Sustainable Ireland Special Report

As population and economy expand, tension is increasing between environmental concerns and the economic necessity of infrastructure upgrades

With power demand surging, smarter use of existing grid assets — from flexible industry loads to digital management systems — can ease the strain as we await new infrastructure

With major new biomethane projects in Carlow and Cork, 2030 targets are within reach — but only with faster action and firm policy support

With full fleet electrification planned by the mid-2030s, Ireland’s shift to cleaner, quieter public transport is gathering real momentum

EV registrations surged 38% this year, but uneven infrastructure and high costs could still slow Ireland’s electric transition

Despite cloudy skies, Ireland is embracing solar power. Private homes and farms across the country generate clean energy, cut bills, and help meet climate targets

Shift from fossil fuels to renewables is creating demand for technical and soft skills alike — from offshore wind expertise to sustainability strategy

Is GWP* a better way to classify methane, or letting farmers off the hook and allowing carbon pollution to persist? Kevin O’Sullivan reports

Global climate efforts face mounting headwinds against Trump’s fossil fuels first approach

The Planning and Development Act 2024 aims to streamline approvals, but legal delays and resource gaps continue to hinder progress on wind and solar projects

Missing 2030 climate targets could cost Ireland €26bn—but the true price may be irreversible damage to the planet, writes Sandra O’Connell

Two decades after the Arklow Bank wind farm put Ireland at the forefront of offshore renewables, no new turbines have been built. Now, with major targets looming, the State is racing to restart

From water shortages to grid strain, Storm Éowyn highlighted Ireland’s underinvestment in infrastructure. Experts warn that planning delays and climate change are compounding the country’s growing energy and utility challenges

With demand for sustainable office space rising and tenants willing to pay a premium, landlords face a choice: invest in costly retrofits or risk being left behind. But with funding challenges and split incentives, is upgrading older buildings financially viable?

The EU’s Omnibus package scales back sustainability reporting requirements, reducing the number of businesses affected. But will delays create more uncertainty for Irish companies?

Ireland risks up to €26 billion in EU penalties for failing to meet climate commitments. A new report warns that delays in emissions reductions and renewable energy adoption could prove costly. But by taking swift action now, the Government could cut these costs dramatically—while also improving infrastructure and energy security

The Irish Government’s brave target of hitting seven figures with electric cars may already have passed us by

Clean energy from farm and food wastes is a no-brainer but a new era of Irish biomethane is far from assured.

As geopolitical turmoil reshapes global priorities, climate action is taking a backseat. From corporate rollbacks to political U-turns, a once-urgent transition to clean energy faces fresh obstacles. But in a world increasingly dependent on fossil fuels, delays will only drive up costs—both economic and environmental.

Training, reskilling, and talent development are all ways companies are building the diverse skillsets needed to meet climate goals

Experts advise on working out what a realistic decarbonisation target is and how to reach it

Despite a Government target of 5 gigawatts (GW) of grid-connected offshore wind and a further 2GW of capacity for green hydrogen generation by 2030, infrastructure, investment and planning system deficits bedevil offshore development

With a target of 500,000 homes to be retrofitted to a minimum B2 building energy rating (BER) by 2030, upfront costs remain a barrier to home retrofits

Replacements for petrol and diesel already exist but diversification of inputs will be crucial as airlines compete with motorists for supplies

Reporting requirements and regulations are influencing the move by business – and society – towards sustainability

With Government grants and the potential to sell electricity back to the grid, upfront investment in energy transition will yield long-term savings

Jobseekers with a conscience are seeking out employers that have integrated ESG principles into their business strategy

With an estimated 65 homes per day installing solar PV, the uptake of renewables is placing downward pressure on the wholesale cost of electricity

‘Boondoggle’ or not, Ireland needs to talk about CCUS, including identifying technology providers and storage options, such as the Kinsale or Corrib gas fields

With much of our home heating infrastructure based around gas supply, we need an alternative to the fossil fuel version, and farm waste can supply it

As the transition to a carbon neutral economy drives demand for green skills, there are several ways to gain sustainability qualifications in Ireland

The journey to fully carbon-free bus services in Dublin by 2035 is well under way but there is plenty of work still to do

As extreme weather events pose more frequent threats, the quality, quantity and reliability of our water supply could be at risk

Green hydrogen has a role to play in decarbonising the Irish economy but it is not the miracle solution to our future needs

The challenge of reducing  Scope 3 indirect emissions means it is important to take steps in liaison with suppliers now

Walking is the most sustainable mode of transport, and all you need is a good shoe; choose ones that incorporate sustainable materials and are built to last

And it’s not just the building where people work that can make a difference – businesses can support staff in ensuring how they get there is greener too

More firms will come under the umbrella of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, with greater depth of reporting and verification required

Businesses need to set realistic yet impactful targets for decarbonisation, understanding the frameworks and taking a structured approach

Renewables are on course to generate close to half of global electricity by 2030. Will it be enough?