Energy Bills and Carbon Costs Drive New Public Consultation

The Government has opened a public consultation on Ireland’s Social Climate Plan, a scheme aimed at shielding households, small businesses and transport users from rising energy and transport costs as the country moves towards a decarbonised economy.

The plan, covering 2026 to 2032, could secure up to €663 million in EU funding through the Social Climate Fund, which is designed to soften the impact of higher fossil fuel prices under the EU’s expanded Emissions Trading System.

The Government says the money will be used for long-term, socially fair measures, including support for vulnerable households, micro-enterprises and transport users.

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, said the transition to cleaner energy and transport systems would not affect everyone equally. He encouraged those most impacted by energy and transport poverty to take part in the consultation, which runs until 23 October. A second round of consultations will take place in November with European Commission officials present.

The plan is part of wider EU efforts to achieve climate neutrality while limiting the social impact of rising carbon costs.

Energy poverty is defined as a household’s inability to access essential services such as heating, hot water and electricity, while transport poverty refers to difficulty affording or accessing necessary transport.