Committee probes Ireland's emissions gap and deposit return scheme

Joint Committee Scrutinises Climate Targets and Recycling Schemes

The Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy is set to convene in two distinct sessions at Leinster House this Wednesday, 9th July 2026. The primary agenda involves a rigorous examination of Ireland's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections for the period between 2025 and 2030.

In the first session, scheduled from 12:30 to 13:30, the Committee will engage with representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí, the Cathaoirleach, highlighted concerns that recent analysis suggests the nation may only achieve a 25% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. The committee aims to understand the barriers preventing faster progress and identify necessary measures to meet ambitious climate goals while securing public health and energy stability.

The afternoon session, running from 13:30 to 14:45, will focus on the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). This discussion involves Re-Turn, the private not-for-profit operator of the scheme, and the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association. While Re-Turn reports over three billion bottles and cans returned with targets on track, retailers have expressed financial concerns regarding current handling fees. The committee seeks to clarify how the scheme is funded through producer fees and recyclable material revenues to ensure its long-term viability for Ireland's circular economy.