The Irish government has published its ambitious plan to drive Ireland’s long term economic, environmental and social progress - National development plan 2018—2027 (NDP). It identifies priority areas for public investment with a strategic importance in terms of the economy’s long-term growth, development and sustainability needs. National Development Plan sets out the significant level of investment, almost €116 billion over the next ten years, to secure the realisation of 10 National Strategic Outcomes, including National Strategic Outcome 8 - Transition to a Low-Carbon and Climate-Resilient Society. 

 Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient society is framed by the National Mitigation Plan and National Adaptation Framework: Planning for a Climate-Resilient Ireland. Its central objective is to achieve a climate-resilient economy and society by 2050. In this context, investment plan detailed in the NDP paves the way for a successful energy transition. The Irish government aims to position Ireland to harness significant benefits from realising a low-carbon economy. Energy transition is expected to create sustainable green jobs, sustainable food production, deepen energy security, and to make the environment healthier.

 According to the Irish government, delaying action will put these potential benefits at risk and compromise country’s capacity to attract foreign direct investment. To succeed, the Irish government plans to spend €22 billion. Ireland’s energy system requires a radical transformation in order to achieve its 2030 and 2050 energy and climate objectives. A fundamental decarbonisation is already underway with the increasing share of renewables in Ireland’s energy mix and the progress made on energy efficiency. Further investment in renewable energy sources and future technology affords Ireland the opportunity to comprehensively decarbonise its energy generation. 

 According to the National development plan, peat and coal will no longer have a role in electricity generation in Ireland by 2030. The use of peat will be progressively eliminated by converting peat power plants to more sustainable low-carbon technologies. 

Investment priorities will include upgrading of 45,000 homes per annum from 2021, an additional 3,000-4,500 MW of renewable energy and full roll-out of the renewable heat support scheme. In addition, the government will create a new €500m climate action fund to leverage further investment by public and private bodies. As regards climate adaptation, measures will address river and coastal flooding. On transport, no new non-zero emission vehicles will be sold in Ireland post 2030. The NDP sets a target of at least 500,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030 with additional charging infrastructure to cater for planned grow.