AQW 43017/22-27

Mrs Deborah Erskine
Democratic Unionist Party
Fermanagh and South Tyrone

Tabled Date: 24/03/2026
Answered On Date: 03/04/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether his Department has undertaken a review of climate change legislation in relation to the ability to meet 2030 targets.

Answer:

My focus remains firmly on the delivery of our legislative commitments which were approved by the Assembly. As such my Department has not undertaken a review of the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 in relation to the ability to meet the 2030 target.

Work on our first Climate Action Plan (CAP1) covering the period 2023-2027 is at an advanced development stage following an extensive public consultation. CAP1 sets out details of emissions reduction policies and proposals to meet our first Carbon Budget to ensure that we stay on track for meeting our emissions reduction targets. I intend to shortly bring the final CAP1 to the Executive for agreement. Separately work has also commenced on the development of our Second Climate Action Plan (CAP2) which covers the period 2028-2032 during which the 2030 target falls.

I remain committed to working with my Executive colleagues to deliver credible Climate Action Plans which meet our agreed legislated commitments and in doing so ensure that we stay on the right pathway to deliver a just and fair transition to net zero.