What Can I do?

The State provides supports in a range of areas to help you play your part in tackling climate change.

Details and links are provided below to help you learn more about these supports and how to access them.

There are a number of grants available to help you upgrade your home, making it warmer and more energy efficient. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is responsible for these grants. Apply now and benefit from lower energy bills.

• Home Energy Upgrade Grants (SEAI): For more information and how to apply
• Home Energy Upgrade Information (SEAI): Learn more about the benefits of upgrading the energy efficiency of your home
• Energy Saving Tips (SEAI): General tips and tricks for saving energy around your home

There are a number of grants and supports available for the installation of solar panels and renewable energy alternatives through the SEAI.

• Solar Energy Information and Grants (SEAI): Information on the generation of electricity through light and support on choosing and installing solar panels in your home, business or community.
• further information on renewable energy alternatives (SEAI): Supporting the development of clean energy technologies in Ireland, including wind, solar, ocean and bioenergy.

Reducing our transport emissions will have a big impact on our climate. This can be done through fewer car journeys and more walking, cycling and use of public transport. One of the most impactful changes we can make is to change from a petrol or diesel vehicle, to an electric vehicle.

Cycling

There are a range of initiatives underway to improve cycling infrastructure nationwide, such as, the Ballybrack Cycleway in Cork and the East Coast Trail.

Cycling facilities and safety in Dublin will be improved as part of the [external-link https://busconnects.ie/initiatives/on-your-bike/ | BusConnects ] initiative.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: A tax incentive for bike and related equipment purchase, to encourage cycling to and from work
• Dublin City Bikes Scheme: A sustainable and efficient public transport choice with networks continually being expanded

Public Transport

Improvements are being made to the bus network through the BusConnects initiative to improve the bus network in Dublin.

• Travel Pass Scheme: Employers can provide monthly or annual taxsaver travel passes for public transport services
• Park & Ride: Many local councils have already established park and ride facilities allowing you to take some the driving out of your commute

Electric Vehicles

There are a number of supports available for people who wish to purchase an electric vehicle.

• up to €5,000 relief on qualifying private vehicles (SEAI)
• up to €3,800 for commercial vehicles (SEAI)
• up to €10,000 for electric small public service vehicles (taxis) (National Transport Authority)
• up to €600 off the cost of installing an EV charger at home (SEAI)
• discounted rates on motor tax and tolls (DTTAS)

When it comes to waste there are a number of things you can do, from avoiding unnecessary waste in the first place, to reusing items and goods, to recycling.

• free collection, recycling and disposal of Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Batteries (WEEE)
• free End of Life Vehicle (ELV) disposal: Authorised Treatment Facilities ensure safe and correct disposal of unusable vehicles
• the mywaste.ie website provides information and support on what you can do at home
• recycle household waste (MyWaste.ie): Further information and tips on dealing with your household waste