Ireland’s 2030 Climate Action Plan is one of the boldest steps the country has taken in tackling climate change. With a legally binding target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, the plan aims to completely transform how we live, travel, and power our homes and businesses.
In this blog, we break it all down: how Ireland is progressing, what obstacles remain, and ultimately, what does Ireland’s 2030 Climate Action Plan have in store for us all.
How Far Has Ireland Come on Its Green Journey?
Ireland’s plan includes generating 70% of electricity from renewables by 2030—a major move towards a greener grid. But getting there hasn’t been easy.
Here are a few bumps in the road:
- Not enough EV charging points for the growing number of electric vehicles.
- Home heating still relies heavily on fossil fuels, with many households using oil or gas.
- Agricultural emissions remain stubbornly high, especially methane from livestock.
According to The Irish Times, unless these issues are tackled head-on, Ireland could fall short of its net-zero by 2050 goal.
What’s in the 2030 Climate Action Plan?
At its heart, the plan aims to cut emissions by 55% by 2030 (updated from 50%) and shift Ireland toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
Key focus areas include:
1. Energy:
Massive investment in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.
2. Transport:
More cycling and walking infrastructure, public transport upgrades, and EV incentives.
3. Homes:
Retrofitting homes for better energy efficiency and phasing out fossil-fuel heating.
4. Agriculture:
More sustainable farming practices and land use changes.
What Key Changes Will the 2030 Climate Action Plan Bring?
So, if you’ve been wondering “What does Ireland’s 2030 Climate Action Plan have in store for us?”—it’s a complete transformation of how we power our homes, travel, grow food, and live day to day.
1. A Big Switch to Renewable Energy
One of the cornerstones of Ireland’s 2030 Climate Action Plan is a major shift to cleaner energy. The goal? To generate 70% of our electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar by 2030.
To make this happen, the plan includes big investments in offshore wind farms, solar panel installations, and modernising the national electricity grid.
At the same time, Ireland will be phasing out fossil fuels like coal, peat, and turf. It’s a bold move—but a crucial one if we’re serious about cutting carbon emissions and powering the country more sustainably.
2. Making Homes More Energy-Efficient
By 2030, the plan is to retrofit at least 500,000 existing homes to reach a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or higher. That’s a big step towards reducing household emissions and energy waste.
These upgrades can include:
- Better insulation
- Energy-efficient windows and doors
- Smart heating systems and controls
To encourage people to make the switch, the government is offering financial support and grants. So not only will these improvements lower your carbon footprint—they’ll also help cut energy bills and make homes warmer, healthier, and more comfortable.
3. Goodbye to Single-Use Plastics
Plastic pollution is a growing problem, and Ireland is taking action. The Climate Action Plan includes a ban on single-use plastics, such as:
- Polystyrene food containers
- Plastic cups and lids
- Single-use cutlery and drink holders
Instead, the focus is on encouraging eco-friendly alternatives—like reusable or compostable packaging.
It’s a simple but powerful way to protect Ireland’s environment and push for more sustainable habits.
4. Greener Public Transport Is on the Way
A key part of Ireland’s 2030 Climate Action Plan is building a cleaner, more efficient public transport system. One of the big changes coming is the rollout of 1,200 low-emission buses in major cities across the country.
These buses will be powered by electric or hybrid technology, which means fewer emissions and cleaner air in our towns and cities.
But it’s not just about the buses. The plan also includes upgrading infrastructure—think dedicated bus lanes, charging stations, and smarter routes to make public transport more reliable and attractive.
The aim? To encourage more people to leave the car at home, reduce traffic jams, and cut down on urban air pollution.
5. Driving the Shift to Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Ireland has set an ambitious target: 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. To make this happen, the government is ramping up efforts to expand the nationwide EV charging network, making it easier for drivers to go electric with confidence.
There’s also real support for making the switch. From grants to tax incentives, the plan is helping to make EVs more affordable for both individuals and businesses.
By moving away from petrol and diesel cars, this initiative will play a big role in cutting transport emissions and pushing Ireland towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future—one journey at a time.
Why Immediate Action is Crucial for Ireland’s Climate Future?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has raised concerns about Ireland’s rising emissions—especially in transport, housing, and agriculture. Without stronger, faster action, Ireland could miss its 2030 targets and face financial penalties under the EU Green Deal.
Understanding what Ireland’s 2030 Climate Action Plan has in store for us isn’t just about policy—it’s about the future of our homes, communities, and environment. The sooner we act, the better chance we have at building a greener, healthier Ireland for everyone.
Conclusion
So—what does Ireland’s 2030 Climate Action Plan have in store for us ? In short: a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable Ireland. With big goals like cutting emissions by 55%, switching to 70% renewable energy, retrofitting homes, and transitioning to electric transport, the plan lays out a bold path forward.
One of the easiest and most impactful steps you can take? Switch to solar energy. It’s a smart way to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint while directly supporting Ireland’s shift to renewables.
Ready to take the next step?
Reach out to SPV Energy for expert advice and hassle-free solar panel installation. Together, we can build a better, more sustainable future—powered by clean energy.
Let’s make it happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Ireland’s 2030 Climate Action Plan?
Ireland’s 2030 Climate Action Plan is a roadmap for reducing the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by the year 2030. It focuses on transforming energy, transport, housing, and agriculture to create a cleaner, low-carbon future and help Ireland reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
2. Will the Climate Action Plan lower my energy bills?
Yes—one of the plan’s goals is to improve energy efficiency in homes. By retrofitting older homes and switching to renewable energy like solar, households can use less power and save money over time. Government grants are also available to help cover the costs.
3. How is transport changing under Ireland’s Climate Plan?
The plan targets 1 million electric vehicles (EVs) on Irish roads by 2030. It also includes more EV charging points, low-emission buses, better cycling infrastructure, and improved public transport—making it easier and cleaner to get around.
4. What are the main changes for farmers in the Climate Action Plan?
The agriculture sector will see a shift towards more sustainable farming. This includes reducing methane emissions from livestock, better land use practices, and investing in eco-friendly technology to lower the environmental impact of food production.
5. How is Ireland increasing renewable energy?
Ireland plans to generate 70% of its electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar by 2030. That means major investment in offshore wind farms, solar panel installations, and upgrading the national grid to support clean energy.
6. How can I support Ireland’s climate goals at home?
You can make a difference by improving your home’s energy efficiency, switching to an electric car, cutting back on single-use plastics, or installing solar panels. These steps help reduce your carbon footprint—and support Ireland’s push for a greener future.