27. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total amount of funding transferred from the NORA levy to the Climate Action Fund (CAF) in each of the years from 2020 to 2025; the projected transfer for 2026; the total annual expenditure drawn down from CAF over the same period; the current unspent balance remaining in the fund’s account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64909/26]

The Climate Action Fund (CAF) is a cornerstone of climate action funding in Ireland and, to date, has funded a range of important initiatives, including:

• over 1,500 community-based projects supported through local authorities;

• Ireland's’ first operational district heating system in South Dublin, using “waste heat” to heat public buildings and homes;

• the largest nationwide EV charging network (ESB eCars) and the EV scrappage scheme;

• the installation of solar panels on over 2,600 schools with more progressing through the tender process; and

• energy upgrades to a wide range of public buildings through the Pathfinder project.

To date, the total amount of funding transferred from the NORA levy to the CAF amounts to €493m. That includes:

• €124m in 2021;

• €92m in 2022;

• €80m in 2023;

• €100m in 2024; and

• €97m in 2025.

As part of recent measures taken by Government to address the affordability of fuel, the NORA levy has been temporarily reduced. While this reduction in levy income is likely to cause a reduction in the funds available in 2026, the exact impact on the income to the fund will only be known at the end of September when NORA can provide details on the exact amounts collected.

The CAF balance at the end of August is €248m with a total expenditure of €266.9 million. Last year the CAF expenditure exceeded its income for the first time and a further €256m has been allocated to projects out to 2030, with further additional proposals currently being considered. We are taking a proactive approach to further funding.

We are confident that the CAF can continue have a real impact on local communities, support innovation and drive meaningful change.