November 13, 2025 View all news Responding to the Climate Change Advisory Council’s latest cross-sectoral review of Government climate action [1], Sean McLoughlin, Climate Policy Campaigner for Friends of the Earth, has stated:“This report has said what communities across Ireland already know - the Government is failing to deliver. While Government is talking up its climate credentials at COP right now, the state is falling dangerously behind on its climate commitments, and every delay pushes us further from a fair, liveable future. The Council reiterates risks of EU fines of up to €26 billion and emphasises the urgent need for Government to clarify how it plans to manage breaches in emissions limits and treatment of both land-use and unallocated emissions. It is notable that the Council highlights the agriculture and transport sectors as ‘proving particularly slow and challenging’.”Sean McLoughlin continued: “It is significant that the Council’s two main recommendations relate to failures in delivering key elements of the energy transition. Ireland will hold the EU Council Presidency next year, but instead of taking the initiative, this Government is risking major reputational damage by failing to transpose vital EU climate and energy laws.” The Council does not hold back. It notes that it “is extremely disappointed and deeply concerned that transposition and other important deadlines are being missed…”, highlighting in particular the EU Renewable Energy Directive, Energy Efficiency Directive and other regulations such as requirement to submit a social climate plan by June 2025, which is key to responding to energy poverty and supporting vulnerable households.”The Council also draws attention to Ireland’s continued over-reliance on fossil fuel subsidies, The Council emphasises that ‘In 2024, fossil fuel subsidies totalled €4.7 billion, while households paid €3.4 billion in environmental taxes. In 2023, households paid €3 billion in environmental taxes but received only €408 million (or 14%) back in subsidies’. “The Council could not be clearer: the Government must finally deliver a fair reform of energy taxes and fossil fuel subsidies. It’s time to stop rewarding pollution and start supporting people. People will be taking to the streets this Saturday for a major climate march in Dublin to show their frustration on the consistent Government foot-dragging as outlined in the Council’s report and raises their hopes for a better future where Ireland delivers on climate action.[2] ”Notes1. The Climate Change Advisory Council’s latest Report is available here - https://www.climatecouncil.ie/councilpublications/annualreviewandreport/CCAC-AR2025-Cross-sectoral-final.pdf 2. See https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/events/join-us-at-the-national-climate-march/ Categorised in: Climate Change Tagged with: Faster and Fairer Climate Action