Click here to view the Summary of Responses to Northern Ireland’s First Climate Action Plan (PDF)

DAERA has published the Summary of Responses to the consultation on the first Climate Action Plan (2023–2027), capturing voices from communities, businesses and organisations across Northern Ireland. The report highlights support, concerns and calls for fairness, helping shape a Climate Action Plan that will be transparent, inclusive and deliverable, together.

Northern Ireland has reached an important milestone on its journey in tackling climate change. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has published the Summary of Responses to the public consultation on Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan (2023–2027).

The Climate Action Plan sets out how Northern Ireland aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the first five-year carbon budget, as required by the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. It focuses on areas that affect daily life, including energy, transport, homes, farming, waste, land use and public services

The summary brings together views shared during the consultation, which ran from June to October 2025. More than 220 responses were received from individuals, community groups, businesses, councils, farmers, environmental organisations and others. Alongside written submissions, 30 public engagement events were held across towns, cities and rural areas, and feedback from these has also been incorporated.

The Summary of Responses explains what people supported, where concerns were raised and where opinions differed. It allowed respondents the opportunity to provide alternative proposals too.

Overall, responses showed strong engagement and a shared understanding that climate action is necessary. Many respondents supported ambitious action, particularly on waste reduction, renewable energy, improving energy efficiency in homes and clearer monitoring of progress. There was also strong emphasis on the need for a just transition, ensuring climate action is fair and supports vulnerable households, workers, rural communities and small businesses.

The Summary of Responses shows how public and stakeholder input will help inform the finalisation of the first Climate Action Plan and development of future Climate Action Plans.