is a look back at activity and key environmental indicators over the past 12 months.?

The Agency is marking publication of its landmark four-year assessment of the State of Ireland’s Environment, as well as publication of a new series of Quarterly Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reports.??

To read this, and other reports, visit the EPA website.?

Strong uptake in Solar for Schools

The Government has welcomed the strong uptake on the Solar for Schools Programme.?

The scheme provides eligible schools with a 6 kilowatt peak of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to approximately 14 solar panels. Since the launch of the first phase of the programme over a year ago, more than 1,100 schools have been approved for PV panels on their roofs in 11 areas around the country.??

The typical amount a school can save will depend on a number of factors. For example, a school with a 6 kW Solar PV installation could expect to save in the region of €1,200-1,600 per annum on their bill, including credit for their electricity export.?

Learn more here

OPW expands use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil in machinery

The Office of Public Works (OPW) plans to embark on a wider rollout of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, or HVO, in vehicles and plant machinery after a successful pilot.?

The pilot trialled the use of HVO in vehicles and plant machinery at two flood relief scheme projects in Dublin - the Whitechurch Stream Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) and River Poddle FAS.?

The OPW Climate Action Roadmap 2023 has a number of actions for the OPW Owned Fleet and one of these relates to the use of clean fuel alternatives which will reduce GHG emissions.?

Funding to drive energy efficiency in further education

Funding of €8 million for green capital grants at the 16 Education and Training Boards was recently announced?by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

The funding will facilitate the delivery of energy efficiency and decarbonisation targets in Further Education and Training buildings, and is aimed at achieving targets for 2030, as set out in the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate.??

Initiatives that will be considered are low-energy lighting, insulation upgrades, replacement of fossil fuel heating systems with renewable heating technology.? ?

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New app launches for e-vehicle owners

A new app has been launched which allows users to track their driving and see how they could save money with an electric vehicle.?

The TRACT EV app was developed by engineers in Trinity College Dublin, with funding from the SEAI, and the Department of Transport. The app tracks users’ driving behaviour to show the benefits of switching including how much money people can save on fuel.??

Check out @IrelandTract and @tcdengineering on socials for more.?

Learn more here

Noticeboard

Conferences

Climate KIC, as part of Project Credible, is organising the 2nd European Carbon Farming Summit, due to be held in Dublin, Ireland, from 4 to 6 March 2025. The summit is a partnership with theDepartment of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), and aims to shift the field from theory to practice.?

In-person tickets for the European Carbon Farming Summit are now sold out! To watch online, watch it here.

Consultations

1. Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is running a Public Consultation on the timetable and work programme for Ireland’s fourth-cycle Water Action Plan 2028 – 2033.?

The consultation is open for submissions here until 25 July 2025.

2.The Government is seeking your input on the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) Community Benefit Fund (CBF).??

Submissions close at this link on 7 March 2025.?

Skellig Michael

For 350 million years, the rocks of Skellig Michael have withstood the elements—but now, climate change is accelerating the risk of rockfall. More rain, fluctuating temperatures, and stronger winds all contribute to erosion.?

In this video, part of a new seven part OPW series, consultant geologist Michael O’Sullivan explains how researchers are identifying the most vulnerable areas to safeguard this extraordinary landscape.?

Follow along each day this week for more insights. Watch the full documentary now.