2026 marks the halfway point in Ireland’s commitments under our 2030 national and international emissions reduction goals, and we are increasingly experiencing the impacts of extreme weather which have increased in frequency and magnitude due to climate change. Therefore, it is timely to assess our progress to date and to consider pathways beyond 2030 towards our objectives of climate neutrality and resilience. As well as setting out the national and international policy context, the Climate Conference 2026 will explore these themes through presentations from experts on the challenges and opportunities across society, as well as bringing practical insights and experience on how a range of key sectors are working towards achieving a decarbonised resilience.
Timings are approximate and subject to change as the event is finalised. Presentations are expected to be approx. 15min.
09:00
Registration & Refreshments
Session 1 – Policy Context
Chair: Paul O’Neill, DCEE
09:30
EPA Welcome:
Dr. Eimear Cotter, Director General, Environmental Protection Agency
09:40
Navigating EU Climate Policy in the context of complex geopolitics:
Elina Bardram, DG CLIMA
09:55
The role of the CCAC and highlights from the 2026 Electricity Sectoral Review:
Alex White, Climate Change Advisory Council
10:10
National evidence for climate action: climate risk, greenhouse gas emissions, and behavioural science:
Dr. Conor Quinlan, EPA
10:25
Panel Discussion and Q&A
10:50
Tea/Coffee
Session 2: Science and Evidence Base
Chair: Dr Darragh O’Neill, EPA
11:20
The challenges and pathways to decarbonising heat in our buildings:
Margie McCarthy, SEAI
11:35
Incentivising climate action in the agriculture and land use sectors:
Prof. Alan Matthews, Emeritus Fellow, TCD
11:50
Strengthening democracy for a just transition to sustainability:
Prof. Claire Dupont, Ghent University
12:05
Q&A
12:30
Lunch
Ministerial Address
14:00
Minister’s Address:
Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment
Session 3: Resilient Decarbonisation – sectoral experience & insights
Chair: Roni Hawe, EPA
14:15
Iarnród Éireann: Railways, resilience and climate action:
Mark Conroy, Iarnród Éireann
14:30
Delivering a secure and sustainable energy future:
Paddy Hayes, ESB
14:45
Key areas for consideration in achieving a sustainable built environment:
Ali Grehan, Irish Green Building Council
15:00
Q&A
15:30
Reflections:
Roni Hawe, EPA
15:40
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