Minister O'Brien and Minister Dooley to reinforce EU commitment to climate action at United Nations General Assembly

Copied directly from gov.ie press release: 

Ministers O'Brien and Dooley represent Ireland and the Council of the EU at high-level climate and marine meetings in New York

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien and Minister Timmy Dooley, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Marine, will represent Ireland and the Council of the EU this week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High Level Week is a key milestone on the road to COP31, where Ireland will lead the EU delegation in discussions to uphold climate multilateralism and the achievement of the Paris Agreement goals.

As part of its EU Presidency, Ireland will provide strong and coordinated leadership for the EU at COP31. As part of these efforts Minister O'Brien will convene a meeting of EU Ministers in New York, to discuss EU strategy on the road to Antalya. Ensuring COP31 makes tangible progress on the implementation of the Paris Agreement and contributes to accelerating the clean energy transition are key priorities for this year.

Minister O'Brien said:

"I welcome the opportunity to work with EU Ministers and global representatives at UNGA to help renew momentum on climate action - accelerating the transition to clean energy through renewables, supporting climate mitigation efforts, delivering on much needed adaptation, channelling climate finance to the most vulnerable and fostering international collaboration.

"The current energy crisis we are experiencing clearly demonstrates the importance of the clean energy transition for all countries. This isn't simply about emissions – though this is of course a clear priority – it's about ensuring energy security, energy sovereignty and energy affordability.

"At a time of geopolitical uncertainty and continuing pressure on the multilateral system, effective international climate cooperation is more important than ever. Ní neart go cur le Chéile - there is strength in unity."

Minister O'Brien will attend several bilateral meetings with other UN member states as well as business and civil society. Minister O'Brien will also attend two UN High-Level Events on energy: the joint UN-International Energy Agency (IEA) pre-COP High-Level Energy Transitions Solution Dialogue Event, and the UN-IEA-Kenyan High-level Event on Clean Cooking. Both events will help to foster dialogue on the clean energy transition, especially highlighting energy access for all.

Minister O'Brien will then travel to Washington for a series of engagements, including with members of the House of Representatives, and other stakeholders.

Minister Dooley will represent Irish interests across a range of policy areas at UNGA, including ocean observation and sea level rise. Key areas of focus are pledging Irish support for the European Commission led Ocean Eye event, which is being hosted by President von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and giving Ireland’s National Statements on Sea Level Rise and on Pandemic Preparedness. The Minister will also represent Ireland at the United Nations Secretary General's High-Level Summit on Climate Change and Just Transition and at the Sixth Summit of the International Crimea Platform, at which Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will also be present. Further events at which the Minister will be present are focused on the marine environment and the transition away from fossil fuels.

Commenting on Ireland's pledge to support the Ocean Eye initiative, Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment Timmy Dooley said:

"Ireland recognises that sustained, coordinated and accessible ocean observations are fundamental to advancing scientific knowledge, to better understanding our oceans and to supporting many national, European and international maritime policy objectives. We look forward to being part of an alliance that will enhance global ocean knowledge, strengthen and integrate ocean observing capabilities and build partnerships across research institutions, industry, and international observing networks"