- Read more: The Role of Ireland’s Sustainable Energy Communities in the Just Transition
This community-based research explores the role of Sustainable Energy Communities (SECs) in Ireland, revealing the meaningful social impacts they are creating in their localities, despite acute policy and financial challenges. This paper concludes with policy recommendations to harness the full capacity of community energy in Ireland and advance a more just energy transition
- Read more: How does the European Green Deal Enhance Social and Economic Inclusiveness?
This paper explores the European Union’s Green Deal (EGD) growth strategy, social market economy, and climate resilient implementation, drawing on survey data examining the governance and implementation of the EGD across 27 EU Member States. The author examines how Ireland’s deliberative democracy experience could provide essential food for thought to successfully implement EU Green Deal…
- Read more: Stuck in Traffic: Why Dublin Needs Mobility Hubs
This paper examines mobility hubs, which are integrated transfer points combining car parking, cycling infrastructure, shared mobility services, and real-time transit information, as a practical response to both Dublin’s congestion problem and Ireland’s legally binding commitment to halve transport emissions by 2030.
- Read more: Could Ireland Go Nuclear? Regulatory frameworks, technology choice, and infrastructure issues
The aim of this policy paper is to provide a multi-dimensional assessment of what might be required for the potential deployment of nuclear power in Ireland. We approach this topic through an evidence-based approach, in line with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power report.…
- Read more: Paying for Power: How Should Ireland Support Households in an Energy Crisis?
With rising energy costs, many households in Ireland continue to struggle to afford their energy bills, highlighting the limitations of existing supports. Drawing on European experience, this paper argues that addressing energy poverty requires moving beyond incremental adjustments to the Fuel Allowance towards a broader and more diverse set of financial supports.
- Read more: Who Will Grow Ireland’s Food? Rethinking Policy for a New Generation of Horticulture Entrepreneurs
Ireland’s horticulture sector faces a growing generational challenge that poses risks to both food security and climate objectives. This paper examines the barriers facing new entrants, including access to land, finance, and stable market channels, and argues that policy should move beyond a narrow focus on productivity and place greater emphasis on strengthening supply chain…
- Read more: Addressing Trade-Offs in the Energy Transition
The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) has published Addressing Trade-Offs in the Energy Transition.
- Read more: Accelerating the Transition to a Sustainable Energy System
The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) has published a new report “Accelerating the Transition to a Sustainable Energy System”. This report “examines the energy transition across heat, transport and electricity. It uses innovative systems analysis tools to integrate insights from a range of disciplines and various stakeholders on the key drivers and constraints on…
- Read more: Communication and respect: a people-first approach to social housing energy retrofits
While low-energy retrofits greatly enhance Local Authority dwellings’ comfort levels, the process of renovating with residents in-situ can be stressful for tenants. Based on a case study of an energy retrofit of a social housing scheme for older people, this paper recommends several good practice approaches to minimise negative impacts associated with retrofit works.
- Read more: Pairing Wind and Solar Energy for Better Reliability
Countries in Northern Europe are rapidly increasing their electricity generation from renewables, with large contributions from wind energy and growing volumes of solar PV (photovoltaic). Ireland is no exception here. This brings a key reliability challenge: weather variability can result in multi-day periods of unusually low renewable output, often called “RES (Renewable Energy Sources) droughts”.…
