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For more information on this release:
E-mail: environment@cso.ie Clare O'Hara Gerry Brady
For general information on CSO statistics:
information@cso.ie (+353) 21 453 5000 On-line ISSN 2009-9983
CSO statistical release, , 11am

Environmental Subsidies and Similar Transfers

2019

Table A: Environmental Subsidies and Similar Transfers, 2015-2019
€m % of Total
Scheme20152016201720182019 2019-2018 2019
Total transfers*5777269111,1211,036 -85 100%
of which         
Capital Investment Plan (Wastewater)168199212230315 85 30%
Green Low-carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS)12103196232213 -19 21%
PSO Levy support to Electricity Generation from Renewable Resources94181263367134 -233 13%
Vehicle Registration Tax Relief for Electric Vehicles69162848 20 5%
Local Authority Estate Energy Retrofit5653333547 13 5%
First Fix Free Leak Repair Scheme717192945 16 4%
Other Schemes235165173201234 33 23%
*Due to rounding, totals may not correspond precisely with the sum of the categories

Environmental Subsidies and Similar Transfers fell 8% in 2019

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In 2019, environmental subsidies and similar transfers in Ireland were €1.0 billion, which was €85 million lower than in 2018 (see Table A). The main reason for the decrease was a reduction of €233 million in PSO Levy support to electricity generation from renewable sources in 2019 compared with 2018. Funding for wastewater infrastructure under the Capital Investment Plan increased by €85 million and tax relief for Electric Vehicles increased by €20 million from 2018 to 2019. See infographic.

Figure 1 shows total subsidies and similar transfers for environmental protection and resource management activities from 2000-2019. Environmental protection transfers peaked in 2008, decreased sharply from 2010-2013 and rose steadily from 2016-2019. Resource management transfers showed an overall increasing trend but fell in 2019 due to the reduction in PSO Levy renewable energy subsidy.

In 2019 67% (€697 million) of total environmental transfers went to environmental protection, while 33%, or €339 million, went to resource management.

Climate-related Subsidies

Figure 2 shows the annual amount of climate-related subsidies and similar transfers from 2000-2019. In 2000, transfers for climate protection were €0.2 million. This rose to €8 million in 2005, €81 million in 2010, €102 million in 2015 and €253 million in 2019. The decrease from 2018 to 2019 was due to the reduction in the PSO Levy support to electricity generation from renewable sources.

YearClimate-related subsidies
20000.157
20010.2974
20020.6082
20033.9704
20048.8093
20058.3793
20067.7371
200724.1887
200825.2442
200928.8806
201080.4603
201172.2119
201255.1565
201361.9701
201470.903
2015101.6288
2016172.3888
2017248.3192
2018322.0852
2019253.2024

Measurement of climate-related subsidies was carried out through the use of Rio Markers. Subsidy schemes that were principally targeted at climate protection were fully counted as climate-related subsidies. Schemes with multiple objectives which included climate protection as a significant aim, were partially included, i.e. 40% of the amount of the subsidy was included. For example, energy efficiency schemes generally specify a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as a significant objective, therefore 40% of funding towards energy efficiency programmes was counted as climate-related. Further information on the use of Rio Markers, as well as a list of climate-related subsidy schemes, is included in the Background Notes to this release.

An environmental subsidy or similar transfer is a current or capital transfer, or tax abatement, which is intended to support activities that protect the environment or reduce the use and extraction of natural resources.

Environmental protection activities aim to prevent or reduce pollution and other negative impacts on the environment. Resource management activities aim to preserve natural resources against over-consumption.

The classifications used are based on the UN System of Environmental-Economic Accounting and are explained in the Background Notes.

Analysis by Environmental Domain

Figure 3 shows the distribution of environmental protection transfers by domain from 2000-2019. In 2019, wastewater management received the largest share of transfers, primarily through the funding of Irish Water's Capital Investment Plan by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (see Tables 2.2 and 8). Protection of biodiversity and landscapes received the next largest share of the total in 2019. The largest biodiversity-related scheme in 2019 was the Green, Low-emissions, Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS), which was co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the EU (see Tables 2.6 and 8).

Transfers targeted at the protection of ambient air and climate received 10% of the total in 2019. The increase in funding for this environmental domain from 2013 onwards was partly due to increases in electric vehicle grants administered by the SEAI and Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) Relief on electric vehicles (see Table 2.1).

YearProtection of air and climateWastewater managementWaste managementProtection and remediation of soil, groundwater and surface waterProtection of biodiversity and landscapesResearch and development for environmental protectionNoise and vibration abatement; Protection against radiation; Other environmental protection activities
20000.493322.63779.99610.1799205.61121.28672.0292
20010.6734402.36511.89990.2139164.92311.8612.6699
20020.69379.248414.46730.2412172.99222.50492.9119
20030.7662324.325418.68860.2021185.23923.27262.3475
20041.7263266.684522.50780.4738210.74393.65862.4641
20052.5113246.548826.44190.5273286.68463.50752.6213
20065.9585283.149728.63038.0543334.57253.65343.8952
20079.3851403.538233.0129.7543317.83586.61133.2194
200810.1588675.111634.697546.7245325.65946.95773.7486
20093.0729570.727136.04116.1681356.24279.14143.473
20104.3915597.703333.98435.8822340.89017.8513.4765
20113.3219268.572628.239711.7946285.96657.54543.7305
20127.4373161.098220.965810.982264.65934.88463.673
20135.6827136.600920.525813.2728216.92328.12873.8338
20146.9104158.942215.70212.2122211.86264.38653.5075
201516.014172.080915.552812.4824140.74245.53573.1161
201628.0223199.44713.762315.9532152.06078.1553.0571
201747.8725213.006917.701314.2516218.72657.0532.9097
201870.2354230.957318.874121.5657245.10366.8043.1492
2019108.243316.187119.048417.0393225.15938.29033.1637

Figure 4 shows the distribution of environmental subsidies and similar transfers across resource management domains from 2000-2019.

YearManagement of watersManagement of forest resourcesManagement of wild flora and faunaProduction of energy from renewable resourcesHeat/Energy saving and managementResearch and development for resource managementManagement of minerals; Minimisation of the intake of fossil resources; Other resource management activities
200000.0040.129001.28670.14
2001000.17600.08311.8610.1576
200200.12050.3680.0152.64892.50490.2102
200300.091.0047.92964.51193.27260.2202
200400.2940.495118.42022.9533.65860.2158
200500.18535.209414.7384.61523.50750.2305
200600.851913.08442.22949.8313.48390.6204
200702.266112.68673.127238.68375.88460.6783
200801.246635.60467.145939.20366.08551.3031
200900.798323.03477.356847.87147.85661.0927
201000.55161.791767.9213111.40627.06121.1622
201100.41451.339547.0151117.90786.8441.3778
20120.0080.61051.261338.214375.8484.88461.3648
201300.42261.207356.311265.69874.3971.3407
20140.0190.25711.801844.681998.18674.16651.37
20156.5780.10551.273897.4549101.75293.2761.3132
201616.91260.09721.6017183.37597.95314.25361.1575
201718.64070.14451.2697267.143796.62734.33131.0579
201829.1650.18271.1826372.5834114.80425.28331.1314
201945.250.32411.9384144.3045141.37674.77291.0608

The main purposes of environmental transfers in 2019 were production of energy from renewable sources, heat/energy saving and management, and management of waters. The support to electricity generation from renewable sources was mainly from funds collected through the PSO Levy on electricity consumers (see Table 2.13A). A number of grant schemes supported energy-saving measures, primarily programmes run by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), as well as funding for energy efficiency retro-fitting of local authority housing (see Table 2.13B). Irish Water's First Fix Free Leak Repair Scheme was the source of most of the funding provided for management of waters.

Table 1 gives a full breakdown of environmental subsidies and similar transfers by environmental domain from 2010-2019, while Tables 2.1-2.16 itemise the individual schemes and payments under each domain from 2010-2019.

Analysis by NACE Sector

YearAgriculture, forestry and fishingManufacturing, energy and constructionCommercial and other servicesPublic servicesHouseholds
2000221.19826.6284.4253311.54210
2001179.01886.15436.104395.46720.1395
2002188.96067.39887.5228374.8990.1422
2003217.407319.53729.0719305.57660.2769
2004237.326730.976410.5501254.15641.2862
2005318.308526.792310.498239.66652.063
2006377.216517.868611.0138281.93589.9801
2007454.186331.163116.9256308.334436.0471
2008783.616124.021521.0596331.261933.523
2009681.223618.56926.8095310.726333.8832
2010648.034176.486821.7942330.7141103.3238
2011325.063359.952325.3252267.399104.9443
2012267.168652.013418.5724191.70565.4325
2013220.298168.378818.7758168.376157.8166
2014215.472248.289917.0901190.713991.5402
2015147.3481101.933819.3924205.7472101.7573
2016160.3302185.725430.9511232.4486115.4532
2017237.7112268.99633.2058256.9991110.7247
2018271.1503372.762636.8409284.6608151.9072
2019250.5862151.444737.9512367.3552224.8612

Figure 5 shows how environmental subsidies and similar transfers were distributed to different sectors of the economy from 2000-2019. Agri-environment schemes aimed at encouraging biodiversity-friendly farming accounted for the majority of transfers to agriculture, forestry and fishing. Most transfers to the public sector were made to Local Authorities and Irish Water. Transfers to manufacturing, energy and construction were mainly targeted at renewable energy sources and heat/energy saving. Households benefitted from grants to carry out energy efficiency measures in their homes and electric vehicle programmes. Tables 4 and 5 provide detailed breakdowns of environmental transfers by benefitting institutional sector and economic activity.

Type of Transfer

YearCapital TransfersCurrent TransfersTax Abatements
2000320.5505223.24310
2001400.5404186.2870.0564
2002380.9903197.89610.037
2003332.3641219.47180.034
2004273.4955259.82020.98
2005258.651337.02731.65
2006317.7558375.25655.0025
2007460.2925378.00088.3895
2008805.6983379.30668.6426
2009665.8509404.1412.8848
2010703.4367477.30713.3292
2011383.8058397.76162.5027
2012247.4777345.68182.7323
2013205.8356326.14712.3629
2014218.5199341.39614.0903
2015261.1395309.28916.8502
2016298.4918417.35449.9621
2017327.0948564.91918.7229
2018379.3259710.053631.6424
2019517.3497466.936851.872

In 2019, for the first year since 2011, capital transfers exceeded current transfers, meaning that in 2019 more funding was used for investment than to support day-to-day operating expenditure. Capital transfers were 50% of total environmental subsidies and similar transfers in 2019, while current transfers were 45% and tax abatements (such as VRT relief on electric vehicles) were 5%. Further details are available in Tables 3 and 6.

Source of Funding

The source of funding for environmental subsidies and similar transfers in 2019 is shown in Figure 7. In 2019, environmental transfers were predominantly funded nationally (86%) while the remaining 14% came from the EU (see Tables 7 and 8). The largest contribution was from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, which provided €433 million to Irish Water and Local Authority schemes.

 

2019
Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine123.70676
Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment127.12547
Department of Housing, Planning & Local Government433.0927
Other Government Departments22.38618
EU141.87077
PSO Levy133.91058
Tax Abatements51.87195
Other2.19397

Table 8 shows the amounts of environmental subsidies and similar transfers funded by different government departments, environment taxes, tax abatements and the EU from 2016-2019, as well as the amounts falling under the administration of different public bodies.

Table 1 Environmental Transfers by Environmental Protection and Resource Management Domain, 2010-2019
€000
Environmental Protection/Resource Management Domain2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
01 Protection of ambient air and climate4,3923,3227,4375,6836,91016,01428,02247,87370,235108,243
02 Wastewater management597,703268,573161,098136,601158,942172,081199,447213,007230,957316,187
03 Waste management33,98428,24020,96620,52615,70215,55313,76217,70118,87419,048
04 Protection and remediation of soil, groundwater and surface water5,88211,79510,98213,27312,21212,48215,95314,25221,56617,039
05 Noise and vibration abatement201468667838386423183165214233
06 Protection of biodiversity and landscapes340,890285,967264,659216,923211,863140,742152,061218,727245,104225,159
07 Protection against radiation304242200200400
08 Research and development for environmental protection7,8517,5454,8858,1294,3875,5368,1557,0536,8048,290
09 Other environmental protection activities2,9723,0212,8062,7962,7222,6932,8742,7452,9352,931
10 Management of waters080196,57816,91318,64129,16545,250
11 Management of forest resources55241561142325710697145183324
12 Management of wild flora and fauna1,7921,3401,2611,2071,8021,2741,6021,2701,1831,938
13A Production of energy from renewable sources67,92147,01538,21456,31144,68297,455183,375267,144372,583144,305
13B Heat/Energy saving and management111,406117,90875,84865,69998,187101,75397,95396,627114,804141,377
13C Minimisation of the intake of fossil resources as raw materials122366366366335
14 Management of minerals96133
15 Research and development for resource management7,0616,8444,8854,3974,1673,2764,2544,3315,2834,773
16 Other resource management activities1,1621,2569999751,0049781,1581,0581,035928
          
Total1,184,073784,070595,892534,346564,006577,279725,808910,7371,121,0221,036,158
– No transfers identified
Open in Excel: ESST2019TBL1 (XLS 12KB)
Table 2.1 Environmental Transfers for the Protection of Ambient Air and Climate, 2010-2019
€000
Programme2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Air Pollution Control (Local Authorities)201468667838386423183165214233
Aran Islands Electric Vehicle Programme75857790
Climate Change and Flooding (Local Authorities)3231,742
Electric Vehicle Programme1987712521,2072,6443,0394,2729,79622,339
EU LIFE: Farm4More378
Geneva Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution35374057164142383436
Green, Low-carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS)01,14510,26219,55823,19821,339
Green Climate Fund2,0002,0002,0002,000
Green Schools Travel Programme799603714586632606660659572580
Greenways1002,6351,4167134,6071,4722,3751,3034,160
Low Emission Slurry Scheme (LESS)5032,3713,9236,528
Smart Farming2530
Stockholm Convention315212320262524038
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change135132142142112137140128105128
Vehicle Registration Tax Relief on Electric Vehicles2,7291,2031,7321,6633,1905,7509,06215,62327,94247,912
Vienna Convention/Montreal Protocol489492629629626635635660800801
           
Total4,3923,3227,4375,6836,91016,01428,02247,87370,235108,243
– Programme not in operation or no payments made
Table 2.2 Environmental Transfers for Wastewater Management, 2010-2019
€000
Programme2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Animal Carcase Disposal Scheme25
Capital Investment Plan (Wastewater)150,000168,000199,000212,000230,000315,000
Farm Waste Management Scheme298,14932,63939152131041
Rural Water Programme (Wastewater)8,68210,2625,3046,3077771,146212199294534
Wastewater Treatment Facilities (Local Authorities)7,1035,5295,0405,3777,8552,935235767663654
Water Services Investment Programme (Wastewater)283,744220,143150,363124,396
           
Total597,703268,573161,098136,601158,942172,081199,447213,007230,957316,187
– Programme not in operation or no payments made
Table 2.3 Environmental Transfers for Waste Management, 2010-2019
€000
Programme2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Animal Carcase Disposal Scheme25
Basel Convention3922231921242301618
EU LIFE: Whey2LIFE340
Fallen Animals Scheme6,7973,3582,2672,3112,8202,0052,0562,6823,3163,046
Green Health Programme1001651209865131160140800
Green Hospitality Awards15037429624614353
GreenBusiness.ie/SMILE300612655717614548455435318
Litter Management (Local Authorities)1,9872,2252,4921,7631,8691,4381,2782,4002,7663,141
Local Authority Waste Prevention Network308476371396218221273191276239
Packaging Prevention Programme10812150
Recycling Facilities (Local Authorities)13,78611,8516,4896,2562,6122,3331,2211,7191,290874
Resources and Raw Materials96133
Smart Farming2530
Stop Food Waste/Food Waste Prevention Programme100192312213830174170229368
Street Cleaning (Local Authorities)6714053055001518018
Waste Collection Services (Local Authorities)1,398820615452389372486677537559
Waste Planning and Regulation (Local Authorities)8,5187,9967,2628,0406,8138,0307,6369,2749,7459,953
Waste Processing Facilities Scheme4000400330
          
Total33,98428,24020,96620,52615,70215,55313,76217,70118,87419,048
– Programme not in operation or no payments made
Table 2.4 Environmental Transfers for the Protection and Remediation of Soil, Groundwater and Surface Water, 2010-2019
€000
Programme2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Community Water Development Fund167139
EU LIFE: EcoSens Aquamonitrix162324
Landfill Remediation3,5261,0013,3008,5987,6734,5067,8165,72110,2506,956
Landfill Remediation (Environment Fund)6,0024,110
Operation and Aftercare of Landfill (Local Authorities)397499254121112798306462213
Organic Farming Scheme1,9594,2933,3184,5544,4277,9698,0398,22510,4999,377
Smart Farming2530
           
Total5,88211,79510,98213,27312,21212,48215,95314,25221,56617,039
– Programme not in operation or no payments made
Table 2.5 Environmental Transfers for Noise and Vibration Abatement, 2010-2019
€000
Programme2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Noise Pollution Control (Local Authorities)201468667838386423183165214233
           
Total201468667838386423183165214233
Table 2.6 Environmental Transfers for the Protection of Biodiversity and Landscapes, 2010-2019
€000
Programme2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS)012,19053,78558,14860,76779,80132,11916,1997,445
Burren Farming for Conservation Programme6398581,1471,0591,0441,0311,1819051,0021,355
Cartagena Biosafety Protocol02401413151511024
Cessation of Turf-Cutting Compensation Scheme453,1173,0973,6193,5874,0553,9834,1454,804
Chalara (Reconstitution of Woodlands) Scheme00277510275179324729524
Chough, Goose, Swan and Wader Farm Plan Schemes317362353236320369372340293350
Community Water Development Fund1916
Corncrake Farm Plan Scheme189203314142604043605829
Corncrake Grant Scheme205188208226175716181106118109
Data Collection Scheme7,7647,9458,1969,019
EU LIFE: AranLIFE127382382382382286
EU LIFE: Blackwater SAMOK187187187187187
EU LIFE: CAISIE185185185
EU LIFE: GeoparkLIFE53211211211211211
EU LIFE: Integrated Project - Waters of Life221
EU LIFE: KerryLIFE203407407407407407
EU LIFE: MulkearLIFE174174174174
EU LIFE: Raised Bog Project2582582582582581,0821,0821,0821,082
EU LIFE: RaptorLIFE308308308308308
EU LIFE: Roseate Tern52208208208208
European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Projects175
Forest Environment Protection Scheme11,5384,6522,3901,3874317,3176,6116,0795,7395,432
Green, Low-carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS)010,30892,354176,025208,780192,051
Hen Harrier Farm Plan Scheme2,5182,7932,5652,3082,1858281092397
Heritage Council Biodiversity Grants713744554257374323370259406209
Locally-led Freshwater Pearl Mussel Programme664
Locally-led Hen Harrier Programme1,2293,634
Marine Biodiversity Scheme7506434963333305592791,3262,0681,952
Minamata Convention on Mercury7
National Biodiversity Data Centre570590655749683705790818771828
Native Woodland Conservation Scheme41041561142325710697145183324
Native Woodland Establishment Scheme72215872232504774889595620609
Natterjack Toad Scheme50505050505050383533
Neighbourwood7214117459206752460
OSPAR Convention39604749516041254045
Owenduff, Twelve Bens and Other Farm Plan Schemes1,2191,4981,2751,0643076756304743
Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS)320,580259,551195,990145,856138,94032,0091,844920
Traditional Buildings Scheme752836693
          
Total340,890285,967264,659216,923211,863140,742152,061218,727245,104225,159
– Programme not in operation or no payments made
Table 2.7 Environmental Transfers for Protection against Radiation, 2010-2019
€000
 2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland304242200200400
           
Total304242200200400
– Programme not in operation
Table 2.8 Environmental Transfers for Research and Development for Environmental Protection, 2010-2019
€000
 2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Cleaner Greener Production Programme/Green Enterprise25021123111357194279171186164
Food Institutional Research Measure (FIRM)0047802182182180731
Forestry Research Programme790192013531255981039660572769
ICRAG Groundwater research70324366355243
ICRAG Marine Geoscience research280235163162114
Research Stimulus Fund50901900951093208513164321661
STRIVE Research Programme6,8116,6334,6544,3873,8093,0823,9754,1605,0974,609
          
Total7,8517,5454,8858,1294,3875,5368,1557,0536,8048,290
– Programme not in operation or no payments made
Table 2.9 Environmental Transfers for Other Environmental Protection Activities, 2009-2019
€000
 2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Aarhus Convention13182114588888
Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment1010
Environment Fund NGO Grants461473392422437413413430530530
Environment Fund Project Grants39939024817876382267710837
European Environmental Bureau2020101010105
Global Environment Facility1,4691,4201,4201,4211,4691,4201,4201,4211,4201,440
Green Communities Programme393838359
Green Home Programme50636338349
Green Schools Programme10010090100909095100100105
Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund152192169200198190194221221257
OECD Environmental Compliance Indicators55
UN Environment Fund317317361361358507508478538550
          
Total2,9723,0212,8062,7962,7222,6932,8742,7452,9352,931
– Programme not in operation or no payments made
Table 2.10 Environmental Transfers for the Management of Waters, 2011-2019
€000
Programme2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
EU LIFE: Dublin Urban Rivers LIFE161323
First Fix Free Scheme6,55416,87818,64129,00444,927
Rainwater Harvesting Scheme0801924340
          
Total0080196,57816,91318,64129,16545,250
– Programme not in operation
Table 2.11 Environmental Transfers for the Management of Forest Resources, 2010-2019
€000
Programme2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
EU LIFE: CleanWood142
Native Woodland Conservation Scheme41041561142325710697145183324
           
Total55241561142325710697145183324
– Programme not in operation
Table 2.12 Environmental Transfers for the Management of Wild Flora and Fauna, 2010-2019
€000
Programme2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Heritage Council Wildlife Grants16
Lobster V-Notching Scheme85637186253320336342398260
Marine Environment Protection Scheme325279178141315296
Salmon Conservation Fund641195595267557241354338
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (Fisheries Conservation)1,01054222173563037519424353173
Seafood Environmental Management Part A1671783451916
Seafood Environmental Management Part B182278117
Sustainable Fisheries Scheme5154443791,168
Whitefish Fleet Decommissioning Scheme7
           
Total1,7921,3401,2611,2071,8021,2741,6021,2701,1831,938
– Programme not in operation or no payments made
Table 2.13A Environmental Transfers for the Production of Energy from Renewable Sources, 2010-2019
€000
Programme2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Bioenergy Scheme974304245172101103598
Biomass Harvesting Equipment Scheme0
Environmental Aid Scheme - Renewable Energy080016600000
Microgeneration28030
Ocean Energy Programme2452,0881,2064166282,1071,7621,4612,0831,740
Operation and Maintenance of Waste to Energy Facilities000000565495406
PSO Levy: Electricity Generation from Renewable Sources64,07543,22636,44754,58443,08894,300180,900263,008366,726133,911
Re-Heat Deployment1,748331
Renewable Energy RD&D5991,0353163396999457082,0113,2803,972
Solar PV4,276
          
Total67,92147,01538,21456,31144,68297,455183,375267,144372,583144,305
– Programme not in operation or no payments made
Table 2.13B Environmental Transfers for Heat/Energy Saving and Management, 2010-2019
€000
Programme2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Accelerated Allowances for Energy Efficient Equipment6001,3001,0007009001,1009003,1003,7003,960*
Better Energy Communities/Community Energy1,7837,78214,58316,07414,65021,60419,23518,953
Better Energy Homes45,36257,67328,92213,1329,89614,32517,03016,33017,22122,563
Better Energy Workplaces.10,93611,3081,826
CHP Deployment1,535376
Deep Retrofit Pilot Scheme7524,7535,837
Energy Efficiency Retrofit Fund7,561746
Energy in Education Programme1001055734
EU LIFE: WISER13423023023077
Environmental Aid Scheme - Energy Efficiency2,0003,9382,3484,9092,5792,08385010,607
EXEED Programme3821,5561,7312,877
Greener Homes Scheme6,2164,561
House of Tomorrow211
Industry and Business Programme8671,3989871,2901,0597841,0631,4852,0482,114
Industry RD&D150
Local Authority Estate Energy Retrofit36,30132,72719,84926,95257,03456,43152,54533,08634,81847,453
Public Sector Energy Efficiency Programme2110003163834485,42912,3288,417
Public Sector Programme151
Schools/Education Programme6096118231240369322318443501
Smart Farming2530
Warmer Homes Scheme12,3188,0969,8819,74811,5717,0907,4558,04012,95714,924
Warmth and Well-being Scheme3142,6144,6183,140
           
Total111,406117,90875,84865,69998,187101,75397,95396,627114,804141,377
– Programme not in operation or no payments made
* Provisional
Table 2.13C Environmental Transfers for the Minimisation of the Intake of Fossil Resources as Raw Materials, 2011-2015
€000
Programme2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
EU LIFE: DEPOTEC122366366366335
      
Total01223663663663350000
– Programme not in operation
Table 2.14 Environmental Transfers for the Management of Minerals, 2010-2019
€000
Programme2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Resources and Raw Materials96133
   
Total0000000096133
– Programme not in operation or no payments made
Table 2.15 Environmental Transfers for Research and Development for Resource Management, 2010-2019
€000
Programme2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Cleaner Greener Production Programme/Green Enterprise25021123111357194279171186164
STRIVE Research Programme6,8116,6334,6544,3873,8093,0823,9754,1605,0974,609
          
Total7,0616,8444,8854,3974,1673,2764,2544,3315,2834,773
Table 2.16 Environmental Transfers for Other Resource Management Activities, 2010-2019
€000
Programme2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Environment Fund NGO Grants461473392422437413413430530530
Environment Fund Project Grants39939024817876382267710837
EU LIFE: WISER13423023023077
Green Communities Programme.393838359
Green Home Programme50636338349
Green Schools Programme10010090100909095100100105
Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund152192169200198190194221221257
          
Total1,1621,2569999751,0049781,1581,0581,035928
– Programme not in operation or no payments made
Table 3 Environmental Transfers by Type of Transfer, 2010-2019
€000
Type of Transfer2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Capital703,437383,806247,478205,836218,520261,140298,492327,095379,326517,350
Current477,307397,762345,682326,147341,396309,289417,354564,919710,054466,937
Tax Abatement3,3292,5032,7322,3634,0906,8509,96218,72331,64251,872
           
Total1,184,073784,070595,892534,346564,006577,279725,808910,7371,121,0221,036,158
Open in Excel: ESST2019TBL3 (XLS 12KB)
Table 4 Environmental Transfers by Institutional Sector of Beneficiary, 2010-2019
€000
Institutional Sector2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
S.11 Non-financial corporations735,823396,497327,950295,266273,134259,792359,246522,325662,472421,029
S.12 Financial corporations541017212253944303131
S.13 General government330,651266,724191,123167,380188,613203,627238,050262,669291,881375,490
S.14 Households103,324104,94465,43357,81791,540101,757115,453110,725151,907224,861
S.15 Non-profit institutions serving households11,67313,3498,50511,1177,9839,1818,14810,1859,7609,648
S.2 Rest of the world2,5492,5462,7092,7542,7102,8824,8674,8034,9725,099
           
Total1,184,073784,070595,892534,346564,006577,279725,808910,7371,121,0221,036,158
Open in Excel: ESST2019TBL4 (XLS 12KB)
Table 5 Environmental Transfers by NACE Section of Beneficiary, 2010-2019
€000
NACE Rev. 2 Section2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
A: Agriculture, forestry and fishing648,034325,063267,169220,298215,472147,348160,330237,711271,150250,586
B: Mining and quarrying447180
C: Manufacturing industries3,2595,3898,9047,1834,2186,2074,4035,1914,60715,498
D: Electricity, gas and air64,25944,07636,85754,68543,29694,581181,110263,606367,700135,090
E: Water, sewerage, and waste8,79510,4426,1646,4317771,146212199456857
F: Construction174118
G: Wholesale and retail4081,149752182137106167326394499
H: Transportation and storage1924742806
I: Accommodation and food services activities775874442454273201116243357393
J: Information and communication2337709916610678145304378499
K: Financial and insurance activities5427622112253944303131
L: Real estate6968
M: Professional, scientific and technical activities14,48015,84710,85711,6039,00210,67520,07221,07224,41925,475
N: Administrative and support services677066726155464432
O: Public administration326,169263,222188,860164,395184,505198,894226,020246,310272,023356,379
P: Education3,3363,1512,1762,5583,6513,9673,7375,8636,8866,134
Q: Human health and social work activities1,2101,0276691,4232,5592,8862,6914,8265,7514,842
R: Arts and recreation17596182
S: Other services2,8623,1552,8973,5284,7765,3565,4956,3856,2595,956
U: Extra territorial2,5492,5462,7092,7542,7102,8824,8674,8034,9725,099
Households103,324104,94465,43357,81791,540101,757115,453110,725151,907224,861
Not assigned3,7201,3861,0007009001,1009003,1003,7003,960
          
Total1,184,073784,070595,892534,346564,006577,279725,808910,7371,121,0221,036,158
– No transfers identified
Open in Excel: ESST2019TBL5 (XLS 14KB)
Table 6 Environmental Transfers by Type of Transfer, 2010-2019
€000
Type of Transfer2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
D.39 Subsidies on production331,962283,201253,958209,029207,517131,725158,672236,101267,709242,888
D.63 Social transfers in kind43,75637,51427,76334,91466,57263,41460,47143,90652,70965,986
D.73 Other current transfers within government34,96531,27524,80424,86621,50916,96712,44417,10117,93819,053
D.74 Current international cooperation2,5492,5462,7092,7542,7102,8824,8674,8034,9725,099
D.92 Investment grants703,430383,761244,361202,739214,901257,553294,436323,112375,180512,546
D.99 Other capital transfers7453,1173,0973,6193,5874,0553,9834,1454,804
Tax abatements3,3292,5032,7322,3634,0906,8509,96218,72331,64251,872
Price supports64,07543,22636,44754,58443,08894,300180,900263,008366,726133,911
           
Total1,184,073784,070595,892534,346564,006577,279725,808910,7371,121,0221,036,158
Open in Excel: ESST2019TBL6 (XLS 11KB)
Table 7 Environmental Transfers by Source of Funding (National and EU), 2010-2019
€000
Source of Funding2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
National1,004,885627,471442,136410,231411,129493,943635,954777,221969,076894,288
EU179,188156,599153,755124,115152,87883,33689,855133,516151,946141,871
           
Total1,184,073784,070595,892534,346564,006577,279725,808910,7371,121,0221,036,158
Open in Excel: ESST2019TBL7 (XLS 12KB)
Table 8 Environmental Subsidies and Similar Transfers by Source of Funding and Administering Body, 2016-2019
€000
Source of Funding*Administering Body2016201720182019
Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine 81,697116,051130,475123,707
 Bord Iascaigh Mhara425390388714
Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine78,514111,109124,815117,688
Environmental Protection Agency00100120
Heritage Council0752836693
Marine Institute2,7593,8004,3364,492
      
Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation 3,1382,6111,36710,964
Enterprise Ireland2,5792,08385010,607
Science Foundation Ireland558528517357
      
Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment 61,60380,248107,087127,125
Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment5,8656,2396,9797,130
Environmental Protection Agency9,5699,59811,66210,418
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland46,16964,41188,446109,578
     
Department of Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht 6,2965,9266,1526,682
Heritage Council1,1601,0771,1771,037
National Parks and Wildlife Service5,1374,8494,9755,644
     
Department of Housing, Planning & Local Government 287,813285,723321,482433,093
Department of Housing, Planning & Local Government19,39021,99627,47525,558
Irish Water215,878230,641259,004359,927
Local Authorities52,54533,08635,00447,608
     
Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport 2,1323,0341,8754,740
Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport2,1323,0341,8754,740
      
Environment Fund 1,8551,6561,9171,856
Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment1,8551,6561,9171,856
     
EU 89,855133,516151,946141,871
Bord Iascaigh Mhara425396388714
Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine81,358124,862143,133131,358
EU LIFE Programme2,7862,7862,4973,319
Marine Institute5,2855,4715,9286,479
      
PSO Levy 180,900263,008366,726133,911
Commission for Regulation of Utilities180,900263,008366,726133,911
     
Salmon Conservation Fund 557241353338
Inland Fisheries Ireland557241353338
     
Tax Abatements 9,96218,72331,64251,872
Revenue9,96218,72331,64251,872
    
Total 725,808910,7371,121,0221,036,158
*Government Department names from 2019 are used. Some schemes which fell under particular Departments in 2019 changed to a different Department in 2020
Open in Excel: ESST2019TBL8 (XLS 12KB)

Background Notes

Environmental Accounts

As part of the implementation of the UN System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) [1], Eurostat, the European statistical office, has developed a series of environmental accounts modules, including the Environmental Subsidies and Similar Transfers module. Eurostat has sought data under this module since 2015 and will continue to seek annual submissions. Data collection is currently voluntary but may eventually be established on a legal basis. Ireland has submitted data for these voluntary collections and this release is based on those submissions.

Environmental Subsidies and Similar Transfers

The UN SEEA Central Framework defines an environmental subsidy or similar transfer as a:
"current or capital transfer that is intended to support activities which protect the environment or reduce the use and extraction of natural resources".

This definition includes environmental subsidies and similar transfers that are current or capital transfers according to the SNA 2008 [2] and its European version, the ESA 2010 [3].

Types of Transfer

Type of Transfer ESA 2010 Definition
Other subsidies on production (D.39) Current unrequited payments other than subsidies on products which general government or the institutions of the EU make to resident producers.
Social transfers in kind (D.63) Goods and services provided for free or at prices that are not economically significant to individual households by government units and non-profit institutions serving households.
Current transfers within general government (D.73) Transfers between the different subsectors of general government (central government, local government, social security funds) with the exception of taxes, subsidies, investment grants and other capital transfers.
Current international cooperation (D.74) Transfers in cash or in kind between general government and governments or international organisations in the rest of the world, except investment grants and other capital transfers.
Miscellaneous current transfers (D.75) Current transfers to non-profit institutions serving households, and other miscellaneous current transfers.
Investment grants (D.92) Capital transfers in cash or in kind made by governments or by the rest of the world to other institutional units to finance all or part of the costs of their acquiring fixed assets.
Other capital transfers (D.99) Transfers other than investment grants and capital taxes which do not themselves redistribute income but redistribute saving or wealth among the different sectors or subsectors of the economy or the rest of the world.

Although tax abatements and price supports are not covered in the definition of transfers above, we have included statistics on environment-related tax abatements and on the PSO Levy subsidy to electricity generation from renewable sources in this release as these are significant environmental transfers and are important for environmental policy-making.

Primary Purpose Criterion and Rio Markers

Some subsidies and similar transfers can have environmentally favourable side-effects even though this is not a primary objective of the programme. Such transfers were not included in this release. For example, subsidies for public transport were not included even though they may have the effect of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is consistent with the Eurostat guidelines for compiling statistics on environmental subsidies and similar transfers. Eurostat guidelines are in turn based on the UN SEEA Central Framework.

Some programmes have multiple significant objectives, one or more of which may be environmental. Transfers provided under these programmes were partially included in this release. Where possible this was done by obtaining information on the amount of expenditure relating to the environmental objective under the programme. Where this was not possible we included a percentage of the funding, using the Rio Markers approach [5], as follows:

Percentage Description
100% The principal objective of the programme is environmental protection or resource management
40% One of the significant objectives of the programme is environmental protection or resource management
0% There is no significant objective of the programme related to environmental protection or resource management

Funding under the following schemes was included at a rate of 40%: Chalara Scheme, Fallen Animals Scheme, Green Schools Travel Programme, Greenways, Neighbourwood and Warmer Homes Scheme.

Climate-related Subsidies

The annual amount paid in climate-related subsidies was also estimated in this release through the use of Rio Markers [5]. In this case if the principal objective of the programme was climate protection then the full amount of the subsidy was included (100%), while if one of a number of significant objectives was climate protection then it was partially included (40%).

Some energy efficiency, renewable energy and forestry schemes have climate protection as a significant objective, resulting in 40% of payments under these programmes being included as climate-related. A list of climate-related subsidy schemes is provided in these notes and can be found at the end of the full list of programmes.

Environmental Protection and Resource Management Classifications

Environmental protection includes all activities and actions which have as their primary purpose the prevention, reduction and elimination of pollution as well as any other degradation of the environment. Resource management is the preservation, maintenance and enhancement of the stock of natural resources.

Environmental subsidies and similar transfers can be classified by the environmental protection or natural resource domain towards which they are targeted. We have used the CEPA (Classification of Environmental Protection Activities) and CReMA (Classification of Resource Management Activities) classifications.

CEPA is an internationally agreed classification of environmental protection activities by environmental domain and is included in the amended Regulation (EU) No 691/2011 [4]:

CEPA 2000
    01. Protection of ambient air and climate
    02. Wastewater management
    03. Waste management
    04. Protection and remediation of soil, groundwater and surface water
    05. Noise and vibration abatement
    06. Protection of biodiversity and landscapes
    07. Protection against radiation
    08. Research and development for environmental protection
    09. Other environmental protection activities

CReMA can be used to classify environmental subsidies and similar transfers for resource management. It is also included in the amended Regulation (EU) No 691/2011:

CReMA 2008
    10. Management of waters
    11. Management of forest resources
    12. Management of wild flora and fauna
    13. Management of energy resources
          13A. Production of energy from renewable sources
          13B. Heat/energy saving and management
          13C. Minimisation of the intake of fossil resources for raw materials for uses other than energy production
    14. Management of minerals
    15. Research and development for resource management
    16. Other resource management activities

The majority of environmental programmes identified in this release fell clearly into a single CEPA/CReMA domain. However a number of programmes had multiple environmental objectives, or provided small grants to different projects with different environmental aims. In these latter cases the subsidy or grant payment was distributed between two or more environmental domains. Wherever possible this was carried out using data on amounts paid under each domain, otherwise proportions were estimated using expert knowledge on the programme or information about the programme objectives.

Institutional Sectors and Economic Activities of Beneficiaries

We have compiled data on the entities that receive environmental subsidies and similar transfers from the national government and from the EU. The beneficiaries are classified according to their institutional sector and their economic activity as follows:

(i) Institutional sector. An institutional sector is defined in ESA 2010 as an aggregation of institutional units with similar economic behaviour. The following institutional sectors are distinguished:

Sector Title
S.11 Non-financial corporations
S.12 Financial corporations
S.13 General government
S.14 Households
S.15 Non-profit institutions serving households
S.2 Rest of the world

(ii) Economic activity. NACE [6] is the European reference classification for statistics related to economic activities.

Section Title
A Agriculture, forestry and fishing
B Mining and quarrying
C Manufacturing
D Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
E Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
F Construction
G Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
H Transportation and storage
I Accommodation and food service activities
J Information and communication
K Financial and insurance activities
L Real estate activities
M Professional, scientific and technical activities
N Administrative and support service activities
O Public administration and defence; compulsory social security
P Education
Q Human health and social work activities
R Arts, entertainment and recreation
S Other service activities
T Activities of householders as employers and producers
U Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies

Allocation of funding to NACE sections and institutional sectors was straightforward for certain programmes but was challenging in some cases. In particular, the specific NACE section of the recipients of industry and commercial services grants (such as energy efficiency retrofit grants) was often difficult to identify. Details of grant recipients were sometimes published in the annual reports of the coordinating bodies. Otherwise we requested the data from the relevant organisations. The beneficiaries were assigned to NACE sections using the CSO’s Business Register.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

BIM Bord Iascaigh Mhara (Sea Fisheries Board)
DAFM Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
DCCAE Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
DCHG Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
DHPLG Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government
DTTS Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
IFI Inland Fisheries Ireland
NPWS National Parks and Wildlife Service
SEAI Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

Data Sources

Much of the information was collected from the publicly available annual accounts of government departments and organisations. CSO Government Finance Statistics were very useful as they sometimes provided more detail than the published annual reports. Local authority annual financial statements contain information on subsidies and grants received from central government for specific purposes.

The largest number of environmental transfers were run by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. We contacted the agriculture, forestry and marine divisions of the department directly in order to request data on relevant programmes along with a breakdown of the funding by national and EU contributions, current and capital amounts and information about the NACE section of the beneficiaries.

The EPA, the SEAI and BIM provided data on grant recipients that allowed for classification by institutional sector and NACE. Some of this information was published in their annual reports and some was obtained through direct requests for data to the relevant organisation.

Annual costs of tax expenditures are published on the Revenue website. Where further details were required we contacted the Revenue Statistics division directly.

Note on the Environment Fund: The Environment Fund was established under the Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001. Revenue from the plastic bag levy and the landfill levy is paid into the Fund, which is then used to finance national and international environment-related organisations, programmes, projects and activities. The Environment Fund is managed by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment and in the programme descriptions that follow it is referred to as the national Environment Fund.

Time Series

Data on environmental subsidies and similar transfers are available from 2000-2019. In this release we have published data from 2010-2019. Data for earlier years can be found in previous releases. The full time series from 2000-2019 is available from the CSO's dissemination database PxStat. A link to the PxStat data on environmental subsidies and similar transfers can be found at the top right-hand side of this release.

Revisions

We received figures for expenditure on the wastewater portion of the Capital Investment Plan from Irish Water, resulting in revisions to our data for 2017 and 2018.

New methodological guidance from Eurostat resulted in the removal of VRT relief on purchases of flexible fuel vehicles from figures for VRT Relief on Electric Vehicles. This resulted in significant revisions to the data from 2006-2013.

We excluded the portion of the PSO Levy subsidy that related to biomass co-firing with peat for the years 2017-2019. The amount of the subsidy to co-firing in 2016 was not available but may be estimated in future work.

Since 2015 the Native Woodland Establishment Scheme (NWES) and the Forest Environmental Protection Scheme (FEPS) form part of the Afforestation Scheme, which is currently not included in this release. This year we obtained amounts of ongoing grant and premia payments for sites planted under FEPS and NWE prior to 2015. Grant payments and premia for NWES and FEPS sites newly approved under the Afforestation Scheme since 2015 are not included in this release. We hope to address this in future releases.

List of Programmes

Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters
The contribution by the Irish government to the Aarhus Convention is a current transfer to an international organisation paid from the national Environment Fund. As it relates to environmental regulation and information it is classified under CEPA 09: Other environmental protection activities.

Accelerated Capital Allowances for Energy Efficient Equipment
This tax abatement scheme began in 2009 and is aimed at encouraging investment in energy-efficient equipment so it is classified as CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS)
The main objective of AEOS is to promote farming practices that are favourable to biodiversity. Subsidies, as well as some capital grants, have been made by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to farmers since 2011 for the implementation of measures such as maintaining traditional hay meadows or grassland. The scheme is co-funded by the EU and falls under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

Air Pollution Control (Local Authorities)
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government subsidises the implementation of air pollution, noise pollution and water quality control measures by local authorities. We made the assumption of an even distribution of funds between the three areas and therefore included one-third of the total as a current transfer under CEPA 01: Protection of ambient air and climate. A further one-third was assigned to CEPA 05: Noise and vibration abatement (see Noise pollution control (Local authorities) below) while the water quality expenditure is not included as its primary purpose is health rather than environment protection.

Animal Carcase Disposal Scheme
This capital grant scheme was designed to facilitate the appropriate handling, storage and collection of fallen farm animals with funding specifically provided for the improvement of wastewater collection and treatment. The programme is classified under CEPA 02: Wastewater management and CEPA 03: Waste management. We have distributed the funding evenly between the two environmental domains. The scheme began in 2002 under the National Development Plan and ran until 2010. Payments were made by the Department of Agriculture to farmers.

Aran Islands Electric Vehicle Programme
The aim of this SEAI programme is to demonstrate the potential for electric vehicles charged by wind energy to meet transport requirements on the Aran Islands. It is a capital grant scheme and is classified as CEPA 01: Protection of ambient air and climate.

Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal
This contribution by government to an international organisation is a current transfer paid from the national Environment Fund. It is classified under the environmental domain CEPA 03: Waste management.

Better Energy Communities/Community Energy
This SEAI capital grant programme began in 2012 and brings together various organisations and sectors within communities under the same retrofit programme. The aim of the programme is to deliver energy savings so it is classified under CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Better Energy Homes
The SEAI Better Energy Homes Scheme was introduced in 2009 with the aim of encouraging home-owners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes by providing a capital grant to participants. The scheme operates nationally and is open to owners of dwellings built prior to 2006. It is classified under CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Better Energy Workplaces
This SEAI capital grant programme for energy efficient retrofitting in public and private sector organisations ran from 2011-2013 and is classified under CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Bioenergy Scheme
The Bioenergy Scheme was launched first as a pilot programme in 2007 and then as an EU co-funded scheme under the Rural Development Programme in 2010. The Department of Agriculture and the EU provide establishment grants to farmers to grow Willow and Miscanthus for the production of biomass suitable for use as a renewable source of energy. The scheme is classified as CReMA 13A: Production of energy from renewable resources.

Biomass Harvesting Equipment Scheme
The purpose of this Department of Agriculture scheme, which ran from 2007 to 2010, was to support the purchase of biomass harvesting and processing equipment by farmers. The scheme is classified as CReMA 13A: Production of energy from renewable resources.

Burren Farming for Conservation Programme/Burren Life Programme
The objective of this scheme is to implement farm plans that protect the environment in the Burren, in particular the habitats listed in Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive that occur within the Burren. The scheme is administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and participating farmers are funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the EU. The Programme name changed to Burren Life Programme in 2015.  It is classified under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

Capital Investment Plan (Wastewater)
Irish Water’s Capital Investment Plan began in 2014 and aims to continue the work of the Water Services Investment Programme. Here we include the wastewater investment portion of the plan under CEPA 02: Wastewater management.

Cartagena Biosafety Protocol
This contribution by government to an international organisation is a current transfer paid from the national Environment Fund. It is classified under the environmental domain CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes as its purpose is to protect biodiversity from the potential risks posed by genetically modified organisms.

Cessation of Turf-Cutting Compensation Scheme
Turf-cutting is restricted on 53 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in Ireland. The Cessation of Turf-Cutting Compensation Scheme was introduced by the NPWS in 2011 to compensate households affected by the restriction. The objective is to protect biodiversity and habitats so the payments are included under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

Chalara (Reconstitution of Woodlands) Scheme
Ash dieback is a disease that affects ash trees. It is caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (previously known as Chalara fraxinea). This Department of Agriculture scheme aims to restore forests affected by the disease and as many of these woodlands will have been afforested under the FEPS and NWE programmes (see below) we partially included the Chalara Scheme under the environmental domain CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes. Partial inclusion of schemes is implemented by including a percentage of funding under those programmes whose environmental protection or resource management objective(s) may not be the only motivation for the implementation of the programme. In the case of the Chalara Scheme much of the woodland restoration will involve the afforestation of cultivated forest for commercial timber production.

Chough, Goose and Wader Farm Plan Schemes
Under these NPWS Farm Plan Schemes, capital grant payments are made to farmers in Special Protection Areas to encourage them to protect the habitats of birds that are listed in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive[7]. These programmes are classified as CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

CHP Deployment Scheme
The SEAI’s Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Deployment programme provided grants to enterprises for the deployment of small-scale CHP systems. The programme closed in 2011. It is classified under CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Cleaner Greener Production Programme/Green Enterprise
The EPA launched the Cleaner Greener Production Programme (CGPP) in 2001 as a capital grant scheme to promote environmentally friendly practices in Irish industries. It has been funded under the EPA’s research programme and is therefore classified under CEPA 08: Environmental research and development and CReMA 15: Research and development activities for resource management. The funding was distributed evenly between the environmental protection and resource management classes.  Data was provided by the EPA for the years 2010-2017. As no figures for 2001-2009 were available we estimated the total funding paid out under the scheme in those years based on EPA reports.

Climate Change and Flooding (Local Authorities)
This funding was provided by central government to local authorities beginning in 2018. It is classified under CEPA 01: Protection of ambient air and climate.

Community Development Water Fund
Part of the River Basin Management Plan, the Community Water Development Fund supports community initiatives to improve water quality. The fund is open to all community and voluntary groups who want to get involved in the protection and restoration of clean and healthy waters in their local area. As some of the funded projects also aimed at biodiversity protection, the programme was classified at 90% under CEPA 04: Protection and remediation of soil, groundwater and surface water and 10% under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

Conservation and Management of Fisheries
Capital grants for the Conservation and Management of Fisheries were made by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources up to and including 2006, with some of the expenditure being recouped from the EU. In 2007 the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority took over the role. The programme is classified under the resource management domain CReMA 12: Management of wild flora and fauna. The national and EU share of the payments was estimated for the years 2001 and 2003.

Contaminated Soil Forum
This was a contribution made by the Irish government in 2006 and 2009 to an international organisation and is a current transfer paid from the national Environment Fund. It is classified under the environmental domain CEPA 04: Protection and remediation of soil, groundwater and surface water.

Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context
This current transfer from the Irish government to an international organisation was paid from 2008-2011 from the national Environment Fund. It sets out the obligation of countries to notify each other of all major projects under consideration that are likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact across boundaries. It is classified under the environmental domain CEPA 09: Other environmental protection activities.

Corncrake Farm Plan Scheme
The aim of the NPWS Corncrake Farm Plan Scheme is to encourage farmers to mow their meadows later in the year and to mow in a corncrake-friendly manner. This capital grant scheme is classified as CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

Corncrake Grant Scheme
This capital grant scheme is aimed at landowners who have corncrakes on or near their meadows, to encourage them to mow their meadows later in the year and to mow in a corncrake-friendly manner.  It is also run by the NPWS and is classified as CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes. 

Data Collection Scheme
The Data Collection Scheme supports policy and management of fisheries at National and EU level through compilation and analysis of scientific and economic data on fisheries. It is co-funded by the EU under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). The Marine Institute has received the funding for the scheme from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine since it began in 2016.

EIP Projects
The European Innovation Partnerships Initiative funds projects under the Rural Development Plan. The grants were assigned to CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes. Administrative payments were excluded from the totals in this release.

Electric Vehicle Programme
Since 2011, the SEAI offers capital grants to householders towards the purchase of electric vehicles. The aim of the grant scheme is to reduce air pollutant emissions so the funding was assigned to CEPA 01: Protection of ambient air and climate.

Energy Efficiency Retrofit Fund
This SEAI capital grant programme was available to public and private sector organisations in 2010 and 2011 for the implementation of energy efficiency projects. It is classified under CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Energy in Education Programme
This SEAI programme promotes energy efficiency in schools and is classified as a current transfer under CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Environment Fund Project Grants
These projects, funded through the national Environment Fund, include the Young Environmentalist Awards, the Cork Environment Forum, the Green Awards and the SWAN and VOICE non-governmental organisations. They are classified as CEPA 09: Other environmental protection activities and CReMA 16: Other resource management activities, with the assumption of an even distribution of funding between the two classes. Not all grants paid from the national Environment Fund were included as there was a risk of double-counting, in particular with programmes that may have involved the Heritage Council or the Local Authorities.

Environment Fund NGO Grants
These payments are towards capacity-building, core funding and project funding for environmental non-government organisations in Ireland. They are classified as CEPA 09: Other environmental protection activities and CReMA 16: Other resource management activities, with the assumption of an even distribution of funding between the two classes.

Environmental Aid Scheme
The Environmental Aid Scheme is administered by Enterprise Ireland and provides grants to industry for energy efficiency and renewable energy investments. The energy efficiency grants are classified as CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management, and the renewable energy grants are classified as CReMA 13A: Production of energy from renewable resources. The scheme has been in operation since 2012 but figures were obtained for the first time for this release.

Environmentally Friendly Fishing Gear
This BIM programme promoted the use of environmentally friendly fishing techniques through capital grants and is classified under CReMA 12: Management of Wild Flora and Fauna. It was co-funded by the EU.

ERTDI (Environmental Research, Technological Development and Innovation) Research Programme
ERDTI was the title of the EPA’s research programme up to and including 2006. In 2007 the new research programme STRIVE was launched. Both are classified under CEPA 08: Environmental research and development and CReMA 15: Research and development activities for resource management. We distributed the research funding evenly between the environmental protection and resource management classes.

EU LIFE programmes – general note: EU LIFE programmes are jointly funded by the EU LIFE programme and national organisations. With a single exception, we have included only the EU contribution to the funding in order to avoid possible double-counting with other national programmes such as agri-environment schemes. Information on the total EU funding provided over the lifetime of the project was readily available; however it proved difficult to obtain details of the annual expenditure. Therefore for most of the EU LIFE programmes that follow we have distributed the total funding evenly across the project lifetime.

EU LIFE programmes: AranLIFE
The AranLIFE project began in 2014. It aims to develop and demonstrate the best conservation management practices of local farmers on the designated Natura 2000 sites of the three islands (protected habitats for flora and fauna of European importance). It is classified under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

EU LIFE programmes: Blackwater SAMOK
This project worked towards the conservation and restoration of endangered fish, mammals and birds found in the Munster Blackwater River Special Area of Conservation. It is classified under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

EU LIFE programmes: Blanket Bog Project
Blanket bog is listed for protection in Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive, which means that EU member states must protect the best representative examples of blanket bog habitat in Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). This subsidy scheme is classified as CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

EU LIFE programmes: BurrenLIFE
The overall objective of BurrenLIFE was to develop a new model for sustainable agriculture in the Burren in order to conserve the habitats of the region designated under the Habitats Directive. It was a subsidy to farmers and is classified as CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes. This programme ran from 2005-2009. Its successor, the Burren Farming for Conservation/Burren Life programme, is currently in operation.

EU LIFE programmes: CAISIE
The full name of this programme is “Control of Aquatic Invasive Species and restoration of natural communities in Ireland”. It ran from 2009-2012 and is classified as CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

EU LIFE programmes: CleanWood
This programme ran from 2006 to 2010 and aimed to demonstrate the environmental and competitive benefits of recovering waste wood for reuse. It is classified under CReMA 11: Management of forest resources.

EU LIFE programmes: DEPOTEC
This project aimed to use a depolymerisation process to recycle waste tyres into products that can be used for rubber manufacturing. It ran from 2011 to 2015 and is classified under CReMA 13C: Minimisation of the intake of fossil resources for raw materials for uses other than energy production.

EU LIFE programmes: DfAuto
The DfAuto project aimed to improve environmental compliance in the automotive sector. It is classified under CEPA 09: Other environmental protection activities.

EU LIFE programmes: Dublin Urban Rivers LIFE
This project seeks to improve water quality in County Dublin by improving domestic misconnection inspections. This programme was classified under CReMA 10/ Management of waters.

EU LIFE programmes: Duck Slurry
This project aimed to develop a mechanism for the processing of duck slurry into a solid fertiliser, thus reducing water contamination. It is classified under the environmental domain CEPA 04: Protection and remediation of soil, groundwater and surface water.

EU LIFE programmes: EcoSens Aquamonitrix
This project aims at developing new technologies to improve water quality monitoring.  This programme was assigned to CEPA 04: Protection and remediation of soil, groundwater and surface water.

EU LIFE programmes: Epicentre
This project aimed to support environmental performance improvements in organisations across the EU and is classified under CEPA 09: Other environmental protection activities.

EU LIFE programmes: Farm4More
This project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock and is classified under CEPA 01: Protection of ambient air and climate.

EU LIFE programmes: GeoparkLIFE
GeoparkLIFE is a conservation programme established by the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark that seeks a balance between the tourism interests and the conservation needs of the Geopark region. It is classified under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

EU LIFE programmes: Golden Eagle
This project aimed to start a re-introduction programme for the golden eagle in the Glenveagh National Park in Donegal and is classified under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

EU LIFE programmes: HEATSUN
The project aimed to address the issue of electrical and electronic waste management in the Dublin region and is classified under CEPA 03: Waste management.

EU LIFE programmes: IP-Waters of Life
This project aims to support the implementation of measures to protect and enhance high-status waters. It is classified under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

EU LIFE programmes: KerryLIFE
The KerryLIFE project aims to promote agricultural and forestry practices that are compatible with the conservation of the pearl mussel. It is classified under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

EU LIFE programmes: MulkearLIFE
The objective of the MulkearLIFE programme was the restoration of the Lower Shannon Special Area of Conservation for the sea lamprey, the Atlantic salmon and the European otter. The project was coordinated by Inland Fisheries Ireland and is classified as CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

EU LIFE programmes: Raised Bog Project
Coillte coordinated two EU LIFE projects on raised bog restoration, the first ran between 2004-2008 and the second in 2011-2015. A third began in 2016 and was coordinated by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, which also part-funded the project. Funding provided by DCHG since 2016 is included in this release. All are classified as CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

EU LIFE programmes: RaptorLIFE
This EU LIFE project was launched in 2015 and aims to restore habitats for the hen harrier, the merlin, the Atlantic salmon and the brook lamprey in Duhallow in County Cork. It is classified as CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

EU LIFE programmes: Restoring Priority Woodland
This project aimed to restore natural woodland habitat by removing non-native trees and invasive exotic shrubs. It ran from 2006-2009 and is classified as CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

EU LIFE programmes: Roseate Tern
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Birdwatch Ireland were involved in this project to improve the conservation prospects of the roseate tern in the UK and Ireland. Three Special Protection Areas in Ireland and four in the UK were chosen for the project. Accordingly three-sevenths of the project funding was included here under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

EU LIFE programmes: Termoncarragh
The objective of this project was to enhance the habitat conditions for breeding and wintering at Termoncarragh Lake Special Protection Area. It is classified under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

EU LIFE programmes: Tyre/Wood Block
The objective of this programme was to demonstrate the environmental and competitive benefits of a pallet block that re-used tyre-derived waste materials, sawmilling residues and woodchip from discarded pallets. It is classified under CReMA 11: Management of forest resources and CReMA 13C: Minimisation of the intake of fossil resources for raw materials for uses other than energy production. The funding was distributed evenly between the two environmental domains.

EU LIFE programmes: Waterbirds
The objective of this programme was to restore and manage wetland bird habitats. It is classified under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

EU LIFE programmes: Whey2LIFE
This project began in 2019 and aims at addressing the environmental impacts of cheese production. It is classified as CEPA 03: Waste management.

EU LIFE programmes: WISER LIFE
The objectives of the WISER LIFE project are to retrofit the Ballymun boiler house to meet best practice energy management standards and to create an environmentally educational experience for visitors to the building. The subsidy is classified as CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management and CReMA 16: Other resource management activities. We distributed the funding evenly between the two resource management classes.

European Environmental Bureau
This international funding commitment is classified under the environmental class CEPA 09: Other environmental protection activities. It is a current transfer paid from the national Environment Fund.

EXEED (Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design) Programme
EXEED is an SEAI grant programme that aims to incentivise and facilitate energy efficiency in businesses by providing funding for new assets and upgrades to existing assets that are managed to optimise energy efficiency. The grant is available to any organisation, in any sector of the economy. The first payments were made in 2016. It is classified as CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Fallen Animals Scheme
This Department of Agriculture scheme was launched in 2001 with the objective of reducing the incidence of on-farm burials of fallen animals and implementing BSE testing. It provides for the subsidised collection and disposal of fallen bovine and other farm animals. As the scheme has objectives other than environmental protection or resource management (i.e. BSE testing) it is partially included here under the domain CEPA 03: Waste management.

Farm Waste Management Scheme
The Farm Waste Management Scheme was introduced by the Department of Agriculture in 2001. It was amended in 2006 to specifically help farmers meet the requirements of the EU Nitrates Directive by providing grants for animal housing and storage facilities for silage and agricultural waste. The scheme is classified under CEPA 02: Wastewater management. It was co-funded by the EU. We estimated the EU contribution for the years 2005-2010 based on data from earlier and later years. A large increase in payments under this scheme from 2008-2010 is the reason for the peak in environmental transfers that can be observed in the tables and graphs during those years.

First Fix Free Scheme
The First Fix Free Scheme was launched in 2015 by Irish Water after a one-year pilot study in Dublin and Kildare. The scheme aims at reducing the amount of water wasted through leaks on customers' properties. It was assigned to CReMA 10: Management of water.

Food Institutional Research Measure (FIRM)
The Food Institutional Research Measure is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and is the primary national funding mechanism for food research in higher education institutions and other public research institutes. Data on environment research grant payments was obtained directly from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The programme is assigned to CEPA 08: Environmental research and development.

Forest Environment Protection Scheme (FEPS)
Under this scheme, which was introduced in 2007, capital grant and premium payments are made by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to farmers to encourage the establishment of woodland for biodiversity and habitat support and protection. FEPS is therefore classified under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes. Afforestation programmes cannot be classified as CReMA 11: Management of forest resources as this refers exclusively to the management of non-cultivated forest resources.

Forestry Research Programme
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has funded research into forests and climate change and forest biodiversity under its thematic research area “Policy and public goods”. Data on environment research grant payments was obtained directly from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The programme is assigned to CEPA 08: Environmental research and development.

Geneva Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution
This ongoing contribution by government to an international organisation is a current transfer paid from the Environment Fund and is classified under the environmental domain CEPA 01: Protection of ambient air and climate.

GLAS (Green, Low-carbon Agri-environment Scheme)
GLAS was launched in 2014 with the first payments being made in 2015. It is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the EU under the Rural Development Programme. The scheme subsidises the implementation of farming practices that promote protection of biodiversity and help combat climate change so it is classified as CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes and CEPA 01: Protection of ambient air and climate. As the majority of payments relate to practices that encourage biodiversity, 90% of the funding is classified as CEPA 06 while the remaining 10% is assigned to CEPA 01.

Global Environment Facility
This ongoing contribution by government to an international organisation is a current transfer paid from the Environment Fund. It is classified under the environmental domain CEPA 09: Other environmental protection activities. Through the Global Environment Facility, funds are made available to developing countries to help them meet the requirements of international environmental conventions and agreements.

Green Climate Fund
The Green Climate Fund aims to support the efforts of developing countries in responding to the challenge of climate change. Ireland contributions, which began in 2016, are classified under CEPA 01: Protection of ambient air and climate.

Green Communities Programme
The Green Communities and Green Home programmes are run by the EPA and An Taisce as part of the National Waste Prevention Programme. The aims are to raise environmental awareness and to support positive environmental behaviour amongst households and community groups. The programmes are classified as CEPA 09: Other environmental protection activities and CReMA 16: Other resource management activities. The funding was distributed evenly between the environmental protection and resource management classes.

Green Healthcare Programme
The Green Healthcare programme is part of the National Waste Prevention Programme. It began in 2009 and is classified as CEPA 03: Waste management. Data were provided by the EPA for the years 2011-2015. We estimated the amount of funding provided under this programme for the years 2009-2010. 

Green Home Programme
The EPA’s Green Home programme began in 2007 and provides householders with information on waste prevention, water conservation and energy conservation. It is classified as a social transfer in kind under CEPA 09: Other environmental protection activities and CReMA 16: Other resource management activities. The funding was distributed evenly between the classes.  The EPA provided data on funding under this programme for the years 2011-2015. We estimated the amount of funding provided for the years 2007-2010.

Green Hospitality Awards
The Green Hospitality Award is an environmental certification introduced by the EPA in 2009 and aimed at the hospitality sector. It is classified under the environmental domain CEPA 03: Waste management. The EPA provided figures for the years 2011-2015. We made estimates of the amount of funding provided under this programme for 2007-2010.

Green Schools Programme
The Green Schools programme is run by An Taisce in partnership with local authorities throughout Ireland and has been supported by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment through the Environment Fund since 2006. It is assigned to CEPA 09: Other environmental protection activities and CReMA 16: Other resource management activities. The funding was distributed evenly between the classes. 

Green Schools Travel Programme
Travel is one of the themes of the Green Schools programme (see previous entry). The Travel theme is funded separately from the other themes by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. The programme has a number of objectives, including easing traffic congestion, improving children’s health and fitness and protecting the environment through reduced air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions. The programme is partially included under domain CEPA 01: Protection of ambient air and climate.

GreenBusiness.ie/SMILE
The Greenbusiness.ie project was launched by the EPA in 2008. It is aimed at helping enterprises to reduce their environmental impacts and in doing so, to reduce costs. SMILE (Saving Money through Industrial Linkages and Exchanges) is a system for identifying and delivering by-products from one industry for use as inputs in other industries. It is classified under CEPA 03: Waste management. The EPA provided figures for the years 2011-2018 and estimates were made for 2008-2010.

Greener Homes Scheme
This SEAI capital grant programme ran from 2006 to 2011 with the aim of achieving wider deployment of renewable energy heating technologies in the residential sector. It is assigned to CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Greenways
The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has developed programmes to address climate change through investment in Active Travel and Greenways. Grants are provided to local authorities to develop Greenways throughout Ireland. These grants have a number of objectives, including to promote tourism, rural development, and health and well-being, to provide sustainable transport options to people to enable them to walk or cycle as part of their everyday journeys, and to reduce emissions. As the scheme has multiple objectives it is partially included in this release (through the use of Rio Markers as described above) under the domain CEPA 01: Protection of ambient air and climate.

Hen Harrier Farm Plan Scheme
The Hen Harrier is a threatened bird of prey that is listed in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive[7]. This NPWS scheme provides grants to farmers to conserve hen harrier habitats and is classified as CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

Heritage Council Biodiversity Grants
The Heritage Council administers grant payments towards projects that enhance biodiversity at the local level in Ireland. These grants are classified as CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

Heritage Council Wildlife Grants
From 2004-2010 the Heritage Council funded projects on Irish wildlife. These grants are classified as CReMA 12: Management of Wild Flora and Fauna.

Home Energy Saving Programme
This SEAI scheme was the pilot for the Better Energy Homes Scheme and is classified under CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

House of Tomorrow
House of Tomorrow was a capital grant programme run by the SEAI from 2001-2010 with the aim of encouraging energy efficient planning, design and construction practices in the Irish construction sector. It is classified under the resource management domain CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences (ICRAG) Marine Geoscience and Groundwater Research
This research funding is provided by Science Foundation Ireland. It is classified as CEPA 08: Research and development for environmental protection.

Industry and Business Programme
The SEAI’s Industry and Business programme supports efforts across all business sectors to improve energy efficiency. It is classified under CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Industry RD&D
This sustainable energy research, development and demonstration capital grant programme has been run by the SEAI since 2007. It is classified under CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Landfill Remediation
The Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment provides capital for the remediation of former landfill sites. The programme is classified under the environmental domain CEPA 04: Protection and remediation of soil, groundwater and surface water.

Landfill Remediation (Environment Fund)
In 2011 and 2012 some of the capital for the landfill remediation programme (see previous entry) was sourced from the national Environment Fund. This expenditure is classified as CEPA 04: Protection and remediation of soil, groundwater and surface water.

Litter Management (Local Authorities)
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government subsidises litter management measures by local authorities across Ireland. This funding is assigned to the domain CEPA 03: Waste management. Estimates were made for the years 2000-2008 based on total subsidies to local authorities for waste management.

Lobster V-Notching Scheme
The Lobster V-notching Scheme is an ongoing, EU co-funded capital grant scheme run by BIM that aims to protect female lobsters so that they can breed a number of times. As the programme objective is to preserve lobster stocks it is classified under CReMA 12: Management of Wild Flora and Fauna.

Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund
The Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund aims to promote, at local level, the objectives of the Agenda 21 action plan on sustainable development which was agreed at the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Capital grants are paid from the national Environment Fund. The programme is included here under CEPA 09: Other environmental protection activities and CReMA 16: Other resource management activities. The funding was distributed evenly between the classes.

Local Authority Estate Energy Retrofit
This capital transfer from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government aims to make local authority dwellings more energy efficient and less costly to heat. It is classified as CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Local Authority Waste Prevention Network
The Local Authority Waste Prevention Network is an EPA programme that aims to enable local authorities to implement resource efficiency programmes in partnership with businesses, public organisations and communities. The EPA provided data for the years 2011-2015. Estimates were made for the years 2005-2010. The funding was assigned to CEPA 03: Waste management.

Locally-led Freshwater Pearl Mussel Programme
The Freshwater Pearl Mussel scheme is co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the EU. The first payments took place in 2019. The programme was classified under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

Locally-led Hen Harrier Programme
The Hen Harrier Programme was launched in 2017 by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and aims at the conservation of the Hen Harrier species. Farmers are given grants to manage their fields in ways that will improve the habitat condition of the Hen Harrier. This programme is completely separate from the NPWS scheme (reported here as Hen Harrier Farm Plan Scheme) and there is no overlap of funding. Locally-Led Hen Harrier Programme takes place on designated Hen Harrier Special Protection Areas only and not on farms outside of this. The programme was classified under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

Low Emission Slurry Scheme (LESS)
The principal objective of LESS is to promote the purchase of new equipment for the spreading of slurry by farmers, where this equipment results in lower emissions of nitrogen oxides to air. It is jointly funded by the European Union and the national exchequer and the first payments were made in 2017. It is classified under CEPA 01: Protection of ambient air and climate.

Marine Biodiversity Scheme
The objectives of the Marine Biodiversity Scheme are to reduce the impact of fisheries and aquaculture on the marine environment and to protect aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems. The EU and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine co-fund projects on environment impact assessment, data collection, habitat mapping and habitat restoration under this capital grant scheme. It is classified as CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

Marine Environment Protection Scheme
This BIM programme promoted an Environmental Management System for fishing operation and seafood produced in accordance with the system. It was co-funded by the EU and is classified under the resource management domain CReMA 12: Management of Wild Flora and Fauna.

Microgeneration Scheme
The SEAI’s Microgeneration programme provided funding to households and businesses to deploy small-scale electricity generators using renewable energy sources. It is classified as CReMA 13A: Production of energy from renewable resources.

Minamata Convention on Mercury
Ireland's contribution to the Minamata Convention is classified under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

National Biodiversity Data Centre
The National Biodiversity Data Centre was set up in 2007 and is funded by the Heritage Council. It is classified as CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes. We included Heritage Council funding for maintaining biological records prior to 2007 under this programme. The National Biodiversity Data Centre works with other organisations such as the EPA and Inland Fisheries Ireland on projects such as monitoring native species like Irish butterflies, marine mammals and wild crops, as well as invasive species.

Native Woodland Conservation (NWC) Scheme
The aim of the NWC programme is to support the appropriate restoration of existing native woodlands as well as the ecosystems and habitats that native woodlands support. We distributed the funding evenly between CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes and CReMA 11: Management of forest resources. Funding is provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Native Woodland Establishment (NWE) Scheme
Since 2007 the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has made capital grant and premium payments to farmers to promote the establishment of native woodland species such as oak and ash with the objective of protecting their associated biodiversity and habitats. The NWE scheme is therefore classified under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes. Since 2015 the NWE has been funded as part of the Afforestation Scheme.

Natterjack Toad Grant Scheme
This NPWS scheme is aimed at getting farmers involved in natterjack toad conservation by digging ponds and is classified under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

Neighbourwood
Neighbourwoods are accessible, close-to-home woodland amenities. Grant payments are made to landowners, farmers and local authorities to provide access to local communities to their woodland. As this Department of Agriculture scheme has biodiversity as well as recreational objectives, it was partially included under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

Noise Pollution Control (Local Authorities)
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government subsidises the implementation of air pollution, noise pollution and water quality control measures by local authorities. We included one-third of the total as a current transfer under CEPA 05: Noise and Vibration Abatement (see also Air pollution control (Local authorities)).

Ocean Energy Programme
This SEAI programme began in 2008 and funds research into the harnessing of ocean energy for use as a renewable energy source. It is classified as CReMA 13A: Production of energy from renewable resources.

OECD Environmental Compliance Indicators
This contribution by government to an international organisation is a current transfer paid from the national Environment Fund. It is classified under the environmental class CEPA 09: Other environmental protection activities.

On-farm Investment: Pollution Control
This capital grant scheme was run by the Department of Agriculture until 2006. Figures for 2004-2006 are estimated based on payments from previous years and total grants paid under the on-farm investment scheme in 2004-2006. The programme is assigned to CEPA 02: Wastewater management.

Operation and Aftercare of Landfill (Local Authorities)
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government subsidises the operation, maintenance and aftercare of landfill by local authorities across Ireland. This funding is assigned to the domain CEPA 03: Waste management. Estimates were made for the years 2000-2008 based on total subsidies to local authorities for waste management.

Operation and Maintenance of Waste to Energy Facilities
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government subsidises the operation and maintenance of waste to energy facilities by local authorities. This funding is assigned to the domain CReMA 13A: Production of energy from renewable resources.

Organic Farming Scheme
This EU co-funded Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine scheme is classified under CEPA 04: Protection and remediation of soil, groundwater and surface water as per Eurostat methodological guidelines for the Environmental Subsidies and Similar Transfers data collection module. The EU and national contributions to the total funding were estimated for the years 2009-2010 based on later years.

OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic
This contribution by government to an international organisation is a current transfer paid from the national Environment Fund. It is classified under the environmental domain CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

Owenduff, Twelve Bens and Other Farm Plan Schemes
The NPWS Farm Plan Scheme was launched in 2006. It is an agri-environment grant scheme that aims to encourage farmers to implement habitat- and species-specific protection measures. It is classified as CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

Packaging Prevention Programme
The Packaging Prevention Programme aims to help Irish businesses reduce packaging. The programme is classified as CEPA 03: Waste management. The EPA provided data for the years 2011-2015. Estimates were made for the years 2007-2010.

PSO Levy: Electricity Generation from Renewable Sources
The PSO Levy is charged to electricity consumers in Ireland. Some of the funding is used to subsidise electricity generation from renewable sources and is classified under CReMA 13A: Production of energy from renewable resources. Subsidies to biomass co-fired with peat were excluded from the total funding to renewable energy sources from 2017-2019. The subsidy to biomass co-firing with peat was not available for 2016. The PSO Levy subsidy comprises price supports to electricity generators who use renewable sources.

Public Sector Energy Efficiency Programme
The Public Sector Energy Efficiency Programme provides capital grants to retrofit projects demonstrating energy-efficient technology upgrades to existing buildings and facilities. The programme is run by the SEAI and is classified as CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Public Sector Energy Programme
SEAI capital funding towards the Energy Management Bureau, the Public Sector Design Studies Support Scheme and the Public Sector Model Solutions Investments Support Scheme is included under this heading. The schemes were in operation between 2002 and 2010. They are classified as CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland
The RPII was funded by the Department of the Environment until it was merged with the EPA in 2014. Its main objective was to protect the Irish public from the health and safety risks posed by ionising radiation. A portion of the funding (approximately 10%) it received from the exchequer was included under CEPA 07: Protection against Radiation.

Rainwater Harvesting Scheme
The objective of this Department of Agriculture scheme is to conserve water by maximising the use of rainfall run-off. It offers capital grants towards rainwater harvesting facilities and equipment. It is classified under CReMA 10: Management of waters.

Recycling Facilities (Local Authorities)
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government subsidises the operation and maintenance of waste treatment facilities by local authorities across Ireland. This funding is assigned to the domain CEPA 03: Waste management. Estimates were made for the years 2000-2008 based on total subsidies to local authorities for waste management.

ReHeat Deployment Scheme
The ReHeat Deployment programme aimed to increase the deployment of renewable heating technologies (e.g. solar thermal, bio-energy and heat pump) in the commercial and industrial sectors. This SEAI programme closed in 2011 and is classified under CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Renewable Energy Educational Support
This SEAI programme provided information to Irish organisations interested in using renewable energy sources for energy production. It ran from 2005 to 2008 and is allocated to CReMA 13A: Production of energy from renewable resources.

Renewable Energy Information Office (REIO)/Electricity and Heat Infrastructure
The REIO and the Electricity and Heat Infrastructure grants both formed part of SEAI’s Alternative Energy programme and are classified under CReMA 13A: Production of energy from renewable resources.

Renewable Energy RD&D
The Renewable Energy Research, Development and Demonstration programme was launched by the SEAI in 2001. It is a capital grant programme and is classified as CReMA 13A: Production of energy from renewable resources.

REPS (Rural Environment Protection Scheme)
REPS was an agri-environment scheme that closed in 2015. It was co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the EU, and subsidised farming practices that were compatible with the protection of biodiversity. It is classified under the environmental domain CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

Research Stimulus Fund
The Research Stimulus Fund (RSF) provides funding to Irish research institutes for 'public good' agricultural production related research. A number of environmental protection research projects are funded under the RSF, which is run by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The programme is assigned to CEPA 08: Environmental research and development.

Resources and Raw Materials
Resources and Raw Materials promotes re-use of materials. This programme funds Community Re-Use Network Ireland, FreeTrade and has a partnership with the Rediscovery Centre. It was distributed evenly between CEPA 03: Waste Management and CReMA 14: Management of Minerals.

Rural Wastewater Programme (Capital)
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government funds capital investment in rural wastewater facilities through the Rural Water Programme. The programme is assigned to CEPA 02: Wastewater management.

Salmon Conservation Fund
This programme for the rehabilitation of salmon stocks is funded through salmon fishing licences and prioritises rivers in special areas of conservation which have the greatest prospect of recovery. It is run by Inland Fisheries Ireland and is assigned to CReMA 12: Management of Wild Flora and Fauna.

Salmon Hardship Scheme
BIM ran this compensation scheme for drift-net salmon fishermen from 2007-2009. It is classified under the resource management domain CReMA 12: Management of Wild Flora and Fauna.

Schools/Education Programme
The SEAI runs energy workshops in schools throughout Ireland under this programme which is classified as a current transfer under CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (fisheries conservation)
Capital grants for the Conservation and Management of Fisheries were made by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources up to and including 2006, with some of the expenditure being recouped from the EU. In 2007 the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority took over the role. The programme is classified under the resource management domain CReMA 12: Management of wild flora and fauna.

Seafood Environmental Management Programme Part A
The Seafood Environmental Management & Certification Grant Aid Scheme encouraged the implementation of a Seafood Environmental Management System (SEMS) on Irish fishing vessels. Part A involves financial payments to fishing collectives. The programme was run by BIM and was co-funded by the European Fisheries Fund. It is classified under the resource management domain CReMA 12: Management of Wild Flora and Fauna. This scheme is now closed.

Seafood Environmental Management Programme Part B
Part B of this scheme concerns financial assistance to fishing vessel owners (operators). See Part A above for further details. This scheme is now closed.

Smart Farming
This programme helps farmers to improve resource management to reduce their bills and environmental impacts. This programme aims at eight key areas encompassing energy saving, water quality, soil and waste management. We distributed payments across CEPA 01: Protection of ambient air and climate, CEPA 03: Waste management, CEPA 04: Protection and remediation of soil, groundwater and surface water and CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management.

Solar PV Scheme
This SEAI grant scheme supports the installation of Solar PV panels and battery energy storage systems. It is aimed at households and is classified as CReMA 13A: Production of energy from renewable resources. Grant payments began in 2019.

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
This current transfer is paid from the national Environment Fund. It is a contribution by government to an international organisation and is classified under the environmental domain CEPA 01: Protection of ambient air and climate.

Stop Food Waste Programme
In 2009 the EPA launched the Stop Food Waste programme aimed at food waste prevention and home composting. Data for 2011-2015 were provided by the EPA while estimates were made for 2009-2010. The programme is classified as a social transfer in kind CEPA 03: Waste management.

Street Cleaning (Local Authorities)
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government subsidises street cleaning by local authorities across Ireland. This funding is assigned to the domain CEPA 03: Waste management. Estimates were made for the years 2000-2008 based on total subsidies to local authorities for waste management.

STRIVE (Sustainable Technology, Research and Innovation for the Environment) Research Programme
The EPA followed up the ERTDI research programme with STRIVE in 2007. It is classified under CEPA 08: Environmental research and development and CReMA 15: Research and development activities for resource management. The funding was distributed evenly between the classes.

Sustainable Fisheries Scheme
This programme is run by BIM and is co-funded by the European Fisheries Fund. It is classified under CReMA 12: Management of Wild Flora and Fauna.

Traditional Buildings Scheme
The Traditional Buildings Scheme is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and is available to farmers participating in GLAS (see above). It is classified under CEPA 06: Protection of biodiversity and landscapes.

UN Environment Fund
The annual contribution by government to the UN Environment Fund is a current transfer paid from the national Environment Fund. It is classified under the environmental class CEPA 09: Other environmental protection activities.

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
This annual contribution by government to an international organisation is a current transfer paid from the national Environment Fund. It is classified under the environmental domain CEPA 01: Protection of ambient air and climate.

Vehicle Registration Tax Relief on Electric Vehicles
This scheme was introduced to promote the use of electric vehicles, thereby reducing air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. It is classified under the environmental domain CEPA 01: Protection of ambient air and climate.

Vienna Convention/Montreal Protocol on the Protection of the Ozone Layer
This ongoing annual contribution by government to an international organisation is a current transfer paid from the Environment Fund. It is classified under the environmental domain CEPA 01: Protection of ambient air and climate.

Warmer Homes Scheme
The Warmer Homes scheme began in 2001. This SEAI programme supports energy efficiency improvements to privately owned homes experiencing fuel poverty and is classified as a social transfer in kind under CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management. It was partially included for its environmental objectives.

Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme
The SEAI Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme aims to make homes warmer and healthier to live in. It does this by providing extensive energy efficiency upgrades to those in energy poverty who are living with chronic respiratory conditions. It is classified as a social transfer in kind under CReMA 13B: Heat/Energy saving and management. It was partially included for its environmental objectives.

Waste Collection Services (Local Authorities)
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government subsidises waste collection services by local authorities across Ireland. This funding is assigned to the domain CEPA 03: Waste management. Estimates were made for the years 2000-2008 based on total subsidies to local authorities for waste management.

Waste Management Planning and Regulations (Local Authorities)
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government subsidises waste regulation, monitoring and enforcement activities and waste management planning activities by local authorities across Ireland. This funding is assigned to CEPA 03: Waste management. Estimates were made for the years 2000-2008 based on total subsidies to local authorities for waste management.

Waste Processing Facilities Scheme
The waste processing facilities scheme provides capital grants to farmers to invest in on-farm anaerobic digestion facilities. The funding is provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and is classified as CEPA 03: Waste management.

Wastewater Treatment Facilities (Local Authorities)
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government subsidises the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities by local authorities across Ireland. This funding is assigned to the domain CEPA 02: Wastewater management. Estimates were made for the years 2000-2008 based on total subsidies to local authorities for wastewater management.

Water Services Investment Programme (Wastewater)
The Water Services Investment Programme (WSIP) was run by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government up to and including 2013 with the objective of funding major capital water and wastewater schemes. As water treatment and water quality are mainly health issues the part of the WSIP that relates to water schemes is not included here. The portion that relates to wastewater management is included under CEPA 02: Wastewater management.

Whitefish Fleet Decommissioning Scheme
The whitefish fleet decommissioning scheme ran from 2005-2010 and was a compensation programme funded by the EU and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The objective of the scheme was to improve the management of fish stocks so the programme is assigned to CReMA 12: Management of Wild Flora and Fauna. The EU and national contributions were estimated for the years 2008-2009 based on the figures from later years.

List of Climate-related Subsidies

Name 40% 100%
Accelerated Allowances for Energy Efficient Equipment x  
Aran Islands Electric Vehicle Programme x  
Better Energy Communities/Community Energy x  
Better Energy Homes x  
Better Energy Workplaces x  
Bioenergy Scheme x  
CHP Deployment x  
Climate Change and Flooding (Local Authorities)   x
Deep Retrofit Pilot Scheme x  
Electric Vehicle Programme x  
Energy Efficiency Retrofit Fund x  
Energy in Education Programme x  
Environment Fund NGO Grants x  
Environmental Aid Scheme - Energy Efficiency x  
Environmental Aid Scheme - Renewable Energy x  
EU LIFE: Farm4More   x
EXEED Programme x  
Forestry and Climate Change Research   x
Green Climate Fund   x
Green Low-carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS) x  
Green Schools Programme x  
Green Schools Travel Programme x  
Greener Homes Scheme  x  
Greenways   x  
Home Energy Saving Programme   x  
House of Tomorrow   x  
Industry and Business Programme   x  
Industry RD&D   x  
Local Authority Estate Energy Retrofit x  
Microgeneration Scheme x  
Native Woodland Conservation Scheme x  
Native Woodland Establishment Scheme x  
Ocean Energy Programme x  
PSO Levy: Electricity Generation from Renewable Sources x  
Public Sector Energy Efficiency Programme x  
Public Sector Programme x  
Re-Heat Deployment x  
Reforestation x  
Renewable Energy Educational Support x  
Renewable Energy Information Office x  
Renewable Energy RD&D x  
Research Stimulus Fund Climate Research   x
Schools/Education Programme x  
Solar PV x  
STRIVE Climate Research Pillar   x
UN Environment Fund x  
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change   x
Vehicle Registration Tax Relief on Electric Vehicles x  
Warmer Homes Scheme x  
Warmth and Well-being Scheme x  

Potentially Environmentally Damaging Subsidies

Certain subsidies or other support measures that have social or economic objectives may incentivise behaviour that could be damaging to the environment. For example, transport fuel tax rebates encourage the consumption of fossil fuels. Such transfers are referred to as potentially environmentally damaging subsidies (PEDS). The CSO included preliminary data on PEDS in the 2016 release and developed a new separate research paper on Fossil Fuel and Similar Subsidies 2012-2016 in June 2019. The European statistical office, Eurostat, launched a pilot data collection on Potentially Environmentally Damaging Transfers in early 2020. The results from this pilot study will be used to develop a harmonised methodology across all EU countries.

Fossil Fuel Subsidies are a subset of PEDS. The CSO has a new annual release on Fossil Fuel Subsidies. In 2020, data on fossil fuel subsidies from 2000-2018 were published.

 

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