The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2020 establishes a 2050 emissions target and introduces a system of successive five-year, economy-wide carbon budgets starting in 2021.

The bill strengthens the role of the Climate Change Advisory Council in proposing carbon budgets and gives a stronger oversight role for the Oireachtas through a new committee.

It will also require government and all local authorities to prepare and regularly revise Climate Action Plans, as well as requiring a national, long-term Climate Action Strategy every decade.

The bill draws on recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Climate, as well as those of the Oireachtas committee on climate action.

Environment Minister Eamon Ryan said: “The Climate Action bill is a radical departure for Ireland and one that puts our country on a new course. It creates a new target to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, which will change our economy and society at every level.

“We will change how we heat our homes, generate power, move around our country, grow our food and run our businesses. It sends a clear signal to every sector that it must reshape its activities to reduce emissions.

“I believe it also creates great opportunities for Ireland to be a leader in renewable power, repair and retrofitting, sustainable agriculture and the circular economy. This is where the jobs of the future will come from. Our young people have told us it is time to act and today we are answering that challenge, by putting our commitments into law.”