Environmental Democracy

In its December 2024 Proposal, the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) recommended 2031–2040 five-year carbon budgets (CB3, 160 MtCO2e, and CB4, 120 MtCO2e). To further inform Ireland’s carbon budget process, this report evaluates the underpinning scenario shortlist data and consistently applies the CCAC 2021 Paris Test methodology to data warming outcomes

This explainer outlines what the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework is and why it matters; where negotiations stand ahead of the 2028–2034 MFF; and how Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026 can shape the outcomes for climate action, environmental protection and social fairness.

The European Commission has launched a Call for Evidence on the Communication on Better Regulation, inviting industry and business stakeholders to share practical input on how EU law-making can be improved. This document contains EJNI’s response to this Call for Evidence. EJNI is part of a coalition of over 50 non-governmental and civil society organisations calling for the protection of...

Climate change has emerged as a policy priority at both global and national levels over the last twenty years. The emergence of national climate laws in many jurisdictions, and the emphasis on land use change as a vehicle for meeting the climate obligations enshrined in these laws, raises important questions about existing land law. The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland)...

EJNI’s submission to Ireland’s public consultation in the matter of Scale Fees in environmental matters under the Planning and Development Act 2024

This paper outlines Environmental Justice Network Ireland’s initial response to Ireland’s Long-term Strategy on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions (2024). The Strategy was published June 26th, 2024.

It is vital that the National Long-Term Climate Action Strategy (nLTS) demonstrates how Ireland will achieve complete decarbonisation across all sectors of the economy, including transport, housing, aviation and shipping. This submission recommends five key areas to include in the revision of the Long-Term Climate Action Strategy. These are: set, and achieve ambitious, climate targets; phase out fossil fuel importation...

In December 2023, Ireland published its draft updated NECP, months late and without complying with public participation requirements. This briefing paper sets out why the NECP revision process is so important, why the approach adopted by Ireland has been so problematic to date and what must be done to course-correct at this critical juncture for Ireland’s planning for net-zero.

The NECP update was a critical moment for Ireland to align its climate policies with both national and EU goals and to strengthen its commitment to a just transition. As Ireland faces increasing pressure to meet its 2030 climate and energy targets, the NECP update provided a unique opportunity to address gaps in existing policies, integrate new climate commitments, and...

This paper sets out a summary of Environmental Justice Network Ireland’s priorities and recommendations for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in July–December 2026. Its aim is to inform government, policymakers, and stakeholders about the key environmental justice and environmental democracy issues that should be advanced during Ireland’s term. The paper highlights the responsibility and opportunity Ireland...