Irish Aviation Aims for Lower-Carbon Skies

Ireland has published its first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Policy Roadmap, signalling a major step in decarbonising the country’s aviation sector.

The policy, unveiled today by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, sets out a clear plan for introducing lower-emission fuels into Irish skies.

The aviation industry faces particular challenges in reducing carbon emissions. SAFs, which can be blended into existing jet fuel without aircraft modifications, offer a practical solution, with lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions significantly lower than conventional fuels.

Developed with input from the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Task Force, the Roadmap identifies barriers and opportunities for Ireland, including potential domestic production, import strategies, and collaboration with EU initiatives. It outlines four key pathways: market certainty, collaboration, supporting uptake, and supporting production.

Minister O’Brien described the Roadmap as “the building blocks for deploying Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Ireland,” framing it as a central part of the Government’s climate and transport strategy.

The Roadmap aligns with global aviation decarbonisation efforts, which combine technological improvements, operational measures, SAF deployment, and international carbon offset schemes. Officials said this first roadmap will be updated as Ireland develops its SAF market and production capacity.

The policy is now available on the Department of Transport’s website.