The Gross Output of the Green Economy was €12.1 billion in 2023, up 10 percent on 2022, according to figures released by the CSO office in their Business in Ireland 2023 – Green Economy. The release, which provides insights on activities that can be classified by their environmental purpose and the business sectors in which they take place, found that the increase was mainly driven by the increased output of the Energy sector. Green Economy statistics are part of environment accounts which constitute a satellite account to national accounts. The release also revealed that the Green Economy represented €5 billion of Gross Value Added (GVA) to the country and supported 48,400 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs, up 13 percent on 2022. The Industry sector generated €10.2 billion in Green Economy output, up €0.6 billion on 2022 and accounting for 84 percent of total Green Economy output. Within this, construction contributed €3.1 billion (31 percent) underlining its role in delivering environmentally focused infrastructure projects. A separate publication revealed that emissions from the enterprise economy have fallen 12 percent since 2018, notwithstanding strong economic growth. Business In Ireland 2025 - Emissions and Energy Use by Enterprises is the first in a series of releases that looks at data relating to the enterprise economy through the lens of sustainability and climate targets. In the publication, ‘enterprise economy’ refers to activity in the Industry (including Construction) and Services sectors in Ireland. The release revealed that Ireland’s economy is becoming less emissions-intensive and is producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions per unit of economic activity. Greenhouse gas emissions per euro of Modified Gross National Income (GNI) fell by 25 percent between 2018 and 2023.   Commenting on the release, Morgan O’Donnell, Statistician in the Sustainability, Circular Economy & Transport division said:  “Sustainability is of increasing importance to enterprises, in terms of meeting environmental regulations and expectations, but also from an economic and social perspective. There is increasing national and international recognition that economic growth alone is not a sufficient measure of success, and that long term prosperity depends on achieving a balanced integration of economic, environmental, and social outcomes. … This release looks at energy use by the enterprise economy, as it underpins productivity, competitiveness, and employment, while also contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.  By examining energy consumption alongside associated emissions, this release highlights the relationship between business activity and its environmental impact, addressing the dual national goals of sustaining economic activity while reducing emissions.” Back to the Sustainability/ESG Bulletin

  Irish businesses are set to benefit from expanded Government support to help cut costs and accelerate the move to zero-emission transport. Changes to the Zero Emission Heavy Duty Vehicle (ZEHDV) grant scheme will make it easier and more flexible for companies to invest in electric trucks and buses, with grants of up to €500,000 per year now available. Speaking at an industry working group event, the Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, Sean Canney TD described decarbonising transport “a national priority but […] also a major commercial opportunity”. The updated scheme allows businesses to phase investment over time, rather than relying on a one-off funding opportunity, helping companies manage cash flow while modernising their fleets. Alongside the vehicle purchase support, businesses can also access grants of up to €300,000 under the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Grant Scheme (ZEHDV-I) to install depot charging infrastructure and support charging logistics hubs and urban locations. The Government is also supporting businesses at the planning stage through the EV Fleet Assessment Grant, which offers fully funded expert assessment to help companies understand how electric vehicles can operate within their existing fleets. Assessments cover routes, vehicle suitability, charging needs and total cost of ownership providing a clear roadmap to electrification. Separately, Minister of Transport Darragh O’Brien TD has announced the launch of a public consultation on the draft National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2026-2028, setting out the next phase of Ireland’s plan to expand and future proof the national EV charging network. Businesses, members of the public, local authorities, representative organisations and community groups are invited to make submissions as part of the consultation process, by 5pm on 24 April 2026. Back to the Sustainability/ESG Bulletin

  The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) has convened a meeting of the Government's Energy Security Group to assess the current implications of the conflict in the Middle East and Gulf region. The meeting brought together senior officials from relevant government departments, state agencies, and regulators and reviewed current supply and pricing conditions across oil, gas and electricity, and assessed the local impacts arising from the evolving situation. The group reiterated International Energy Agency (IEA) updates that while oil prices continue to fluctuate, there has been some stabilisation; however, commentators argue that the crisis in the Middle East exposes over-reliance on fossil fuels, particularly LNG as a liability for Ireland, and call for investment in household energy security and clean energy alternatives. Separately, Enterprise Ireland has announced the launch of Propel Ireland, a new innovation centre designed to drive collaboration, innovation and supply chain development across Ireland’s offshore wind sector. Representing a key action under Powering Prosperity: Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy, Propel Ireland supports the development of a globally competitive offshore wind industry and positioning Irish companies to capitalise on significant domestic and international opportunities.  Its launch reflects a coordinated, cross-Government approach to developing Ireland’s offshore wind sector, aligned with national climate, energy and enterprise policy. Back to the Sustainability/ESG Bulletin

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley has urged employers to publish their gender pay gap reports, pointing to new research showing how a gender pay gap is evident in the early stages of young women’s careers. A gender skills gap has also been a priority area for certain sectors across Europe. Research published in February 2026 by the ESRI found that Ireland has the largest gender gap in Europe for advanced workplace digital skills use, with consequences for Ireland’s competitiveness, innovation and resilience. A report published on 11 March by the European Parliament similarly argued that improving the labour market participation and working conditions of women could help address skills and labour shortages and improve the EU’s productivity and growth. This echoes comments from Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD in the Foreword to the Eighth Report from the independent business-led Review Group Balance for Better Business (B4BB), published in November 2025: “For Ireland to remain competitive in the global market it is vital that we see this progress continue, as we know that the companies with the greatest gender diversity tend to be the best performing, more innovative and more resilient.” The Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 introduced the legislative basis for annual gender pay gap reporting in Ireland. Since 2024, all employers with over 150 employees have been legally obliged to report on their gender pay gap, with this requirement extended in November 2025 to include employers with over 50 staff. However, not all employers are doing this. Legislation will be introduced to make it mandatory to report on their gender pay gap to a centralised reporting database-the Gender Pay Gap Portal. Back to the Sustainability/ESG Bulletin

Tánaiste and Minister of Finance, Simon Harris, has signed into law the Statutory Instruments creating the Irish framework of the European Single Access Point (ESAP), an EU-wide data portal centralising free source of public information about EU companies and investment products. The portal, which is established via EU legislation, aims to improve public access to companies’ financial and non-financial information, including that of SMEs. Minister with responsibility for Small Business and Retail and the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD, described the rollout of the portal as “mark[ing] an important milestone for Irish businesses, particularly SMEs seeking greater visibility and investment opportunities. By providing a single, standardised source of company information, this platform will simplify cross border engagement, improve investor confidence, and contribute to a more connected and competitive European marketplace.” Commenting, the Tánaiste stated that the portal benefits the green transition by centralising sustainability related financial information and illustrates the commitment the Irish government and the EU has to simplifying the investment journey for retail investors and finding ways to boost investment in Ireland’s domestic industry: “Altogether, the ESAP has the potential to bring a myriad of benefits to Irish people whilst simultaneously supporting the objectives of the Savings and Investment Union and making it easier for firms to raise capital across the EU.” The ESAP will be established and administered by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). Designated national collection bodies as well as the European Supervisory Authorities will provide data to ESMA for the purposes of ESAP. Back to the Sustainability/ESG Bulletin

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation,  Jack Chambers TD, this week secured Government approval for the General Scheme of the long awaited Critical Infrastructure Bill.  The Bill, once enacted will allow Government, subject to Dáil approval, to designate specific infrastructure projects as critical. This would then oblige all State bodies involved in the approval process to cooperate and coordinate with each other.  At its core this legislation is designed to speed up the approval process for major pieces of national infrastructure. For far too long critical infrastructure projects have been delayed.A delayed project imposes a cost on the entire economy and as delays mount the cost of the entire project escalates.  The progress on this Bill follows the establishment last week of a Regulatory Simplification Unit by Minister Chambers. 

Earlier this week, the Institute made a submission to the Public Consultation on Northern Ireland’s upcoming Budget 2026. Northern Ireland’s competitiveness depends on an economy that attracts investment, supports entrepreneurs, enables cross-border labour mobility, and expands workforce participation through affordable childcare. Chartered Accountants Ireland urged the Executive to prioritise:  Progress on entrepreneurial tax supports childcare investment, Removal of barriers to cross border working, The activation and use of devolved powers on corporation tax, and Childcare investment.  These actions would increase productivity, stimulate job creation, and strengthen long term fiscal sustainability. Better tax supports for entrepreneurs Entrepreneurs are the backbone of any economy, creating wealth and employment throughout the country.  Entrepreneurs need supports specifically designed for them. Urgent action is needed by the UK Government to rectify the divergence between Northern Ireland and Great Britain in the context of forthcoming changes to the UK’s Tax Advantaged Venture Capital Schemes. Tax supports for entrepreneurs should not be limited to high growth companies but should be expanded to other businesses with a growth mission. A wider review of how the UK tax system can better drive business growth and harness the entrepreneurial spirit of business owners is warranted. Cross-border and remote/hybrid working on the island of Ireland Embracing a more integrated approach to cross border working would offer the opportunity to drive growth, build a more stable future for the entire island, and improve outcomes for communities and citizens in both jurisdictions.  The current rules on cross-border and remote/hybrid working are negatively impacting the all-island labour market. We urged the Executive to work with Treasury and the Irish Government to minimise administrative responsibilities for both employers and employees when a frontier worker works from home a few days a week. The Institute also highlighted the disparity in tax treatment of pension contributions and retirement income. Reduction to the Corporate Tax rate A reduced corporate tax rate in Northern Ireland would attract investment, create well paid, secure jobs, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurialism. The Institute called on the Department of Finance and the Department for the Economy to fund an economic analysis to assess the various impacts of a reduced corporate tax rate in Northern Ireland.  We also called on the Executive to urgently invest in and reform Invest NI to enable the agency to establish critical relationships in major companies and to adequately sell Northern Ireland as a destination for investment. Affordable childcare Affordable and available childcare can boost labour market participation and increase economic productivity. In our most recent research 51% of respondents in Northern Ireland confirmed they had either reduced their working hours or requested to work flexible hours because of childcare pressures. We called on the Executive and the Assembly to prioritise childcare investment in the upcoming Budget.  We welcomed the publication of the draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy and encourage the Executive to implement the measures in it subject to budgetary constraints. 

Last week the Institute responded to the HM Treasury ‘Call for Evidence: Tax Supports for Entrepreneurs’, which was launched on Autumn Budget Day last November. We thank members for their feedback on this important issue. In our submission, the Institute highlights how the draft Finance (No. 2) Bill clauses implementing the Autumn Budget 2025 changes to the various limits for several of the UK’s tax advantaged venture capital schemes would exclude specified Northern Ireland (NI) companies due to EU State Aid rules. The submission also highlights that there is a need for a wider review of how the UK tax system could better support all entrepreneurs, and not just those investing in high growth companies. A specified NI company is currently defined in the Finance (No. 2) Bill as a company that has its registered office in NI which carries on a trade involving a trade in goods, or the generation, transmission, distribution, supply, wholesale trade, or cross-border exchange of electricity. As a result, these NI companies will be unable to benefit from the increased scheme limits from April 2026. This divergence in UK tax policy means that companies in NI who are excluded are being disadvantaged when seeking external finance compared to their competitors across the remainder of the UK for no objective reason other than their location. To level the playing field, the Government needs to take the necessary steps to resolve this issue and enable the April 2026 changes to apply to all companies in NI via discussions through the existing UK-EU structures which underpin the Windsor Framework, followed by an application for State Aid approval.

Chartered Accountants Ireland has reacted to today’s Spring Forecast by urging the UK Government to address the tax barriers that are hampering business growth. The Institute is highlighting the urgent need for UK business tax policy to be revamped so that economic growth is stimulated, the tax system is simplified, and the burden of tax on entrepreneurial investments is reduced.  These recommendations formed the basis of the Institute’s response to HM Treasury’s Call for Evidence on Tax Supports for Entrepreneurs which closed last week. Chartered Accountants Ireland is the largest professional body on the island of Ireland and represents over 5,500 members in Northern Ireland.  UK Tax Manager with Chartered Accountants Ireland, Leontia Doran said   “As expected, today’s Spring Forecast contained no tax policy changes, however the Government cannot stand still in harnessing the talents and skills of the entrepreneurs and small businesses that are the heartbeat of the UK economy.  “In recent years, entrepreneurs have seen the value of their business eroded with higher taxes and employment costs. This leaves less money available to invest back into those businesses for their growth mission. For those selling their business, higher exit taxes means that there is less in their pocket for them to reinvest in other businesses. This will be further compounded by tax rises due to take effect from next month, including the reduced benefit of key Inheritance Tax reliefs.  “The Government recently consulted on how it can better support those investing in high growth companies. We urge the Government to launch a wider review of how the UK tax system can truly deliver a strategic long-term plan for entrepreneurial growth and investment.”    Northern Ireland businesses excluded from improved finance options from April 2026  In the 2025 Autumn Budget, the UK Government announced a series of increases to take effect from April 2026 to several of the UK’s venture capital schemes that provide smaller companies with access to finance and which provide a range of beneficial tax reliefs to the equity investor making these riskier investments.  However, the draft legislation for these changes means that certain Northern Ireland companies will not be able to take advantage of the increased thresholds for these finance schemes.  Doran noted  “We are concerned that the regional impact of UK tax policy has been ignored when it comes to Northern Ireland. For EU State Aid reasons, the Finance Bill specifically excludes Northern Ireland companies who trade in goods or electricity from benefiting from the increased limits which will be available when seeking external finance.  “This divergence in UK tax policy places these companies at a competitive disadvantage compared to similar businesses across the rest of the UK for no reason other than their location. This further hampers their growth and ultimately that of the wider economy.  “The Government needs to begin discussions on this issue as soon as possible via the existing UK-EU structures that underpin the Windsor Framework. This will likely require an application for State Aid approval.”   Northern Ireland Corporation Tax rate reduction  Specific policy measures are still needed to unlock Northern Ireland’s economic potential and its dual market access. As part of this, in 2026 the Institute has continued its campaign for a reduced rate of corporation tax more closely aligned with that across the rest of the island.   Cróna Clohisey, Director of Members and Advocacy, Chartered Accountants Ireland said  "The Chancellor spoke today about economic growth for all parts of the UK. Reducing the corporation tax rate for NI would grow the NI economy and ultimately increase the overall tax take from businesses and employees by attracting higher value FDI, which would support the creation of better jobs and opportunities for all businesses and citizens. Ireland’s successful industrial strategy was not the result of a single policy decision and certainly did not start with a big leap. That vision persisted and grew over the long term. We believe that Northern Ireland now needs that same clarity of purpose — and we call on the UK Government to share and support that vision.   “In the longer term, the gains for Northern Ireland would set a real benchmark for what can be achieved with ambitious tax policies. This is something that we know our members want and which we continue to advocate for in 2026.”