Climate Action News
In this edition: the Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS 1), retrofitting information for those in the rental sector, and taking climate action in schools.
Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS 1)
The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, has welcomed the provisional results of the first offshore wind auction under the Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS 1). The results mark a breakthrough moment for Ireland’s offshore wind future.
ORESS is an auction-based process through which renewable energy projects compete to win contracts to provide electricity at the bid price for a 20-year period.
The?auction results?have surpassed expectations, both in terms of the total volume of renewable energy procured and the low price at which it has been secured. The hugely competitive price secured — at an average of €86.05/MWh — is one of the lowest prices paid by an emerging offshore wind market in the world. For comparison, the average wholesale electricity price in Ireland over the past 12 months was in excess of €200/MWh.
It is expected that this price will save Irish electricity consumers hundreds of millions of euros per year.
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Climate Action Plan Progress Report
The Quarter 1 Climate Action Plan 2023 progress report, published this month, reported an implementation rate of 75% on 36 actions due across government.
High-impact actions completed:
Read the quarterly progress reports?on the Climate Action Plan 2023 here:
First Progress Report of Climate Action Plan 2023
Biodiversity Week
There is still time to enjoy National Biodiversity Week which runs until Sunday 28th of May. Over the last number of days, communities have been coming together to celebrate biodiversity and connect with nature in their local area during.
Events such as biodiversity walks, fun talks on the familiar and not-so-familiar plant, insect and animal species in the landscape and workshops for those looking to encounter the natural world up close have been taking place in towns and villages throughout the country. To check out events running this weekend – many of which are free - go to:
Retrofitting the Rental Sector
A new tax incentive for small-scale landlords was enacted this quarter to encourage retrofitting in rental properties while the tenant remains living there.
This is recognition of the misalignment of incentives to invest in energy efficiency upgrades between landlords and tenants, since the benefits of retrofitting a house or apartment for warmer, more comfortable and cheaper-to-run homes do not go to the person who pays for the transaction.
This measure provides for a tax deduction of up to €10,000 per property for certain residential retrofitting expenses, for a maximum of two rental properties. The aim is to retain small-scale landlords while improving rental housing, ensuring more comfortable homes for tenants and reducing emissions from buildings.
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Climate Action in Education – Hedgerow Planting in Kinsale
Transition Years taking the Sustainability Option at Kinsale Community School planted a hedgerow of 130 native tree species after they were inspired to focus on biodiversity at the school by a Citizen Science programme, facilitated by Wild Work.
A mix of hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, holly, elder, guelder rose, crab apple, spindle, rowan and bird cherry were planted - all of which were chosen for their benefits for biodiversity.
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Public Sector Climate Action Mandate
The public sector will take a leading role in helping to achieve the country’s climate goals after Cabinet’s recent approval of the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate 2023.
The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has also developed a Public Sector Climate Action Strategy 2023-2025, in collaboration with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the Environmental Protection Agency, departments and State agencies. The strategy aims to put the public sector on a clear pathway to achieving at least a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and a 50% improvement in energy efficiency by 2030.
For more information on the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate and the Public Sector Climate Action Strategy 2023-2025, visit the website.
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School Sector -?Climate Action Mandate
For those interested in Education for Sustainable Development, a School Sector Climate Action Mandate was published on 14 March.
Under the mandate, schools will be required to adopt a Sustainability Policy Statement. The Department of Education is developing a toolkit to help schools draw up their Sustainability Policy Statement.?Details will be sent to schools in due course.
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Return of the Osprey
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is ready to move forward with the reintroduction of the Osprey to Ireland in summer 2023.
Osprey are a magnificent fish-eating bird of prey that became extinct in Ireland many years ago. The NPWS has been researching and preparing for the potential reintroduction of these birds for a number of years and now expects to reach a significant milestone with the arrival of the first 12 Osprey chicks in July. The reintroduction programme aims to establish a viable, free-ranging Osprey population that eventually breeds in Ireland.
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Brought to you by the Government of Ireland