In this week’s Sustainability/ESG Bulletin, read about the increase in environmental tax collected in 2024, SEAI's announcement of new funding opportunities for fleet electrification, and the Department for Transport’s newly released Statement of Strategy 2025-2028. Also featured are calls from the EPA for stronger action to protect clean air in Ireland, updates on consultations in Northern Ireland, as well as the usual articles, resources and upcoming events.
IRELAND
Environment taxes increased by 11 percent in 2024 to €5.5 billion
In 2024, €5.5 billion was collected in environment-related taxes in Ireland, making up 4.3 percent of total taxes in 2024. This is according to figures published by the Central Statistics Office, which noted an increase of 11 percent on 2023 and the highest amount collected between 2015 and 2024. Most environment taxes were taxes on energy products, such as heating and transport fuels. Energy taxes accounted for 63.5 percent of all environment taxes, or €3.5 billion, in 2024. Transport taxes (including motor tax and vehicle registration tax) accounted for 36 percent of all environment-related taxes in 2024. Pollution and resource taxes, such as the plastic bag levy, made up 0.5 percent of environment-related taxes in 2024.
Electric vehicles for business
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has announced it is offering up to €8,000 to companies looking to electrify some or all their existing fleet. The assessment includes a review of a business’ current fleet, recommendations on which routes/vehicles to electrify and the charging infrastructure required to support the business’ plan.
Capital funding required to deliver Ireland’s offshore renewable energy infrastructure
Capital funding and other funding mechanisms are required to deliver offshore renewable wind energy port infrastructure in Ireland. This was among the findings of research conducted by academics based in Dublin City University (DCU) under the Next Generation Energy Systems (NexSys). The paper identified limited port capacity as a key constraint for Ireland’s planned rollout of critical offshore renewable wind energy (ORE) projects.
Department of Transport publishes new Statement of Strategy 2025–2028
The Department of Transport has published its new Statement of Strategy for 2025–2028, setting out six high-level goals. This include Connectivity, Effective Policy and Regulation, Sustainability: Economy, Environment and Society, Transport Access, Safety and Security, Organisational Excellence and Innovation. The Department’s Implementation Plan 2025-2028 has also been published, detailing the strategic objectives and actions which will be implemented and how they will be monitored.
EPA calls for more to be done to protect clean air in Ireland
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published its report, Air Quality in Ireland 2024, which is based on data from Ireland’s extensive air monitoring network of 115 stations. It reveals that while Ireland currently meets EU air quality standards, we are projected to fall short of the stricter air quality standards set for 2030 under the new Ambient Air Quality Directive. According to a ESRI report in June 27, 2025, the healthcare costs of poor air quality in Ireland, air pollution imposes a significant economic burden, in terms of healthcare costs, lost productivity, impact on agricultural crops and damage to buildings and infrastructure. The ESRI report notes that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimate that the total welfare losses from ambient air pollution (PM2.5 and ground-level ozone) in the EU-27 in 2017 amounted to €601bn, or approximately 4.9 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).
Northern Ireland
Public consultations launched on non-domestic renewable heat and on low carbon hydrogen
The Department for the Economy has launched a public consultation to shape the final arrangements of the closure of the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. This scheme launched in 2012 to provide financial incentives to businesses and public sector organizations to switch from conventional heating to renewable sources like biomass boilers or heat pumps. Closure arrangements include a payment mechanism based on annual payments, with uplifted tariffs, delivering a solution that is fair to participants and taxpayers alike. This consultation will run until Monday 24, November 2025.
Separately, a public consultation has launched on the policy for low carbon hydrogen, a key commitment of the 2025 Energy Strategy Action Plan. The consultation seeks views on a sustainable, regional approach for the production, storage, transport, and use of hydrogen in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland first Draft Climate Action Plan
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir is encouraging people to have their say on Northern Ireland’s first draft Climate Action Plan, before the 16-week public conclusion closes on 8 October. The draft action plan, a legal requirement of the Climate Change Act, that was passed by the NI Assembly in 2022, sets out the path Northern Ireland will take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
EUROPE
A survey by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) has revealed that one-third of EU workers are exposed to climate change-related risks ─ such as extreme heat, extreme weather events or poor air quality. The factsheet for Ireland focuses on responses related to the implications of climate change for OSH — including exposure to climate change-related risks at work, associated health impacts and the availability of preventive measures in the workplace.
Resources from Chartered Accountants Ireland
Sustainability-focused specialist qualifications
Chartered Accountants Ireland has launched its Autumn/Winter professional development programme offering, which includes the Certificate in Sustainability Strategy, Risk and Reporting (Starting 7 October).
Resources
Accountancy Europe has published a paper to support the ongoing discussions on both the European Commission Omnibus proposals for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) of 26 February 2025 and EFRAG’s consultation on the draft amended ESRS. The paper, titled Sustainability statements based on ESRS: “compliance” or “fair presentation”? outlines the issues at stake, the differences between the two frameworks, and explores what it means for sustainability reporting and sustainability assurance.
Continued strength of sustainability and ESG
PwC has published its inaugural Global Sustainability Reporting Survey, revealing that most companies reporting under the CSRD and ISSB say pressure to provide sustainability data and insights has increased, despite regulator rollback. The survey was based on responses from 496 companies that have reported, or plan to do so in the future, under the CSRD or ISSB frameworks. Approx 40 percent of survey respondents planning to report under the CSRD in the future say they will postpone statutory reporting by two years, in line with the EU’s ‘stop the clock’ directive. An equal number intend to report on the original timeline, even if not legally required to do so, whether under the CSRD or an alternative framework like the ISSB or the Global Reporting Initiative. Stakeholder pressure is given as part of the reason for the resolve to report, along with companies using this information to inform business decisions.
Separately, a recent Morningstar survey of over 500 pension funds, insurers, CIOs, and family offices found that ESG integration into investment decision-making remains robust, with asset owners put climate transition readiness (56%), energy management (48%), and physical climate risks (42%) at the top of their list of most material environmental factors.
Articles
Plans for dealing with future extreme weather events not yet finalised (Irish Times – Subscriber)
Investors should back renewables amid AI driven energy surge, says Amundi head (Business Post – Subscriber)
Areas on Dublin’s northside among most at-risk from ‘extreme coastal events’ – New analysis raises likelihood that thousands of properties will become uninsurable (Irish Times)
Five UNGA80 takeaways every business leader needs to know (UN Global Compact)
Self-charging: Using solar panels to provide your car’s charge (Irish Times)
Podcast
Events
Dublin Chamber, Sustainability Academy Workshops
This autumn, for the first time, all Sustainability Academy workshops will take place in person at Dublin Chamber, 7 Clare Street, Dublin 2. Dublin Chamber is offering a special rate of €420 for those who register for the full series of five workshops (normally €495). This includes a free one-hour tailored advisory consultation with a sustainability expert from Goodbody Clearstream. Whether you're new to sustainability or looking to build on existing knowledge, this series provides a structured way to learn what matters and apply it in your role.
Venue: Dublin Chamber, 7 Clare Street, Dublin 2
Environmental Strategy Bootcamp – Carbon Footprint & Decarbonisation, Wednesday 8 October, 9am -1pm
Strategic Sustainability Leadership, Wednesday 5 November, 9am -1pm
Sustainable Business Practices – Strengthening Customer Connections, Wednesday 26 November, Time: 9am -1pm
Internal Sustainability Integration – Building a Sustainable Workplace Culture, Thursday 4 December, Time: 9am -1pm
EFRAG, The VSME Standard in Action: From the European Commission’s Recommendation to Digital Solutions
EFRAG is running a hybrid VSME Outreach Event on 6 October 2025 at which the European Commission will present on its Recommendation, with reactions from policymakers, banks and SMEs. Attendees will discover the EFRAG VSME Ecosystem and digital tools and learn from practical SME experiences and case studies.
Virtual and in person, 6 October 2025, 10am-1pm CET
IBEC, Preparing for the EU Plastic Pellet Regulation
This webinar is essential for all companies using plastic pellets as a raw material. The EU’s new Plastic Pellet Regulation requires businesses to prevent pellet loss into the environment, while also measuring and reporting any losses. Join us to learn what these new rules mean for your company, the steps you need to take to stay compliant, and how to prepare effectively for implementation.
Online - 9 October 11:00 - 12:00
French Embassy, DCU Institute for Climate and Society, The legacy of the Paris Agreement
A discussion on the legacy of the Paris Climate Change Agreement, which was signed 10 years ago. Speakers include Benoît Faraco, France's climate ambassador, and Eamon Ryan, former Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications. The event is free and open to the public. Places are limited, so please register.
In person, October 8, 16:00-18:00, Europe House, Chatham Street, Dublin 2.
Diversity Mark, Diversity Mark Annual Summit 2025
This event will explore how diversity and inclusion can drive sustainable business growth, gathering over 300 business leaders, executives, and inclusion advocates for a full-day programme featuring keynote speakers and breakout sessions. It aims to equip attendees with practical strategies to create more inclusive workplaces and foster meaningful change across sectors.
In person, 8 October 2025, Titanic Belfast
Accountancy Europe, Is the public sector sustainable?
Find out about the latest developments to promote sustainability reporting alongside financial reporting in the public sector, the specific challenges facing the public sector, what can be learnt from experience in the private sector.
Virtual, 8 October 2025, 14:30–16:00 CEST
Chartered Accountants Ireland, Public Sector Conference
The public sector conference will focus on key issues impacting finance and non-finance professionals working in public service and related organisations. This includes civil and public servants, as well as those working in public bodies and not-for-profit organisations.
Wednesday 15 October | 9:30am–1:30pm Online | 4 hours CPD
FTI Consulting, Women in Sustainability
FTI Consulting is hosting its next women inhttps://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords= percent23sustainability&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED sustainability networking event on 16 October. It's an evening get together for women in the sustainability space to connect and share insights.
In person, 16 October, The Shelbourne Hotel
An Taisce, Climate Action Week, 13 – 19 October 2025
Climate Action Week is Ireland’s largest pop-up climate festival and has been coordinated by An Taisce since 2017. On behalf of the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment the 9th festival will bring nationwide spaces that champion local planet protectors and welcome solution seekers to events that tackle the climate crisis in exciting and empowering ways.
International Society of Sustainability Professionals Webinar: AI in Action: Practical Tools for Corporate Sustainability Impact
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming how organizations collect data, measure impact, and drive sustainability performance—but it can be difficult to separate the hype from the real-world applications. In this session, we’ll explore how corporate sustainability professionals can leverage AI to work smarter, not harder.
Virtual, Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EDT)
NESC, NESC Energy Conference 2025: Energising the Transition
This conference follows the publication of NESC’s reports Ireland’s Future Power System and Economic Resilience, International Trade Dependencies and the Energy Transition, and Connecting People to the Energy Transition, as well as the forthcoming Energy Transition: A Systems Perspective. The in-person event builds on this extensive body of work and incorporates inputs from national and international experts to provide stimulating discussions of how Ireland can make the necessary transition for the good of all people and sectors.
In person, Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin 2, 22 October, 8.30-15.45
Ibec Networks Autumn Seminar Series, Session 4: The culture of sustainability innovation
The final webinar in a four-part series Autumn Seminar Series ‘The culture equation’ looks at what supports are available to assist on a journey to becoming a more sustainable business. In the supporting case study from O'Brien's Fine Foods the webinar will discuss what drives a sustainability focused culture in an organisation.
Virtual, Thursday 13 November, 11.00-11.50am
Sustainability Centre
You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.
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