Climate & Environment
Bills affecting climate action, emissions, energy, biodiversity and environmental protection.
93 bills tracked under this topic.
Critical Infrastructure Bill 2026
21 May 2026 Committee Stage Current
- Government can declare certain projects and programmes as 'critical infrastructure' by official order.
- Public bodies must follow new duties when working on critical infrastructure; Minister can issue binding directions.
- Changes how climate law applies to critical infrastructure projects; other related provisions included.
Electricity Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2026
14 May 2026 First Stage Defeated Pa Daly
- CRU gains power to monitor wholesale and retail energy prices, requiring more frequent reporting to track market activity.
- CRU can now regulate hedging practices and has stronger tools to detect and stop anti-competitive behaviour by suppliers.
- CRU's consumer protection role expands and gains new powers to address energy affordability issues for households.
Air Pollution (Amendment) Bill 2025
20 Apr 2026 Second Stage Current
- Updates the 1987 Air Pollution Act by expanding powers of authorized enforcement officers and creating new compliance tools.
- Introduces fixed penalty notices, compliance orders, fuel regulations, and asset forfeiture for air pollution breaches.
- Establishes registration systems for compliance tracking and allows information-sharing between enforcement agencies.
National Oil Reserves Agency (Amendment) Bill 2026
31 Mar 2026 Enacted
- Amends the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007 to change the levy rate that funds oil reserves, effective for a set period.
- Allows the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to extend the levy period by ministerial order without needing new legislation.
- Bill status and specific levy rate amount not provided in long title; consult Act text for exact figures and commencement date.
Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025
23 Mar 2026 Enacted
- Allows emergency licence applications to EPA for industrial/waste activities; enables EPA to review parts of existing licences in specific circumstances.
- Requires public bodies to report on green procurement criteria integration; updates environmental impact assessment rules to match EU directives.
- Strengthens litter offences under Litter Pollution Act 1997; changes EPA director appointment process and court powers for breaches.
Antarctic Treaty (Accension and Implementation) Bill 2026
20 Mar 2026 Second Stage Current Malcolm Byrne
- Ireland will join the Antarctic Treaty (1959) and related agreements, including environmental protections added in 1991.
- The bill enables Ireland to become a member state with rights and responsibilities under these international Antarctic agreements.
- Legislation will be introduced to implement Ireland's obligations under the Antarctic Treaty system in Irish law.
Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026
27 Feb 2026 Enacted
- Landlords must provide tenants and the Residential Tenancies Board with specified information when a tenancy starts.
- Rent review frequency is limited, and landlords can only end tenancies under specific circumstances; rules apply during and after minimum-duration tenancies.
- The Residential Tenancies Board will share tenant data with social welfare, tax, and energy authorities; short-term letting rules and civil law contributions are adjusted.
River Boyne Task Force Bill 2023
23 Jan 2026 Second Stage Current Ged Nash
- Creates a River Boyne Task Force committee within the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly to develop policies for protecting and enhancing the river's environment.
- Task Force will coordinate activities of public authorities and work on protecting the river's natural habitats and wildlife.
- Bill is at Second Stage; specific enforcement powers, funding, and timeline for task force establishment not detailed in long title.
Just Transition (Worker and Community Environmental Rights) Bill 2021
11 Dec 2025 Second Stage Defeated Jennifer Whitmore
- Creates National Just Transition Commission to bring workers, communities, employers, and government together on plans for shifting to a low-carbon economy fairly.
- Requires certain bodies to prepare just transition plans detailing how they'll manage the shift to low-carbon operations while protecting workers and communities.
- Amends Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 to embed fair transition principles into climate policy and related government decision-making.
Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025
28 Nov 2025 Enacted
- Increases the maximum borrowing limit for the Electricity Supply Board to fund capital projects.
- Allows the ESB to issue capital stock to two government ministers and to employees through an approved scheme.
- Specifies terms for how the ESB manages these new capital stock arrangements and employee participation.
Electricity Regulation (Climate Action and Connection to Distribution and Transmission Systems) Bill 2025
27 Nov 2025 Second Stage Current Ciarán Ahern
- Regulator can require electricity connection offers include climate conditions, like emissions-reduction measures or offsets.
- Amends 1999 Electricity Act to let utilities set terms supporting Ireland's national climate goals.
- Applies to both transmission and distribution network connections; specific measures to be set by regulator.
Regulation of Drones Bill 2025
16 Oct 2025 Second Stage Current Roderic O'Gorman
- Sets rules for private and commercial drone use in Ireland, requiring local authorities to create management plans for drone operations.
- Allows people, councils, and EPA to sue in District Court if drones cause noise nuisance or annoyance.
- Amends planning and EPA laws; adds drone considerations to National Planning Statements for development decisions.
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2025
18 Jul 2025 Second Stage Current Jennifer Whitmore
- Adds sprat fish to protected species list; allows only accidental catch, not intentional fishing for sprat.
- Stops commercial sprat fishing until science confirms sprat populations, habitats, and ecosystem role are understood.
- Supports inshore fishers affected by sprat fishing ban through a Just Transition program.
Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation (Transfer of Functions) Bill 2024
17 Jul 2025 Second Stage Defeated Duncan Smith
- Transfers responsibility for aircraft noise regulation at Dublin Airport from Fingal County Council to the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Implements EU Aircraft Noise Regulation requirements by centralizing oversight to a national environmental authority.
- Bill was defeated at Second Stage; did not progress to become law.
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
- Sets rules for wind turbines, including export limits on wind-generated power and minimum distances from homes to reduce noise and shadow flicker.
- Requires public consultation processes so residents can have input on wind turbine projects.
- Bill is at Second Stage; specific distance requirements, export caps, and consultation procedures not yet detailed in available information.
Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2022
28 May 2025 Second Stage Current Éamon Ó Cuív
- Allows ongoing registration of domestic waste water systems instead of requiring registration by a single deadline.
- Removes time pressure on householders to register their waste water systems before a specified date.
- Enables any householder to register their domestic waste water system at any time without time constraints.
Information on Repairability of Certain Products Bill 2024
22 May 2025 First Stage Defeated Maurice Quinlivan
- Manufacturers must provide repairability information for certain products so consumers can assess repair options.
- Specific products covered and information requirements not detailed in long title; bill defeated at First Stage.
- Related regulatory mechanisms for enforcement and compliance timelines not specified in available title text.
Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2024
15 May 2025 Report Stage Current
- Amends the 1979 Údarás na Gaeltachta Act to change board membership structure and add regional committees to the organisation.
- Extends Údarás na Gaeltachta's functions and introduces elections for certain board members via changes to electoral legislation.
- Updates the Official Languages Act 2003 and Gaeltacht Act 2012 with related amendments to align with these organisational changes.
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' designation to protect local nature areas, with local authorities maintaining public registers.
- Strengthens tree protection by prioritizing preservation over cutting, with rules on lopping and trimming, plus mandatory replacement of felled trees.
- Establishes appeals process for decisions on tree preservation and ecological site orders, giving citizens right to challenge local authority decisions.
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2021
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Jennifer Whitmore
- Adds Basking Shark to protected species list under Wildlife Act 1976.
- Makes it illegal to intentionally or recklessly injure, disturb, or harass protected wild animals, except during hunting.
- Allows Minister to create a code of conduct for wildlife tourism and recreational activities.
Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Protection of Financially Vulnerable Customers) Bill 2023
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Jennifer Whitmore
- Amends the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act to define 'vulnerable customers' for utility regulation purposes.
- Gives the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications power to create regulations defining vulnerable customer protections.
- Expands the Commission for Regulation of Utilities' functions to address financially vulnerable electricity customers.
Dublin Bay Bill 2021
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Ivana Bacik
- Creates a special Dublin Bay Authority within the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly to protect Dublin Bay's environment, water quality, and wildlife.
- Authority proposes and promotes policies to preserve Dublin Bay's distinctive character and ecology for current and future generations.
- Bill is at Committee Stage; specific enforcement powers, funding, and implementation timeline not detailed in long title.
National Standards Authority of Ireland (Carbon Footprint Labelling) Bill 2021
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Duncan Smith
- Gives the National Standards Authority of Ireland power to create and promote standard labels showing carbon footprint information for products, processes, and practices.
- Allows businesses to voluntarily use standardized carbon footprint marks to inform consumers about environmental impact of what they buy.
- Currently in Committee Stage; aims to establish a standardized system for carbon labelling rather than impose mandatory requirements on companies.
Measuring Quality of Life in Ireland Bill 2020
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Ged Nash
- Central Statistics Office and National Economic and Social Council must publish Genuine Progress Indicators measuring quality of life, including environmental and social factors beyond traditional economic measures.
- These bodies must publish National Distributional Accounts showing how national income and economic growth are spread across the population.
- Annual Budget impact report required assessing effects on inequality, poverty reduction, and income and wealth redistribution.
Local Government (Community Gardens) Bill 2023
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Marc Ó Cathasaigh
- Amends Local Government Act 2001 to enable community garden applications and require local authorities to publish a community garden policy.
- Allows citizens to apply for community gardens, with local authorities required to establish formal policies governing their approval and management.
- Scope and specific eligibility criteria for applications, approval timelines, and enforcement mechanisms not detailed in available information.
Litter Pollution (Amendment) Bill 2022
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Patrick Costello
- Amends the 1997 Litter Pollution Act to strengthen rules on litter and waste on public streets.
- Aims to improve public health and cleanliness in communities by reducing litter pollution.
- Currently at Second Stage of legislative process; specific amendments not yet detailed in available materials.
River Shannon Management Agency Bill 2020
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Sorca Clarke
- Creates one authority to coordinate flood risk management across the entire River Shannon.
- Establishes a single competent body to handle flood prevention and management decisions for the river.
- Addresses administrative coordination of flood-related matters affecting the Shannon catchment area.
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
- Creates legal protection for significant hedgerows. Minister can make regulations defining which hedgerows qualify and maintaining a public register of them.
- Prohibits removal of significant hedgerows except in specified circumstances. Establishes appeals process and penalties for breaches of the Act.
- Amends six existing Acts (Roads, Forestry, Communications, Electricity, Railway, Dublin Light Rail) to align them with hedgerow protections and requires notification to local authorities of violations.
Protection of Hares Bill 2023
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Jennifer Whitmore
- Bans the Minister for Agriculture from issuing licences for hare coursing activities.
- Extends Wildlife Act 1976 protections to hares, treating them as fully protected species.
- Bill currently at Second Stage; specific penalties or enforcement mechanisms not detailed in long title.
Prohibition of Fossil Fuel Advertising Bill 2024
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Gino Kenny
- Bans advertising and sponsorship of fossil fuels and fossil fuel vehicles by companies.
- Creates a Fossil Fuel Information Commission to help public compare fuel products and prices.
- Currently at Second Stage; practical effects depend on final amendments and enactment.
Animal Health and Welfare (Ban on Hare Coursing) Bill 2020
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Paul Murphy
- Bans hare coursing with dogs in Ireland. Amends Wildlife Act 1976 and Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 to enforce the prohibition.
- Makes related changes to Greyhound Industry Act 1958 and other Acts governing hare coursing activities and associated regulations.
- Bill at Second Stage; specific penalties, enforcement mechanisms, and transition arrangements not detailed in long title alone.
Building Energy Rating (BER) Standards for Private Rented Accommodation Bill 2025
11 Apr 2025 Second Stage Current Paul Murphy
- Amends Housing Act 1992 to set minimum Building Energy Rating standards for privately rented homes.
- Landlords must ensure rental properties meet required energy efficiency benchmarks; specific standards not detailed in long title.
- Applies to private rental sector; enforcement mechanism and compliance timeline not specified in available information.
Horticultural Peat (Temporary Measures) Bill 2021
28 Mar 2025 Second Stage Current Micheál Carrigy
- Temporarily allows peat extraction for horticulture by amending planning and environmental laws to address supply disruptions in the public interest.
- Provides exceptional provisions for a limited period, with measures to support a just transition away from peat dependency.
- Information missing: specific duration of temporary measures, extraction volume limits, and transition support details not stated in title.
Clean Air (Smoky Coal Ban) Bill 2021
28 Mar 2025 Second Stage Current Timmy Dooley
- Bans the sale, marketing, distribution, and burning of bituminous (smoky) coal nationwide.
- Requires regulations to enforce the prohibition across all Ireland.
- Bill is at Second Stage; details on exemptions, timelines, and penalties not yet specified.
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 must publicly disclose annual greenhouse gas emissions from their operations.
- Companies must reduce emissions over time; specific targets not detailed in long title.
- Amends Climate Action 2015 and Companies Act 2014 to enforce reporting and reduction requirements.
Energy Poverty Reduction (Use of Surplus Renewable Energy) Bill 2025
21 Feb 2025 First Stage Current Paul McAuliffe
- Minister must create a strategy to use surplus renewable energy to help people struggling with energy poverty.
- Strategy must include targets for how much surplus renewable energy will be utilised for this purpose.
- Bill requires the strategy to be published; enforcement mechanism and timeline not specified in long title.
Impaired Farm Credit Bill 2022
20 Feb 2025 Second Stage Defeated Michael Healy-Rae
- Splits farm properties into farmhouse and farmlands. Farmhouse debt follows residential protection rules; farmlands debt follows farm-specific rules.
- Pauses creditor sales of farmlands while farmers prepare debt settlement proposals, modelled on company examinership and personal insolvency frameworks.
- Allows courts to impose revised loan terms on creditors if fair to all creditor classes; permits overindebted land return to State for food security and climate goals.
Fossil Fuel Products (Control of Advertising and Sponsorship) Bill 2024
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Paul Gavan
- Bans advertising of fossil fuels and companies that produce them, with some exemptions allowed.
- Prohibits fossil fuel companies from sponsoring events, organisations, or activities.
- Gives the utility regulator power to investigate breaches and enforce the rules.
Electricity Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2024
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Darren O'Rourke
- CRU gains powers to monitor wholesale and retail electricity prices more closely and report findings more frequently.
- CRU can regulate hedging practices and investigate anti-competitive behaviour by gas and electricity suppliers more effectively.
- CRU's role expands to strengthen consumer protection and address energy affordability issues in the market.
Anaerobic Digestion (National Strategy) Bill 2023
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Christopher O'Sullivan
- Requires Ireland to develop a national strategy for anaerobic digestion, a process converting organic waste into energy and fertiliser.
- Specifies what the strategy must cover and likely sets targets or policies to increase anaerobic digestion capacity across the country.
- Bill lapsed without becoming law; information on specific requirements, timelines, and enforcement mechanisms is unavailable from title alone.
Planning and Development (Climate Emergency Measures) (Amendment) Bill 2023
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Bríd Smith
- Restricts planning permission for fossil fuel infrastructure and energy-intensive data centres to align with climate goals.
- Removes certain projects from 'strategic development' fast-track status, requiring standard planning procedures instead.
- Requires planners to consider Ireland's climate targets and commitments when deciding planning applications.
Cost of Renewables Taskforce Bill 2022
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Darren O'Rourke
- Minister must create a cross-departmental taskforce to examine renewable energy production costs in Ireland.
- Taskforce consults stakeholders and delivers policy recommendations within six months to reduce cost per megawatt-hour.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to legislation.
Planning and Development Regulations (Amendment) (Solar Energy for Schools and Community Buildings) Bill 2022
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
- Allows solar panels on schools and community buildings without planning permission by amending 2001 regulations.
- Removes planning requirements to speed up renewable energy installation on eligible public buildings.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to further debate or votes.
Green Hydrogen Strategy Bill 2022
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Darren O'Rourke
- Minister must draft and publish a hydrogen strategy within six months of the Act passing.
- Bill lapsed before becoming law; no statutory requirement for hydrogen strategy currently exists.
- Aimed to establish government planning for hydrogen as potential energy source.
North-South Interconnector Review Group Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Peadar Tóibín
- Creates a review group to examine the route of the North-South Interconnector electricity project between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
- Review group will assess placement of high voltage power cables and report findings to the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; no information available on specific terms of reference, timeline, or composition of review group.
Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2020
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Brian Stanley
- Sets limits on exporting wind turbine-generated power and establishes minimum distances from homes to reduce noise and shadow flicker impacts.
- Gives public access to consultation processes for wind turbine projects and related regulatory decisions.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage and has lapsed without becoming law.
Waste Management (Amendment) (Regulator) Bill 2019
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed David Cullinane
- Bill requires Minister to report on appointing independent regulator for domestic waste management sector and waste charge regulation.
- Amends Waste Management Act 1996 to address regulatory gaps in domestic waste services and pricing oversight.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; specific regulator powers, timeline, and implementation details not established in legislation.
Litter Pollution (Amendment) (Dog Litter Control) Bill 2019
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Seán Crowe
- Amends Litter Pollution Act 1997 to require dog owners carry suitable bags or tools to dispose of dog faeces in public areas.
- Wardens and gardaí can request proof you have disposal equipment; failure to produce it becomes an offence.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to law.
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 two support schemes for high electricity costs: Scheme IV provides emergency benefit payments to domestic accounts; Submeter Support Scheme II aids submeter customers. Both run until 31 August 2025.
- Assigns roles to electricity suppliers, distribution system operator, and utilities regulator to administer payments. Minister can make regulations to govern scheme operations.
- Makes emergency benefit and submeter payments tax-exempt. Amends Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 to enable this.
Development (Emergency Electricity Generation) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Allows emergency electricity generation projects to bypass normal planning permission requirements under the Planning and Development Act 2000.
- Exempts these projects from standard environmental impact assessments, but requires alternative assessment methods for environmental and nature conservation reviews.
- Applies only during exceptional circumstances affecting electricity supply security, including the Ukraine situation.
Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme II to provide one-off payments to domestic electricity customers from bill passage until 30 June 2023, funded by the Environment Ministry.
- Exempts emergency benefit payments from income tax and amends regulations on electricity distribution, supplier registration, and the utility regulator's powers.
- Adjusts the national oil reserves levy rate temporarily and aligns electricity market rules with EU Directive 2019/944.
Water Environment (Abstractions and Associated Impoundments) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Regulates water extraction through licensing and registration systems, enforced by EPA and local authorities. Replaces 1942-1977 water laws.
- Irish Water can abstract water for public supply, including emergency extractions, with compensation provisions for certain abstractions.
- Implements EU water policy directives. Minister sets daily abstraction thresholds and can exempt certain extraction categories from requirements.
Water Services (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Irish Water rebrands to Uisce Éireann and becomes independent from Ervia, which previously managed both water and gas services.
- Water board and CEO powers change; Uisce Éireann staff, assets, and liabilities transfer from Ervia; Water Advisory Body dissolves.
- Uisce Éireann must report to Dáil committee; accounting and reporting rules updated; Gas Act 1976 and Water Services Acts amended accordingly.
EirGrid, Electricity and Turf (Amendment) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Allows CRU to direct emergency measures protecting electricity supply; EirGrid can buy power plants with government funding and higher borrowing limits.
- EirGrid can make agreements with electricity generators and receive financial support from the Environment Minister for acquiring generation equipment.
- Amends 1999 Electricity Act to pass certain public service obligation benefits to customers; increases Bord na Móna's borrowing under 1998 Turf Act.
Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates circular economy strategy, fund, and EPA programme. Bans certain single-use items and levies others to reduce waste.
- Requires segregated waste bins and pay-as-you-throw charging for businesses. Introduces food waste prevention strategy and reuse/repair targets.
- Restricts new coal, lignite, and oil shale licences. Gives EPA oversight of planning-linked licence applications under environmental law.
Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates one-off electricity cost emergency benefit payment scheme for domestic households in 2022 due to global energy price spike.
- Gives distribution operators, suppliers, and utilities regulator roles in running scheme; exempt payments from income tax.
- Minister can make regulations to operate scheme; funded from Environment, Climate and Communications budget.
Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Minister for Transport gains powers to support zero and low-emission vehicles and their charging/refuelling infrastructure.
- Road Traffic Acts 1961–2018 amended; changes to road rules, enforcement, and related traffic regulations updated.
- Updates to Roads Act 1920, Finance Act 1992, traffic warden rules, and Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008.
Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Allows planning authorities to extend existing development plans while preparing new ones, with environmental assessment requirements and notification to the Planning Regulator.
- Extends the time allowed for certain planning permissions to remain valid, addressing Covid-19 pandemic disruptions to development plan preparation.
- Adds statutory undertakers to planning rules and creates a new planning condition type that doesn't trigger compensation claims.
Planning and Development (Climate Emergency Measures) (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 First Stage Defeated Bríd Smith
- Restricts planning permission for fossil fuel infrastructure and high energy data centres to align with climate targets.
- Changes which projects bypass normal planning and go directly to An Bord Pleanála for decision.
- Requires planners to consider Ireland's climate commitments when evaluating development applications.
Planning and Development, Heritage and Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Amends planning laws to allow heritage work in certain functions without standard planning permission requirements.
- Updates wildlife protection rules under 1976 and 2000 Acts and EU bird/habitat regulations for consistency.
- Modifies Broadcasting Act 2009 rules; specific changes not detailed in title alone.
Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Ireland commits to becoming climate neutral by end of 2050 and must approve government climate plans to achieve this goal.
- Government sets carbon budgets and emissions limits for different economic sectors; ministers report progress to parliament's joint committee.
- Local authorities must create climate action plans and consider them when approving new developments; Climate Action Fund expanded for related spending.
Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Bill 2024
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Creates Future Ireland Fund (from 2041) and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund (from 2026) managed by National Treasury Management Agency to support state spending.
- Infrastructure fund can support spending if economy deteriorates significantly, or fund environmental projects between 2026–2030.
- Dissolves existing National Surplus Reserve Fund, transfers its assets to new funds, and amends treasury management legislation.
Electricity Costs (Emergency Measures) Domestic Accounts Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Establishes two emergency schemes (Scheme III and Submeter Support) providing electricity cost payments to domestic accounts from enactment until 30 June 2024.
- Exempts emergency benefit and submeter support payments from income tax; amends Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
- Gives distribution operators, suppliers, and utilities regulator powers to administer schemes; Minister can make operational regulations.
Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Cap on Market Revenues) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Caps electricity market revenues from certain sources (Dec 2022–June 2023) under EU emergency rules on high energy prices.
- Producers, intermediaries, and traders must pay revenues exceeding the cap to a collection agent; amounts calculated under specified rules.
- Revenue collected goes into a fund for disbursement schemes; government appoints collection agent and enforces compliance obligations.
Gas (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Dissolves Ervia and transfers its functions, assets, liabilities, records, and staff to Gas Networks Ireland.
- Amends Gas Act 1976 and Gas Regulation Act 2013 to reflect the organizational restructuring and update gas regulation.
- Amends Freedom of Information Act 2014 and makes related changes to support the transition.
Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Creates an elected mayor position for Limerick City and County Council with specific powers and governance responsibilities.
- Allows other councils to hold public votes on creating mayor positions, requiring electoral law amendments to enable the elections.
- Expands affordable housing eligibility, requires consulting the Public Appointments Service on local government job qualifications, and repeals prior mayoral provisions.
Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Fossil fuel companies pay temporary tax on 2022-2023 profits to address high energy prices, following EU rules.
- Revenue Commissioners collect and enforce the contribution; companies must meet reporting obligations and can deduct it from corporation tax.
- Changes tax laws to calculate contribution, update appeals procedures, and implement EU Regulation 2022/1854 requirements.
Environmental Protection Agency (Emergency Electricity Generation) (Amendment) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Amends EPA Act 1992 to allow alternative environmental assessment process for emergency electricity generation projects instead of standard Part IV licensing assessment.
- Requires Minister to coordinate alternative assessment with habitat protection assessment under EU nature conservation rules; public must access assessment information.
- Implements EU environmental assessment directive flexibility for emergency electricity projects designated under 2022 emergency generation law.
Oil Emergency Contingency and Transfer of Renewable Transport Fuels Functions Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Requires Ireland to prepare plans for oil emergencies and allows temporary exemptions from blending oil with renewable fuels during shortages.
- Creates a Petroleum Register to track fuel supplies and lets the environment minister divert fuel to critical services during shortages.
- Transfers renewable transport fuel responsibilities from environment minister to transport minister; expands renewable fuel supply requirements across the state.
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Reviews bog habitats and their protection under Irish wildlife law.
- Updates procedures for creating, changing, and canceling natural heritage area orders.
- Establishes new biodiversity arrangements and amends the 2000 Wildlife Act accordingly.
Planning and Development (Climate Measures) (Amendment) Bill 2019
17 Jun 2021 First Stage Withdrawn Bríd Smith
- Blocks oil, gas, and fossil fuel projects from getting special fast-track planning status for strategic infrastructure.
- Changes how people apply directly to the planning appeals board for major projects.
- Requires planning decisions to consider Ireland's climate commitments and goals.
National Oil Reserves Agency (Amendment) and Provision of Central Treasury Services Bill 2020
30 Jul 2020 Enacted
- Expands National Oil Reserves Agency's role to collect levies on fuel sales and direct proceeds to a new Climate Action Fund for environmental spending.
- Sets fuel and biofuel levy rates and allows the Minister to direct how levy money flows into the Climate Action Fund.
- Enables National Treasury Management Agency to provide financial management services to the National Oil Reserves Agency and Irish Water.
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
- Landlords must arrange annual servicing and maintenance of all heat-producing appliances that emit carbon monoxide in rental properties.
- Landlords must keep records proving an authorized person or company performed the required maintenance work.
- Requirements apply to private landlords, public organizations, and commercial landlords renting properties to tenants.
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 health protections against noise and shadow flicker from wind turbines, limiting potential harms to nearby residents.
- Implements Aarhus Convention requirements: public access to environmental information, participation in decisions, and justice mechanisms for environmental matters.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; never progressed to debate or vote in the Oireachtas.
Noise Pollution (Management and Abatement) Bill 2019
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Thomas P. Broughan
- Creates rules to manage and reduce noise pollution, with powers for monitoring and enforcement.
- Amends aircraft noise rules for Dublin Airport and updates EPA powers to handle noise issues.
- Bill did not progress beyond introduction; it lapsed without becoming law.
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
- Creates planning condition allowing local communities to invest in renewable energy projects as co-owners alongside developers.
- Establishes new prescribed development class eligible for community co-investment conditions in planning permissions.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to legislation. Details on investment mechanisms and requirements unavailable.
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
- CSO and NESCI must publish Genuine Progress Indicators measuring well-being beyond GDP, including environmental and social factors.
- CSO must publish National Distributional Accounts showing how national income and economic growth are distributed across the population.
- Government must produce annual Budget impact reports on inequality, poverty reduction, and income and wealth redistribution effects.
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.