Ireland's first Just Transition Commission has published its first report today (Wednesday, June 18), and has recommended the government create a strategy that "explains its vision" to transition to a climate-neutral economy.

The commission was established in 2024 as an independent advisory body to the government that is focused on bringing a constructive approach to helping Ireland move faster, and fairly, on climate change.

Its report sets out several early reflections and recommendations on how a just transition to a climate neutral economy can help Ireland deliver climate action.

In the report, the chair of the Just Transition Commission, Ali Sheridan said: "In recent years, Ireland has begun to lay the foundations towards unlocking the ambitious action necessary to help secure a safe and thriving future for all.

"We are not on track to reduce our emissions in line with existing commitments. Climate breakdown is worsening, and the impacts will be felt more widely and acutely across our country in the coming years," Sheridan added.

According to the report, there is a widening gap between where Ireland "needs to be" in relation to the Climate Action Plan 2025, and where it is.

It claims that missing and breaching climate limits carries "serious consequences for Ireland", and that falling behind could also lead to "long-term physical changes".

The commission's report makes seven recommendations for Ireland to "unlock the full potential of the climate transition".

The first recommendation, is for the government to create a strategy that explains its vision for a just transition to a climate-neutral economy.

It believes, that there is a need for a "strategic approach" to put just transition at the heart of climate action, and that the strategy should should identify those most at risk and show how the transition will benefit society.

Its second recommendation is to strengthen the governance structure and deliverables associated with just transition planning.

The commission recommends setting just transition targets alongside sectoral actions to guide national and local efforts, and track progress towards a climate-neutral economy.

It also recommends building an understanding of vulnerabilities associated with climate action.

According to the commission, considering sector-specific and geographic vulnerabilities and intersectionality, is required to ensure vulnerable groups are not overlooked.

Its fifth recommendation is to map and review the available data, and address gaps in collecting key data.

The sixth recommendation is to improve National Dialogue on Climate Action (NDCA) through its accessibility, affordability, accountability, and its use of findings.

Finally, the commission has recommended integrating just transition into all messaging and communication around climate action.

It believes that all government departments should integrate just transition messaging across all communication efforts.

The Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the report.

He said: "There is no doubt that we are facing many challenges as a government and society, but we also have huge opportunity.

"We need to better understand what particular challenges sectors of our society are faced with, and to put in place the right plans and measures to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive instead of being left behind," the minister added.