Climate & Environment
Bills affecting climate action, emissions, energy, biodiversity and environmental protection.
93 bills tracked under this topic.
Animal Health and Welfare (Ban on Hare Coursing) Bill 2020
9 Jul 2026 First Stage Defeated Paul Murphy
- Bans hare coursing events (competitions where dogs hunt live hares) with immediate effect upon commencement; offenders face fines up to €5,000.
- Removes hare coursing exemptions from Wildlife Act 1976 and Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 by amending those Acts.
- Allows Irish Coursing Club to optionally shift focus to lure coursing (artificial lures, not live animals) for greyhounds and sighthounds.
Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2024
24 Jun 2026 Fifth Stage Current
- Replaces board appointment method: 10 elected members and 6 Minister-appointed members (previously 12 members via nominations and public competition).
- Establishes three statutory Regional Committees with board members and local authority representatives to consult with Gaeltacht communities twice yearly.
- Grants Údarás power to dispose of land to housing bodies for Gaeltacht housing; expands Gaeltacht Service Town designation to include towns within 30km of language planning areas.
Critical Infrastructure Bill 2026
17 Jun 2026 Fifth Stage Current
- Government gains power to designate specific infrastructure projects or programmes as critical by Order (subject to 21-day parliamentary annulment), requiring public bodies to prioritise and fast-track their approval.
- Public bodies involved in infrastructure approvals must cooperate, reduce timelines, avoid delays, and allocate resources to expedite designated critical projects without affecting their existing statutory duties.
- Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 section 15 no longer applies to designated critical infrastructure, removing potential conflict between climate requirements and infrastructure acceleration.
Air Pollution (Amendment) Bill 2025
11 Jun 2026 Fifth Stage Current
- Strengthens enforcement by appointing authorised persons with powers to enter premises, inspect documents, detain vehicles, and serve compliance notices; non-compliance is an offence.
- Establishes fuel regulations registers managed by appointed bodies; providers must register and meet conditions; minor breaches (record-keeping, labelling) subject to €1,000 fixed payment notices instead of prosecution.
- Allows seizure and forfeiture of fuel and vehicles involved in offences; permits information-sharing between enforcement bodies and registration authorities to support air quality improvements.
Electricity Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2026
14 May 2026 First Stage Defeated Pa Daly
- CRU gains power to monitor and regulate hedging practices in energy markets and must report monthly on wholesale prices and supplier margins.
- CRU's anti-competitive behaviour powers expanded to match Competition Commission scope; must report quarterly on retail market functioning and price changes.
- CRU gains explicit consumer protection mandate to prevent unfair pricing and anti-competitive practices; Minister can issue energy affordability policy directions to CRU.
National Oil Reserves Agency (Amendment) Bill 2026
31 Mar 2026 Enacted
- Reduces the NORA Levy (Petroleum Product Levy) from 2 cents per litre to a nominal amount from 1 April to 1 June 2026.
- Minister can extend or adjust the reduction period by ministerial order if needed; estimated to reduce levy income by approximately €20 million.
- Aims to ease financial impact of energy price inflation; NORA's substantial reserves ensure it can continue operations without Exchequer funding.
Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025
23 Mar 2026 Enacted
- EPA can set definite timeframes for licensing decisions on industrial activities; includes 'stop the clock' provision for requesting applicant information.
- EPA may review part of a licence or grant exemptions from environmental impact assessments in civil emergencies or exceptional circumstances.
- Public bodies must report annually on procurements where green public procurement criteria were not applied and justify their reasons.
Antarctic Treaty (Accension and Implementation) Bill 2026
20 Mar 2026 Second Stage Current Malcolm Byrne
- Enables Ireland to formally accede to the Antarctic Treaty (1959) and Madrid Protocol (1991), establishing legal framework for implementing international Antarctic obligations.
- Creates permit system requiring Irish citizens and bodies to obtain approval for Antarctic activities (scientific, tourism, construction); Minister assesses environmental impact and may impose conditions.
- Designates Minister for Foreign Affairs as responsible authority for Antarctic Treaty matters; grants inspection powers and enforcement authority; prohibits mineral extraction except scientific research.
Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026
27 Feb 2026 Enacted
- Introduces national rent controls: new tenancies capped at CPI or 2% annual increases; existing tenancies capped at CPI or 2% annually; new apartments/student housing capped at CPI only to encourage development.
- Creates 6-year minimum tenancy term for small landlords (under 4 properties); restricts termination grounds during term to family occupation, hardship, or property sale; limits large landlords to voluntary departures and breaches.
- Requires RTB to publish rent register with property details (size, type, bedrooms, location, energy rating); allows RTB to share tenant data with Social Protection, Revenue, and energy authority for administration and compliance.
River Boyne Task Force Bill 2023
23 Jan 2026 Second Stage Current Ged Nash
- Establishes River Boyne Task Force as a special committee within the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly to propose policies for protecting and enhancing the Boyne Catchment environment, wildlife and natural habitats.
- Task Force comprises county council members from Kildare, Louth, Meath and Offaly plus appointed experts; coordinates public authority activities and takes over water policy functions under EU regulations for the Boyne area.
- Minister may transfer relevant government functions to Task Force by order (approved by Oireachtas); Task Force must operate within available resources without requiring increased Oireachtas funding.
Just Transition (Worker and Community Environmental Rights) Bill 2021
11 Dec 2025 Second Stage Defeated Jennifer Whitmore
- Establishes National Just Transition Commission to bring workers, communities, employers and government into dialogue on plans and investments for fair transition to low-carbon economy.
- Requires prescribed bodies to prepare just transition plans promoting sustainable jobs, training and infrastructure in areas dependent on carbon-intensive industries.
- Adds statutory definition of 'just transition' to Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 to protect workers and communities vulnerable to zero-carbon transition.
Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025
28 Nov 2025 Enacted
- Increases ESB's statutory borrowing limit from €12bn to €17bn to support a €13.4bn energy grid investment programme.
- Authorizes €1.5bn capital stock issuance to two government ministers (90% and 10% split) to provide equity funding for ESB's infrastructure projects.
- Allows ESB employees' share ownership plan trustees to buy additional capital stock on the same terms to maintain their shareholding percentage.
Electricity Regulation (Climate Action and Connection to Distribution and Transmission Systems) Bill 2025
27 Nov 2025 Second Stage Current Ciarán Ahern
- Amends Electricity Regulation Act 1999 to allow the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to require connection applicants to take climate measures: emissions reduction, offsetting, or abatement.
- CRU can set different climate conditions for different applicant classes; applies only to connections with maximum capacity of 150kVA or above.
- Fills legal gap allowing CRU to mandate specific emissions measures (e.g. renewable energy use) as connection terms, supporting Ireland's climate neutrality target by 2050.
Regulation of Drones Bill 2025
16 Oct 2025 Second Stage Current Roderic O'Gorman
- Requires local authorities to create drone management objectives in development plans, prioritizing public interest operations and ensuring consistency with national planning policies.
- Allows individuals, local authorities, and the EPA to complain to District Court about noise from private or commercial drones, removing blanket aircraft exemption.
- Adds drone regulation as a mandatory consideration when issuing National Planning Statements, ensuring uniform national conditions for private and commercial drone use.
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2025
18 Jul 2025 Second Stage Current Jennifer Whitmore
- Adds sprat fish to the Fifth Schedule of the Wildlife Act 1976, making it a protected species and prohibiting targeted fishing except as accidental bycatch.
- Imposes a moratorium on commercial sprat fishing until sufficient scientific data exists on population, habitat, and ecological role in marine ecosystems.
- Requires development of a Just Transition plan to support inshore fishers affected by the moratorium, including retraining, diversification, and financial assistance.
Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation (Transfer of Functions) Bill 2024
17 Jul 2025 Second Stage Defeated Duncan Smith
- Transfers aircraft noise regulation authority for Dublin Airport from Fingal County Council to the Environmental Protection Agency.
- EPA becomes the legally designated competent authority under EU Aircraft Noise Regulation; all existing FCC noise-related functions transfer to EPA.
- Repeals provisions making FCC chief executive the competent authority; addresses concerns that true functional independence was not achieved.
Planning and Development (Stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems) Bill 2024
12 Jun 2025 Second Stage Current Martin Conway
- Bill amends planning rules to require environmental impact assessments for certain stationary battery energy storage system installations.
- Expands the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to classify specific battery storage projects as developments needing formal environmental review.
- Aims to ensure large-scale battery storage projects undergo environmental scrutiny before planning permission is granted.
Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2025
9 Jun 2025 Second Stage Current Brian Stanley
- Limits exports of electricity generated by wind turbines and requires public consultation on new wind turbine developments.
- Sets minimum distances between turbines and homes to protect against noise and shadow flicker; imposes duties on planning authorities.
- Requires turbine owners to establish financial reserves and plan decommissioning; enables community ownership; creates penalties for non-compliance.
Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2022
28 May 2025 Second Stage Current Éamon Ó Cuív
- Removes the fixed deadline for registering domestic wastewater systems, allowing householders who missed the prescribed date to register now.
- Amends the Water Services Act 2007 by deleting provisions that barred pre-2012 system owners from ever registering after the deadline.
- Enables all remaining householders with unregistered domestic wastewater systems to complete registration at any time going forward.
Information on Repairability of Certain Products Bill 2024
22 May 2025 First Stage Defeated Maurice Quinlivan
- Creates repairability labels and product information sheets for common consumer goods like laptops and washing machines, showing repair ease and spare parts availability.
- Minister can expand product scope by regulation; Environmental Protection Agency enforces compliance through directions, with appeal rights to District Court.
- Suppliers must provide labels and sheets free of charge; dealers must display them visibly. Non-compliance triggers enforcement action and prosecution.
Urban Tree Protection and Sites Locally Important for Ecology Bill 2023
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Steven Matthews
- Creates new 'Sites Locally Important for Ecology Order' designation for nature site protection, with local authorities maintaining public online registers and appeals process.
- Strengthens tree protection by requiring roads authorities to prioritize preserving, lopping or trimming trees over felling, and mandates replacement of cut-down trees.
- Makes Tree Preservation Orders compulsory consideration in council plans, allows public to request order amendments or revocation, and requires arborist reports before tree removal by public bodies.
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2021
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Jennifer Whitmore
- Adds Basking Shark to Fifth Schedule of Wildlife Act 1976, making it a legally protected wild animal in Ireland.
- Makes it illegal to intentionally or recklessly injure, disturb or harass any protected wild animal, except for hunting purposes.
- Allows Minister to create a code of conduct by regulation for wildlife tourism and recreational activities, after consulting environmental groups.
Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Protection of Financially Vulnerable Customers) Bill 2023
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Jennifer Whitmore
- Adds legal definition of 'vulnerable customers' to primary legislation, expanded to include those receiving social welfare income supports, replacing existing statutory instrument definition.
- Requires Commission for Regulation of Utilities to consider financial vulnerability and energy poverty risk in its duties and policy decisions affecting customers.
- Empowers Minister to make regulations implementing the updated vulnerable customer definition immediately upon the Act's commencement.
Dublin Bay Bill 2021
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Ivana Bacik
- Creates Dublin Bay Authority as special committee of Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly with members from four councils plus appointed experts.
- Authority proposes environmental policies, monitors pollution compliance, coordinates sustainable development, and makes regional spatial strategy for Dublin Bay area.
- Extends bathing water quality monitoring season for Dublin Bay year-round; amends 2008 Regulations to apply continuous monitoring instead of June-September only.
National Standards Authority of Ireland (Carbon Footprint Labelling) Bill 2021
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Duncan Smith
- Amends the National Standards Authority of Ireland Act 1996 to empower NSAI to develop and promote carbon footprint labelling standards for products across their full lifecycle.
- Requires NSAI and the Minister to formulate carbon footprint specifications, declare them as Irish Standards, and supervise standard marks showing conformity with those specifications.
- Defines carbon footprint as greenhouse gas emissions from raw material extraction, manufacturing, shipping, normal use, and end-of-life disposal of commodities.
Measuring Quality of Life in Ireland Bill 2020
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Ged Nash
- Central Statistics Office must annually publish Genuine Progress Indicators measuring quality of life by incorporating environmental and social factors beyond GDP.
- Central Statistics Office must publish National Distributional Accounts showing how economic growth and income distribute across population quintiles before and after tax.
- National Economic and Social Council must assess annual Budget impact on inequality, poverty reduction, and wealth redistribution, plus cumulative effect every five years.
Local Government (Community Gardens) Bill 2023
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Marc Ó Cathasaigh
- Local authorities must create and publish a community gardens policy every three years, setting conditions for developing, allocating, and using community gardens with Universal Design principles.
- Community members can apply to their local authority for community garden space; authorities must maintain waiting lists and allocate gardens based on published policy criteria.
- Local authorities must make bye-laws governing community garden use, publish policies online and in offices, and report annual progress on policy implementation.
Litter Pollution (Amendment) Bill 2022
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Patrick Costello
- Increases fines under the Litter Pollution Act 1997 to provide stronger deterrent against dog fouling.
- Addresses public health hazard by making penalties for litter offences more substantial.
- Makes transitional provisions to manage implementation of the amended fine structure.
River Shannon Management Agency Bill 2020
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Sorca Clarke
- Establishes a River Shannon Management Agency to coordinate flood risk management along the River Shannon, with powers to build and maintain drainage systems and conduct relevant works.
- Agency must coordinate with existing bodies like ESB and National Parks and Wildlife Service, and provide the Minister with a strategic flood management plan within three months of establishment.
- Agency can enter agreements with local authorities and other public bodies, report annually to the Minister, and receive ministerial guidelines to guide its flood management functions.
Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Vincent P. Martin
- Bans importing non-native honey bees to protect Ireland's native bee species from cross-breeding and genetic dilution.
- Makes forging animal health certificates a criminal offence; appoints authorised officers to enforce the import ban.
- Aims to preserve native Irish honey bee biodiversity and prevent ecosystem damage from non-native bee species.
Protection of Hedgerows Bill 2024
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Brian Leddin
- Establishes a register of significant hedgerows and gives the Minister power to make regulations protecting them from removal except in specified circumstances.
- Prohibits removal of significant hedgerows and creates an appeals procedure for decisions; establishes offences for breaching the Act.
- Amends Roads Act 1993, Forestry Act 2014, Communications Regulation Act 2002, Electricity Supply Act 1927, Transport Acts to align with hedgerow protections.
Protection of Hares Bill 2023
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Jennifer Whitmore
- Amends Wildlife Act 1976 to ban Minister from issuing licences for live hare coursing, making the practice unlawful.
- Extends full Wildlife Act 1976 protections to hares, a native Irish species historically used in coursing.
- Removes exemptions in Wildlife Act sections 26 and 34 that previously allowed hare coursing under licence.
Prohibition of Fossil Fuel Advertising Bill 2024
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Gino Kenny
- Bans companies from advertising fossil fuels, fossil-fuelled vehicles and flights, except on-premises sales by that company or Fossil Fuel Information Commission publications.
- Prohibits commercial sponsorship by fossil fuel and fossil-fuelled vehicle companies.
- Establishes a Fossil Fuel Information Commission to enable public product and price comparisons; Minister can make regulations to set it up.
Building Energy Rating (BER) Standards for Private Rented Accommodation Bill 2025
11 Apr 2025 Second Stage Current Paul Murphy
- Requires private rented homes to achieve Building Energy Rating D2 by end 2026, C1 by end 2028, and B2 by end 2030.
- Amends Housing Act 1992 to make these minimum energy standards mandatory for all private rented accommodation.
- Prohibits landlords from terminating tenancies or raising rent based on energy efficiency improvements made to meet these standards.
Horticultural Peat (Temporary Measures) Bill 2021
28 Mar 2025 Second Stage Current Micheál Carrigy
- Exempts peat extraction for horticulture from planning permission and environmental licensing requirements for a temporary period to address supply shortages.
- Treats peat extraction for horticulture as an established activity; operators must apply for licences but face no enforcement action during exemption period.
- Minister must review the exemption within two years and may extend it, but cannot extend beyond 2030.
Clean Air (Smoky Coal Ban) Bill 2021
28 Mar 2025 Second Stage Current Timmy Dooley
- Minister must create regulations within 12 months to ban sale, marketing, distribution and burning of bituminous coal nationwide.
- Extends existing Low Smoke Zones covering major cities to entire country by amending Air Pollution Act 1987 regulations.
- Enforcement by local authorities with penalties for fuel importers, wholesalers and retailers; aims to reduce health harms and emissions.
Climate Action and Biodiversity (Mandates of Certain Organisations) Bill 2023
5 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Alice-Mary Higgins
- Amends the Turf Development Act 1946 to add climate action and biodiversity protection to Bord na Móna's official mandate and functions.
- Amends the Forestry Act 1988 to add climate action and biodiversity protection to Coillte's official mandate and functions.
- Changes what these organisations are legally required to pursue, embedding environmental goals into their core responsibilities.
Companies (Emission Reporting) Bill 2021
5 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Lynn Ruane
- Companies with 50+ employees must publicly disclose annual greenhouse gas emissions from Irish operations to the Minister; phased introduction by company size.
- Non-compliance or false disclosures become criminal offences prosecutable by Director of Corporate Enforcement; companies must make reasonable efforts to reduce emissions.
- Amends Climate Action Act 2015 to include public bodies in reporting; amends Companies Act 2014 to require directors' reports include emission disclosures.
Energy Poverty Reduction (Use of Surplus Renewable Energy) Bill 2025
21 Feb 2025 First Stage Current Paul McAuliffe
- Minister must publish an energy poverty reduction strategy within 6 months, setting out how surplus renewable energy will be directed to households experiencing energy poverty.
- Bill sets escalating targets: 20% of surplus energy to energy-poor families by 2026, rising to 50% by 2030.
- Minister must report to Oireachtas on implementation, tracking number of families benefiting and alignment with climate commitments.
Impaired Farm Credit Bill 2022
20 Feb 2025 Second Stage Defeated Michael Healy-Rae
- Splits farm mortgages into farmhouse and farmlands; farmhouse gets home-loan protections and cannot be repossessed without court order.
- Creates moratorium period monitored by receiver to allow farmers develop debt settlement proposal before possession or sale of farmlands.
- Allows court to impose binding debt restructuring on creditors following EU Directive 2019/1023, enabling debt discharge and fresh start for viable farms.
Fossil Fuel Products (Control of Advertising and Sponsorship) Bill 2024
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Paul Gavan
- Prohibits fossil fuel companies and products from advertising, with specified exemptions, enforced by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities.
- Bans sponsorship by fossil fuel companies and undertakings to prevent them shaping public debate on climate and energy policy.
- Penalties: summary conviction to class A fine or 3 months imprisonment; indictment conviction to €250,000 fine or 2 years imprisonment or both.
Electricity Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2024
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Darren O'Rourke
- Expands CRU powers to monitor and regulate hedging practices in energy markets, with new monthly reporting on supply prices and supplier margins.
- Strengthens CRU authority to monitor anti-competitive behaviour by gas and electricity suppliers and enhance consumer protection from unfair pricing.
- Requires CRU to report quarterly on retail electricity and gas market functioning; gives Minister power to issue affordability-based policy directions to CRU.
Anaerobic Digestion (National Strategy) Bill 2023
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Christopher O'Sullivan
- Minister creates national anaerobic digestion strategy covering agricultural, industrial, hospitality and domestic uses to increase renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Strategy enables waste organic matter conversion to biogas and fertiliser through sealed reactor facilities, with potential farmer co-operative models sharing energy dividends.
- Minister empowered to make regulations supporting strategy implementation; Ireland currently has 13 digesters versus Germany's 10,000.
Planning and Development (Climate Emergency Measures) (Amendment) Bill 2023
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Bríd Smith
- Restricts planning authorities from approving new fossil fuel infrastructure and high-energy data centres during the climate emergency period, as declared by Dáil Éireann.
- Removes LNG terminals and other fossil fuel projects from the seventh schedule, preventing them from being classified as strategic infrastructure and bypassing An Bord Pleanála direct applications.
- Requires An Bord Pleanála to assess planning applications against State climate targets, national climate objective, and atmospheric CO2 levels; may consult EPA on consistency.
Cost of Renewables Taskforce Bill 2022
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Darren O'Rourke
- Requires Minister to establish cross-departmental taskforce to examine factors driving high renewable energy production costs in Ireland compared to Europe.
- Taskforce must consult stakeholders and deliver policy recommendations within six months on reducing renewable energy cost per megawatt-hour.
- Aims to lower electricity prices for consumers and make Irish renewable energy competitive for export markets.
Planning and Development Regulations (Amendment) (Solar Energy for Schools and Community Buildings) Bill 2022
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
- Amends Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to exempt solar panel installation on schools and community buildings from requiring planning permission.
- Defines 'school' and 'community building' in the regulations to determine which structures qualify for the solar panel exemption.
- Removes administrative barrier to renewable energy adoption by eliminating planning permission requirement for solar installations on specified public buildings.
Green Hydrogen Strategy Bill 2022
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Darren O'Rourke
- Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications must draft and publish a national hydrogen strategy within six months of the Act passing.
- Minister must consult relevant stakeholders during strategy preparation on topics the strategy should address.
- Bill establishes definitions and commencement provisions for the hydrogen strategy requirement.
North-South Interconnector Review Group Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Peadar Tóibín
- Establishes a five-member review group to examine the North-South Interconnector electricity cable route, analyzing undergrounding versus overgrounding options.
- Review group must assess technical performance, costs, environmental impact, and effects on property values and local businesses within 12 months.
- Minister must present the review group's report to Parliament within two months of receipt; group dissolves three months after submitting its report.
Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2020
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Brian Stanley
- Restricts export of electricity generated by wind turbines and requires public consultation on new wind turbine developments.
- Sets minimum setback distances from dwellings to protect against noise and shadow flicker; assigns planning authority duties.
- Places financial and decommissioning obligations on turbine owners; enables community ownership models for wind turbines.
Waste Management (Amendment) (Regulator) Bill 2019
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed David Cullinane
- Requires the Minister to produce a report on appointing an independent regulator for domestic waste management, following a 2018 Competition and Consumer Protection Commission recommendation.
- Proposed regulator would licence waste firms, set prices where necessary, and enforce decisions through fines or sanctions.
- Amends the Waste Management Act 1996 by inserting new obligation for Minister to examine independent regulation of domestic waste sector.
Litter Pollution (Amendment) (Dog Litter Control) Bill 2019
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Seán Crowe
- Amends Litter Pollution Act 1997 to make it an offence for dog handlers in public to fail to produce a suitable bag when requested by dog wardens, litter wardens, or gardaí.
- Requires dog owners to carry a dog litter bag in public, similar to leash requirements, to ensure proper disposal of dog faeces and prevent disease transmission.
- Enforces immediate pickup and safe disposal of dog waste to address health risks including toxocariasis, a parasitic illness transmissible to humans.
Local Government (Water Pollution) (Amendment) Bill 2018
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Martin Kenny
- Amends the 1977 Water Pollution Act to let water services authorities issue discharge licences for single-house developments.
- Allows individual homeowners or builders to obtain permission to discharge water from new houses into local water systems.
- Bill lapsed before completion; did not become law. Would have simplified discharge licensing for single residential properties.
Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) (Climate Emergency Measures) Bill 2018
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Richard Boyd Barrett
- Amends 1960 Petroleum Act to require climate factors—global temperature, CO₂ levels—when issuing mining and oil licences.
- Decision-makers must consider national and global environmental impacts before approving petroleum exploration, extraction, or mineral development projects.
- Bill lapsed at Second Stage; did not become law. Would have added environmental screening to licence approval process.
Waste Reduction (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Brian Stanley
- Amends Waste Management Act 1996, Litter Pollution Act 1997, and Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to address waste reduction.
- Specific amendments and practical effects not detailed in available information; bill lapsed at First Stage without full text.
- Sponsored by Brian Stanley; did not progress through Dáil, so changes were never enacted into law.
Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) Bill 2016
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Martin Kenny
- Bans unconventional gas exploration and extraction (fracking) in Ireland.
- Requires public consultation and 'social clauses' before granting oil/gas leases.
- Mandates annual Oireachtas Joint Committee review of all active leases.
Electricity Costs (Emergency Measures) Domestic Accounts Bill 2024
17 Oct 2024 Enacted
- Establishes Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme IV to pay domestic electricity account holders €125 twice (Nov/Dec 2024 and Jan/Feb 2025), funded up to €565.75 million.
- Creates Submeter Support Scheme II to credit active supplier submeter accounts with €125 in two specified payment periods, administered by electricity suppliers.
- Makes both emergency benefit and submeter support payments exempt from income tax; amends Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 accordingly.
Development (Emergency Electricity Generation) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Removes requirement for standard planning permission under Planning and Development Act 2000 for two emergency electricity generation projects (up to 450MW total) at Shannonbridge and Tarbert.
- Exempts designated projects from standard environmental impact assessment rules; replaces with alternative assessment conducted by An Bord Pleanála, coordinated with habitat protection assessment.
- Minister may approve, partially approve, or refuse projects after reviewing assessments and mitigation measures; must notify European Commission of exemption decision and reasons.
Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Establishes Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme II to pay €183.49 three times (Nov/Dec 2022, Jan/Feb 2023, Mar/Apr 2023) to domestic electricity accounts, funded up to €1.211 billion.
- Exempts emergency benefit payments from income tax and amends Electricity Regulation Act 1999 to clarify market participants can enter connection and electricity supply agreements.
- Reduces National Oil Reserves Agency levy from €0.02 to €0.001 per litre of oil for a limited period.
Water Environment (Abstractions and Associated Impoundments) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Establishes modern registration and licensing system for water abstractions administered by EPA, replacing outdated 1942-1964 legislation; registration required above minimum threshold, licensing above higher threshold.
- Grants Irish Water emergency powers to abstract water during drought or other crises; provides compensation for material adverse effects on third-party water rights from public abstractions.
- Repeals Water Supplies Act 1942 and related provisions; requires Environmental Impact Assessments for certain abstractions; allows Irish Water to abstract from ESB reservoirs with agreement.
Water Services (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Irish Water renamed to Uisce Éireann and separated from Ervia as standalone national water authority with new Board and CEO.
- Uisce Éireann becomes directly accountable to Dáil committee and subject to Comptroller and Auditor General audit, replacing previous Ervia oversight.
- Staff, contracts, rights, liabilities and records transferred from Ervia to Uisce Éireann; €5m one-off separation costs incurred.
EirGrid, Electricity and Turf (Amendment) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- EirGrid can acquire electricity generation plants and enter agreements with generators to operate them under CRU direction, ending by 31 March 2027 or earlier if the emergency resolves.
- EirGrid's borrowing limit increases to €3 billion; Minister can provide financial support for these emergency measures with consent of Public Expenditure Minister.
- Electricity Regulation Act 1999 amended to refund PSO (public service obligation) monies to consumers; Bord na Móna's borrowing limit increases to €650 million.
Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Establishes Circular Economy Fund to replace Environment Fund; Minister manages fund for circular economy activities and publishes strategy every 3 years with waste reduction and reuse targets.
- Imposes environmental levy (€0.20–€1.00 per item) on single-use cups, containers, packaging and plastic bags supplied at retail; Minister may prohibit supply of certain items if reusable alternatives are available.
- Authorizes local authorities to operate CCTV and mobile recording devices for waste enforcement; requires Chief Executive approval and 5-yearly review; regulates by code of practice approved by Minister and laid before Oireachtas.
Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Establishes one-off electricity payment scheme delivering €100 to each domestic electricity account in 2022, funded up to €215 million.
- Requires distribution system operator and suppliers to administer payments; grants CRU oversight functions to ensure scheme operates properly.
- Exempts emergency benefit payments from income tax; enables Minister to set payment dates and operational rules by regulation.
Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Enables linking of driver licence and vehicle ownership records by requiring driver numbers or PPS numbers when applying for vehicle licences, helping gardaí identify drivers and assign penalty points correctly.
- Requires motor insurers to provide detailed policy information to a national database (MTPL) within 5 working days of policy issue, cancellation or amendment, to identify uninsured vehicles and disqualified drivers.
- Introduces legal framework for testing autonomous vehicles on public roads, powered personal transporters (e-scooters), e-bikes, and strengthens enforcement against dangerous scrambler use.
Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Planning authorities can extend existing development plans by up to one year while preparing new ones, subject to environmental and appropriate assessments, due to Covid-19 disruption.
- Planning authorities get up to one additional year to complete development plan reviews and preparation if they started the process before this Bill's passage.
- Planning permissions can be extended by up to two years or until end of 2023 where development cannot be completed within the original timeframe, if substantial works were carried out.
Planning and Development (Climate Emergency Measures) (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 First Stage Defeated Bríd Smith
- Prohibits planning authorities from approving new fossil fuel infrastructure and high-energy data centres during climate emergency period (while Dáil declares emergency and global CO2 exceeds 350 ppm).
- Removes LNG terminals and other fossil fuel projects from strategic infrastructure list, preventing direct applications to An Bord Pleanála.
- Requires An Bord Pleanála to assess whether developments align with State's climate targets and commits, with EPA consultation option.
Planning and Development, Heritage and Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Amends Planning and Development Act 2000 to allow Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to exercise heritage functions including commenting on planning applications and development plans without breaching section 30 prohibition on ministerial control of particular cases.
- Transfers heritage-related powers from Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts to Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage across Wildlife Acts, European site designation regulations, and protected structures provisions to resolve constitutional issues with ministerial function merging.
- Amends Broadcasting Act 2009 to remove references to Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism and allow Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to consult appropriate ministers on broadcasting matters.
Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Government must set carbon budgets targeting 51% emissions reduction by 2030 (baseline 2018) and achieve climate neutrality by end-2050, with annual climate action plans and five-yearly long-term strategies.
- Ministers must comply with sectoral emissions ceilings for their sectors and report annually to parliament on progress against climate targets, carbon budgets, and adaptation measures.
- Climate Change Advisory Council expanded to 13 members plus three ex-officio directors, with expertise in climate science, energy, agriculture, transport, and other designated areas; proposes carbon budgets to Minister.
Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Bill 2024
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Creates Future Ireland Fund managed by National Treasury Management Agency to support State spending from 2041 onwards, funded by 0.8% of annual GDP contributions from 2024–2035.
- Establishes Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund receiving €2 billion yearly (2025–2030) for emergency fiscal support or environmental projects, with capped annual drawdowns of 22.5% of fund value.
- Dissolves National Surplus (Exceptional Contingencies) Reserve Fund, transferring €2 billion to Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund and remainder to Future Ireland Fund.
Electricity Costs (Emergency Measures) Domestic Accounts Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Establishes Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme III to pay €150 (including VAT) three times to domestic electricity accounts between Act passage and 30 June 2024, funded up to €1.007 billion.
- Creates Submeter Support Scheme to pay €150 three times to submeter accounts during same period; electricity suppliers administer payments after receiving funds from Minister.
- Exempts both emergency benefit and submeter payments from income tax; amends Electricity Regulation Act 1999 to give utilities regulator oversight functions for scheme operation.
Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Cap on Market Revenues) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Caps electricity revenues for wind, solar, hydro (€120/MWh) and other non-gas generators from December 2022–June 2023; excess revenues paid to collection agent for redistribution to consumers.
- Requires producers, intermediaries and traders to calculate monthly surplus revenues, submit returns, and pay liabilities by December 2023; enforced by competent authority with powers to audit, revise assessments and prosecute.
- Establishes Market Cap Fund managed by collection agent (EirGrid) to receive capped revenues and disburse them via schemes to assist electricity consumers facing high energy prices.
Gas (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Dissolves Ervia and transfers all its functions, assets, liabilities, staff and records to Gas Networks Ireland on a Minister-set transfer date.
- Cancels Ervia's shareholding in GNI and issues new shares to three Ministers (90% to Housing Minister, 5% each to Environment and Public Expenditure Ministers).
- Amends Gas Act 1976, Gas Regulation Act 2013, and Freedom of Information Act 2014 to reflect GNI's expanded role and remove Ervia as exempt body.
Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Establishes directly elected Mayor of Limerick with 5-year term, re-electable for maximum 2 full terms, with executive powers transferred from Chief Executive and Cathaoirleach.
- Renames Chief Executive to Director General and Cathaoirleach to Príomh Chomhairleoir; creates supporting structures including Mayoral Advisory Committee and Government Consultative Forum.
- Amends Electoral Acts 1992 and 1997 to govern Limerick Mayoral elections including spending limits, donation disclosures, and enables plebiscites on direct Mayors in other local authorities.
Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Imposes a temporary 75% tax on fossil fuel companies' profits above 120% of their average profits in 2022 and 2023, collected by Revenue Commissioners by specified dates.
- Requires energy companies (deriving 75%+ turnover from extraction, mining, refining or coke manufacture) to register and file returns with detailed profit calculations and anti-avoidance provisions.
- Establishes enforcement mechanisms including surcharges (5-10%), interest on overdue amounts, €3,000 penalties for non-compliance, and appeal rights to Appeal Commissioners.
Environmental Protection Agency (Emergency Electricity Generation) (Amendment) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Amends EPA Act 1992 to create alternative assessment process for emergency electricity generation licenses, replacing standard EIA procedures for designated developments under the 2022 Act.
- Requires EPA to conduct alternative assessment, make environmental reports public, and coordinate with habitat protection assessments under EU nature directives.
- EPA cannot grant license unless Minister has separately approved the designated development; Agency must incorporate assessment findings and environmental safeguards into license conditions.
Oil Emergency Contingency and Transfer of Renewable Transport Fuels Functions Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Requires Minister to prepare statutory oil emergency plan covering oil stock release, consumption reduction, and critical services prioritisation; establishes Petroleum Register for oil company reporting.
- Transfers renewable transport fuel regulatory functions from Environment Minister to Transport Minister, including setting obligation rates, certificate issuance, and minimum fuel blending percentages.
- Allows Transport Minister to exempt emergency oil stocks from renewable fuel blending requirements; grants Environment Minister power to direct fuel supply to critical services during fuel shortages.
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Minister can review raised bog habitats and make, amend, or revoke natural heritage area orders based on review findings and environmental assessment.
- Minister must conduct public consultation and environmental assessment under EU regulations before deciding to create or remove natural heritage area designations.
- When land ceases to be a natural heritage area, all associated restrictions are removed; Minister must notify affected owners, occupiers, and public authorities.
Planning and Development (Climate Measures) (Amendment) Bill 2019
17 Jun 2021 First Stage Withdrawn Bríd Smith
- Removes liquefied natural gas terminals and other fossil fuel projects from the list of strategic developments that can apply directly to An Bord Pleanála.
- Requires An Bord Pleanála to assess whether proposed strategic infrastructure projects align with Ireland's climate goals and reduce CO2 emissions nationally and globally.
- Allows An Bord Pleanála to consult the Environmental Protection Agency on whether projects meet climate criteria before approval.
National Oil Reserves Agency (Amendment) and Provision of Central Treasury Services Bill 2020
30 Jul 2020 Enacted
- Redirects petroleum product levy funds to new Climate Action Fund for climate and renewable energy projects, after NORA's operating expenses are covered.
- Fixes petroleum levy at €0.02 per litre and biofuel levy at €0.001 per litre by law; removes Minister's power to adjust rates by regulation.
- Designates NORA and Irish Water as bodies eligible for central treasury services from National Treasury Management Agency, replacing commercial bank arrangements.
Litter Pollution (Amendment) Bill 2017
20 Apr 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Gerry Horkan
- Increases fines for people convicted of littering offences under the 1997 Litter Pollution Act.
- Bill lapsed during Second Stage; did not become law.
- Sponsor: Gerry Horkan. Specific fine amounts not detailed in title provided.
Health and Safety (Carbon Monoxide) Bill 2017
20 Apr 2020 First Stage Lapsed Diarmuid Wilson
- Requires all landlords—including local authorities and housing bodies—to arrange annual servicing of heat-producing carbon monoxide appliances in rental properties and keep records.
- Landlords must provide tenants with certification of service within 7 working days on request; tenants must allow access for work and may submit private service records instead.
- Breaches incur fines up to €5,000 or 6 months imprisonment; additional €250 daily fines for continuing contraventions. Minister sets enforcement rules within 60 days of passage.
Harmful Plastics (Prohibition) Bill 2019
20 Apr 2020 First Stage Lapsed Lorraine Clifford-Lee
- Bans selling consumer goods packaging with harmful plastics and products containing microbeads.
- Encourages biodegradable materials in consumer product packaging through ministerial regulations.
- Allows EPA to monitor harmful plastic use in manufacturing, distribution, and sales.
Environment and Public Health (Wind Turbines)(No. 2) Bill 2013
19 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Mick Wallace
- Sets mandatory noise limits for wind turbines based on 1999 WHO standards (30 dB in bedrooms), replacing outdated 1980 standards, and requires compliance with low-frequency noise and amplitude modulation standards.
- Establishes minimum setback distances between turbines and homes (500–2,000 metres) based on turbine height, and requires shadow flicker protection to prevent shadows passing over dwellings.
- Mandates public consultation: applicants must distribute environmental information to nearby residents, advertise public meetings in local media, and submit meeting reports to planning authorities.
Noise Pollution (Management and Abatement) Bill 2019
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Thomas P. Broughan
- EPA sets Dublin Airport noise abatement objective annually (replacing Fingal County Council), separating objective-setting from enforcement.
- EPA and Fingal County Council must report periodically to EPA on airport noise activities and consultations, with reports submitted to relevant Ministers.
- EPA and Minister for Communications must report on their noise management activities under general environmental noise legislation covering roads, rail, commercial, and construction noise.
Just Transition (Worker and Community Environmental Rights) Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Catherine Martin
- Creates National Just Transition Commission to coordinate workers, communities, employers, and government in planning Ireland's shift to low-carbon economy.
- Requires certain bodies to prepare just transition plans ensuring fair treatment of workers and communities during economic transformation.
- Amends Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015; expands Commission's powers for related policy implementation.
Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Emissions Targets) Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Timmy Dooley
- Amends 2015 Climate Act to set specific emissions reduction targets that Ireland must achieve.
- Requires these targets to be included in national plans for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage and has lapsed; no targets were enacted under this legislation.
Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Climate Change Reporting) Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Timmy Dooley
- Expands the government's climate advisory council's role to publish guidance for companies measuring climate risks and their climate impacts.
- Amends the Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development Act 2015 to create new responsibilities for corporate climate reporting.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to become law.
Community Energy (Co-ownership) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Eamon Ryan
- Amends Planning and Development Act 2000 to require solar and wind energy developers above set thresholds to offer local communities approximately 30% of project equity as investment shares.
- Establishes community co-operative model to manage and distribute shares, with protections against early sale and provisions for low-income residents via credit union loan schemes.
- Requires planning conditions for eligible renewable energy developments, with unsold equity shares held in trust by local authority; guidelines to specify eligible geographic areas and investment limits.
Prohibition of Fossil Fuels (Keep it in the Ground) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Eamon Ryan
- Bans issuing or renewing licences for oil and gas exploration, extraction, and production on land and at sea.
- Prevents extension or reinstatement of existing petroleum exploration and extraction rights.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to debate or vote in Dáil Éireann.
Genuine Progress Indicators and National Distributional Accounts Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Brendan Howlin
- Requires CSO and NESC to develop and publish Genuine Progress Indicators annually, measuring well-being by incorporating environmental and social factors beyond GDP.
- Requires CSO and NESC to publish National Distributional Accounts showing how economic growth is distributed across income groups before and after tax.
- Requires NESC to assess each Budget's impact on inequality, poverty reduction, and income redistribution annually and cumulatively every five years.
Waste Reduction Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Eamon Ryan
- Bans single-use non-compostable cups and tableware from sale or use.
- Introduces deposit and return schemes for beverage containers to encourage recycling.
- Bill lapsed; did not progress beyond Second Stage debate in Dáil.
Public Services and Procurement (Social Value) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Frank O'Rourke
- Public bodies can consider economic, social, and environmental benefits when awarding service contracts, not just price.
- Aims to help small and medium businesses compete more fairly for public procurement tenders.
- Bill lapsed during legislative process; did not become law.
Prohibition of Hydraulic Fracturing (Extraction of Hydrocarbon) Bill 2016
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Richard Boyd Barrett
- Bans hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and similar hydrocarbon extraction methods from coal seams, shale, and tight sands across Ireland.
- Bill lapsed without passing; never progressed beyond First Stage in Dáil Éireann.
- Would have prohibited all extraction practices for oil and gas from these rock formations if enacted.