The Government has today, Monday, June 17, published the Climate Action Plan, led by Minister Richard Bruton, to “give Irish people a cleaner, safer and more sustainable future”.

In a statement, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment said that the plan would entail 180 “actions”, and “hundreds” of sub-actions.

The department has argued that “warning signs are growing, and the time for taking actions is rapidly reducing”.

Below is a list of some of the main proposed actions of the new plan:

The plan also makes references to the country’s network of cycling paths and ‘park and ride’ facilities, saying these will be expanded.

Launching the plan, Minister Bruton said: “We are currently 85% dependent on fossil fuels. This plan sets out radical reforms, which will cut our reliance on carbon, making our businesses more competitive, our homes more sustainable and our farms more efficient.”

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said: “So we will work with people, industry and communities to chart the best and most inclusive way forward. A way forward that is both effective and sensible.

“Our approach will be to nudge people and businesses to change behaviour and adapt new technologies through incentives, disincentives, regulations and information. Our objective, as we plan for the future, is to transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient society,” he added.