144. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps he is taking to prepare for COP 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65759/26]

COP31 is due to take place in Antalya, Türkiye from 09 – 20 November 2026 and will be the biggest international event of Ireland’s EU Presidency. Ireland’s official delegation at COP will include representatives across a number of Government Departments and Agencies. Officials from my Department are leading on the logistical preparations, which have been well under way since last year, and have been liaising closely the EU Commission in this regard.

Ireland has been building on the work of the Cypriot Presidency to make the EU’s approach to COP31 and climate diplomacy in general more strategic, assertive and outcomes focused. This follows direction from EU Ministers that the EU needs to take a longer-term view of international climate negotiations and make use of all tools available to it when seeking to agree new climate commitments from partners.

As part of this, Ireland is progressing more concise and priorities focused COP31 Council Conclusions and is continuing work commenced by Cyprus on multiannual negotiation priorities. Ireland’s Informal ENVI Council in July kicked off these tactical discussions at Ministerial level, which will continue at the October ENVI Council.

In preparation for the COP negotiations, Irish officials have been actively engaging in climate diplomacy, including with the incoming Turkish COP Presidency and Australian COP Presidency of Negotiations. Later this month, I will attend the UN General Assembly High Level Week which acts as a critical forum to meet with a diverse range of State representatives and stakeholders to discuss key issues in advance of COP.