OECD Policy Coherence Scan of Ireland

2. Introducing Ireland’s institutional mechanisms for policy coherence for sustainable development

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of Ireland's legal and policy framework, including the governance mechanisms in place to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into Ireland’s national policy agenda in a coherent way. The chapter explores the links between Irish sustainable development initiatives and the broader framework defined by the European Union, highlighting collaborative efforts towards common goals. Finally, it outlines the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, detailing their mandates and tasks in promoting policy coherence for sustainable development (PCSD), setting the stage for subsequent chapters.

The legal and strategic framework for SDG integration in Ireland

The foundation of Ireland's sustainable development policy traces back to 1997 when Ireland published its National Sustainable Development Strategy for Ireland, which emerged as a response to the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992 and the EU Fifth Action Programme for the Environment. Since then, Ireland has successfully integrated global sustainable development policies into its national policy and legal framework.

1997: Ireland introduced its inaugural National Sustainable Development Strategy

The Irish 1997 National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS) aimed to integrate sustainability considerations systematically into economic policies and decision-making processes. This strategy acted as a focal point for advocating sustainable development across key economic sectors. Ireland established a high-level inter-ministerial committee, the Environmental Network,1 and the National Sustainable Development Partnership (Comhar) to operationalise this strategy in 1999. Comhar was comprised of various social partners and was designed to raise awareness, monitor progress, and gather public support. Comhar was absorbed into the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) in January 2012.

2000: National Development Plan 2000-2006

The National Development Plan (NDP) 2000-2006 marked a significant turning point in Ireland’s sustainable development journey, providing considerable resources to implement measures outlined in the NSDS. The plan integrated environmental objectives into national infrastructure investments and policy actions, ensuring sustainability considerations were embedded in economic growth initiatives.

2000: Publication of Ireland’s first National Climate Change Strategy

This landmark strategy laid the foundation for Ireland’s response to climate change, setting specific emission reduction targets and promoting a cross-sectoral approach to mitigation and adaptation measures.

2000: Planning and Development Act

Another key milestone was the enactment of the Planning and Development Act (2000), which enshrined the concept of sustainable development into national law for the first time. This legislation provided a critical legal framework to guide spatial planning and land use, ensuring that environmental considerations were systematically incorporated into development decisions.

2002: Making Ireland’s Development Sustainable – Review Assessment and Future Action

In 2002, Ireland published Making Ireland’s Development Sustainable – Review Assessment and Future Action as part of its preparation for the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development. This review document evaluated the progress made since the introduction of the 1997 NSDS and identified areas requiring further action.

The publication served as both a stocktaking exercise and a forward-looking framework, emphasising the importance of intersectoral collaboration, public engagement and strengthened governance mechanisms for sustainable development. It reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to advancing sustainability on the global stage and outlined targeted measures to enhance policy coherence and implementation in line with international best practices.

2007: National Development Plan 2007-2013 and advancements in environmental assessment

The NDP 2007-2013 further emphasised the critical role of environmental protection, preservation and improvement in Ireland’s sustainable development agenda. It underscored the importance of embedding long-term sustainability into policy planning and implementation processes across all sectors of the economy.

The plan introduced a range of initiatives to strengthen environmental governance and align national development objectives with global sustainability goals. Among these measures was the adoption of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) procedures, which provided a systematic framework for evaluating the potential environmental and sustainability impacts of proposed policies, plans and programmes.

Additionally, SEA measures were implemented (transposed into national legislation by Statutory Instrument in 2004 and amended in 2011) (EPA, 2025[1]) to systematically evaluate the potential impacts of sectoral policies on the environment and sustainable development.

2012: Ratification of the Aarhus Convention

In 2012, Ireland ratified the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters, as well as its amendment on genetically modified organisms (UNECE, 2012[2]).

2012: Publication of Ireland’s National Sustainable Development Strategy

In the same year, Ireland established its NSDS 2012, Our Sustainable Future: A Framework for Sustainable Development for Ireland (Government of Ireland, 2012[3]). This strategy aligns with international and EU efforts to transition to an innovative, low-carbon and resource-efficient future. Inspired by the EU Sustainable Development Strategy, it identified gaps in progress since 1997 and proposed 70 measures to address challenges. The framework, a key contribution to the Rio 20+ Summit, provided insight into Ireland's policy on sustainable development and covered various issues discussed at the country/policy level in this context.

2015: Ireland’s ambassador acts as co-facilitator in the United Nations negotiations on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

In 2015, Ireland, along with Kenya, played a crucial role as co-facilitators in the UN negotiations involving 193 member states (Department of Foreign Affairs, 2015[4]). Together, the Irish ambassador David Donoghue (Donoghue, n.d.[5]) and the Kenyan ambassador, Macharia Kamau, led the negotiations on the Outcome document of the Post-2015 Development Agenda Summit, working towards consensus on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The agreement, finalised in August 2015, marked an unprecedented global work programme aimed at sustainable development.

2018: Publication of the first National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals 2018-2020

Ireland’s SDG National Implementation Plan (NIP) for the SDGs 2018-2020 was developed in direct response to the 2030 Agenda. It adopted a whole-of-government approach to implement the 17 SDGs and focused on 4 strategic priorities: raising public awareness, facilitating stakeholder participation, supporting community and organisational efforts, and aligning national policies with the SDGs. The Department of Climate, Energy, and the Environment, (DCEE)leads the coherent implementation across the government, while individual ministers are responsible for specific SDGs within their responsibilities. The plan outlined a comprehensive SDG Matrix assigning responsibility for each of the 169 targets to specific government departments and an SDG Policy Map linking relevant national policies to each target. Additionally, the plan defined 19 specific actions to be implemented during its duration.

2018: Ireland’s First Voluntary National Review is presented during the High-Level Political Forum

Presented to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in July 2018, Ireland's first Voluntary National Review (VNR) was approved by the government on 6 June 2018. The report assessed Ireland's progress on the 17 SDGs and included a statistical annex with Eurostat indicators. It was prepared by the DCEE, with input from various departments through the SDG Interdepartmental Working Group (SDG-IDWG) and the SDG Senior Officials Group (SDG-SOG). The report was subject to a stakeholder consultation in May 2018 involving representatives from civil society, the private sector, agriculture, academia, etc.

2018/21: Project Ireland 2040: National Planning Framework (2018; revised and republished in April 2025)2 and the National Development Plan 2021-2030

Project Ireland 2040 (PI2040) (Government of Ireland, 2018[6]) is the Irish government's long-term strategy that aims to improve the country for all and create a resilient and sustainable future. It involves aligning investment plans with ten national strategic objectives for 2040 in a more focused manner, moving away from past practices of spreading funding thinly. The strategy encompasses physical infrastructure development, supporting businesses and communities nationwide.

Combining the National Planning Framework and the NDP 2021-2030 (the most recent investment plan adopted since 1988), PI2040 seeks to address the challenges of a growing population, requiring new jobs, homes, cultural amenities, regional connectivity and environmental sustainability. A focus on social objectives consistent with prudent economic and budgetary decision-making, proactive intervention in planning, and the creation of a framework for long-term sectoral planning characterises the approach. The goal is to build a fairer, more equal society that enhances the well-being of everyone in Ireland.

The NPF identifies the importance of embedding SDGs across all levels of strategic planning policy and establishes policy hierarchy and basis for policy coherence through the NPF at National level, Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies for the three Regional Assembly areas and City and County Development Plans at Local Authority level (31 LAs in Ireland).

This policy hierarchy also has a legislative basis in the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and the forthcoming Planning and Development Act 2024 (Government of Ireland, 2024[7]).

Both the NPF and the Planning and Development Act 2000 (and 2024) contain legislative provisions and policy objectives relating to the delivery of sustainable environmental, social and economic development, thus inherently aligning with achieving the SDGs, many of which have social, economic and environmental dimensions.

The Planning system has integrated sustainable development research into its core work programme to foster synergies and integration across environmental, social and economic sustainable development.

2022: Launch of the Second National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals 2022-2024

In October 2022, the Irish government launched the Second NIP for the SDGs 2022-2024 (Government of Ireland, 2022[8]). The plan builds on the First NIP for the SDGs of 2018 and aims to strengthen existing structures and mechanisms supporting Ireland's commitment to the SDGs. The approach contains a two-stage publication strategy, including an SDG Policy Map identifying the responsible departments for each of the 169 SDG targets, linking them to national policies, and a Policy Update on Ireland's SDG implementation initiative.

The NIP was developed in collaboration with government departments and key stakeholders and builds on the results of two public consultation processes involving over 5 000 individuals. It outlines 5 strategic objectives, 51 actions and 119 measures to strengthen ambition and implementation structures. The plan also aligns with the 2030 Agenda, focusing on economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. The whole-of-government approach means each minister is responsible for the specific SDG targets that fall within their scope and that the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communication oversees the coherent implementation of these targets across government.

Strategic objectives include integrating the 2030 Agenda into the work of national and local governments, achieving greater PCSD, promoting dialogue and implementing a coherent system-wide approach. Greater reporting mechanisms will track Ireland's progress, informing the Second VNR, which was presented at the UN HLPF in July 2023. This strategy ensures transparency, accountability and regular reporting on Ireland's progress towards achieving the SDGs.

Ireland's strategic vision for sustainable development, encapsulated in PI2040 and the NDP 2021-2030, underlines a commitment to cohesive regional and national development. The NIP for the SDGs 2022-2024 provides a governance structure and actions to advance the SDGs, focusing on policy coherence. Box 2.1 highlights the actions most conducive to promoting PCSD.

Box 2.1. Overview of Ireland’s National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals 2022-2024 actions conducive to PCSD

Action 13: Assess the potential to introduce the requirement to examine the impacts of proposals on the SDGs in the regulatory impact assessment (RIA) process:

• Research international best practice for incorporating the SDGs into the RIA process, develop recommendations, and seek government approval.

Action 13 and Action 14: Assess the potential to introduce the requirement to examine the impacts of proposals on the SDGs in the RIA process and in all memoranda to the government:

• Research international best practice, develop recommendations, and seek government approval.

Action 16: Consider the potential to integrate the SDGs into the budgetary process:

• Examine international best practice for SDG budgeting, review current processes, and assess the potential for SDG expenditure tracking.

Action 20: Issue a circular setting out the responsibilities of departments and civil servants in respect of the SDGs:

• Issue a circular clearly setting out the specific responsibilities of departments and civil servants with respect to the SDGs.

Action 24: Identify and apply for funding to obtain OECD support in the areas of policy coherence:

• Apply for Technical Support Instrument (TSI) funding for OECD support with PCSD regarding SDG target 17.14.

Action 26: Develop local authority SDG training:

• Identify and review existing training initiatives and develop SDG training for local authorities.

Action 51: Embed the principle of Leave No One Behind into Ireland’s Agenda 2030 implementation mechanisms:

• Hold an SDG National Stakeholder Forum, develop guidance based on the outcomes, and incorporate this into training and toolkits for civil servants and local authorities.

Source: Government of Ireland (2022[9]), National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals 2022-2024, https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e950f-national-implementation-plan-for-the-sustainable-development-goals-2022-2024/.

2023: Ireland’s Second Voluntary National Review is presented during the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

In July 2023, Ireland presented its second VNR of the Sustainable Development Goals to the UN HLPF. The report reviewed Ireland's progress towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and the 17 SDGs, including the commitment to “Leave No One Behind”, which was the main theme of the 2023 HLPF. It highlighted the broad range of national strategic frameworks and policies that continue to be introduced in Ireland to support and address the SDGs and their targets. The report found that over 80% of the 169 targets linked to the SDGs have been fully achieved in Ireland (UN Regional Information Centre for Western Europe, 2023[10]). The process included an online public consultation, a specific youth consultation, and two SDG National Stakeholder Forum meetings, focusing on transparency and including national stakeholders and civil society in achieving the SDGs. In addition, several key national stakeholder groups from diverse sectors were invited to contribute chapters to the VNR report, offering their perspectives on Ireland's progress, areas of success and challenges in attaining the SDGs.

Linkages with the EU framework

Considering the extent of EU-level policymaking on sustainable development, EU Member States cannot fully implement the SDGs through national policy frameworks alone. They need to translate EU directives and other framework decisions into national law. Ireland, like other EU members, is required to incorporate EU sustainable development frameworks into its national laws and policies to implement the 2030 Agenda within its national and local policy frameworks. The transposition of EU directives has resulted in several amendments to the Planning and Development Act 2000 over the past 24 years.

Ireland has emerged as a proactive participant in the European Union’s collective efforts, aligning its national policies with the ambitious objectives of the European Union's sustainability agenda. With a strong commitment to both the SDGs and the EU directives for sustainable development, Ireland has made significant strides in integrating sustainability principles into its governance structures and policy frameworks. This proactive approach demonstrates Ireland's dedication to addressing pressing environmental and social challenges and underscores the interconnectedness between national actions and the larger European context. By harmonising its strategies with EU guidelines, Ireland aims to fulfil its domestic sustainability commitments and contribute meaningfully to the European Union's collective pursuit of a greener, more resilient future.

Ireland continues to be an active member of the EU Working Party on Agenda 2030 and provides national inputs and contributions to the working party’s work. The working party monitors and reviews the implementation of Agenda 2030 at the EU level, provides a forum for information exchange about implementation at the Member State level, and assists in ensuring a systematic, effective, participatory, transparent and integrated follow-up and review of the implementation of the SDGs. The working party also looks to address overarching and cross-cutting issues related to the implementation of Agenda 2030 and takes stock of implementation progress in an integrated and coherent manner.

2018-19: Integration of SDGs into national policies to align with EU frameworks

During this period, Ireland undertook the integration of the SDGs into its national policies. This alignment was crucial to ensure coherence with EU frameworks for sustainable development and to contribute effectively to the European Union's broader sustainability agenda. Ireland developed the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 and the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act (2021).

2019: Development of Ireland's Climate Action Plan in harmony with EU climate goals

In 2019, Ireland formulated its Climate Action Plan (Government of Ireland, 2021[11]), outlining measures to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This Plan was designed to complement EU climate goals, demonstrating Ireland's commitment to aligning its climate policies with those of the European Union. The 2025 Climate Action Plan was published in April 2025.

2020: Adoption of circular economy legislation in line with EU directives

In 2020, Ireland enacted legislation to promote a circular economy, emphasising principles of waste reduction and sustainable consumption. This legislative move was in harmony with EU directives and policies aimed at advancing the circular economy agenda across Member States.

2018-20: Promotion of green finance and investment to support EU sustainability goals

During this period, Ireland actively promoted green finance and investment to facilitate the transition to a sustainable economy. These initiatives aligned with EU sustainability goals and aimed to mobilise resources for projects that contributed to EU environmental objectives.

Since accession: Active participation in EU sustainability initiatives to drive collective action

Ireland actively participates in EU sustainability initiatives, collaborating with other Member States to drive collective action towards shared sustainability objectives. This participation underscores Ireland's commitment to working within the EU framework to address global environmental challenges.

2018-20: Public awareness and education campaigns to foster EU-wide sustainability consciousness

From 2018 to 2020, Ireland conducted public awareness and education campaigns to promote sustainability practices among its citizens. These efforts were instrumental in fostering a sustainability-conscious society in line with EU-wide efforts to raise awareness and engage citizens in sustainable behaviours.

2024: Ireland’s Fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan

Building on earlier efforts to foster biodiversity conversation to fulfil EU commitments, Ireland’s Fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030 implements actions within a framework of five strategic objectives. It also takes account of EU and international biodiversity strategies and policies and relevant national policies. The 2050 Vision links with the Global Vision that Biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and sustainably used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people.

Key actors, mandates and responsibilities

Ireland takes a whole-of-government approach to the SDGs and PCSD. The Government of Ireland commits in Chapter 4 of the Second NIP for the SDGs 2022-2024 on “Embedding the SDG Framework into the Work of Government Departments” to taking key concrete actions to work toward greater PCSD, including ensuring that all new policies incorporate references to relevant SDGs and targets (Action 23) and adapting policy mapping tools to the Irish context (Action 25).

A number of institutions contribute to the implementation of the SDGs in Ireland and could all play an important role in enhancing PCSD across sectors and levels of government (Table 2.1). A range of tools also facilitates coherent policymaking (Table 2.2).

Table 2.1. Key actors supporting the implementation of sustainable development policies in Ireland

Name	Mandate/function relating to PCSD	Composition	Status
Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, (DCEE)	DCEE has overall responsibility for: Promoting the SDGs and overseeing their coherent implementation across government. Overseeing and implementing Ireland's NIP for the SDGs, which is the national framework for achieving the SDGs. Establishing a robust SDG implementation and reporting framework. Presenting Ireland's VNRs to the HLPF when it meets at the ministerial level, with the support of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in the UN reporting and review processes. Strategic communications on sustainable development issues for both internal government departments and external audiences. DECC’s website is a central hub for information on sustainable development policy, strategy, and actions in Ireland, including publications of reports and other materials. Monitoring and evaluating Ireland's progress towards the SDGs by contributing to national reports on the SDGs submitted to the United Nations.	The Minister is appointed by the taoiseach (prime minister). DCEE includes an SDG unit responsible for co‑ordinating SDG policies between the various government departments and implementing the NIP for the SDGs.	DCEE is responsible for the delivery of policies and programmes in a number of areas. The department must ensure all its policies align with EU and global obligations. The Statement of Strategy 2024-2025 defines the department’s mandate, mission and strategies for two years. A new Statement of Strategy is currently in development for the period 2025-2028.
SDG Senior Officials Group (SDG-SOG)	This cross-government SDG governance structure aims to provide strategic co‑ordination and report to the Cabinet as needed. It plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of SDGs through a whole-of-government approach. Key responsibilities include identifying priorities, overseeing and monitoring progress, and ensuring collaboration among officials from different government departments to integrate SDGs into their work and engagements with stakeholders.	Chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach (Prime Minister), with support from DCEE. Composed of senior officials from all government departments.	The SDG-SOG Terms of Reference were published as an annex in the NIP for the SDGs 2018-2020. The SDG-SOG meets as required to review the preparation of Ireland's NIP for the SDGs and National Progress Report.
SDG Interdepartmental Working Group (SDG-IDWG)	The SDG-IDWG assists the SDG-SOG and is responsible for developing national policy in relation to SDG implementation, preparing Ireland’s VNRs and other SDG reports, and developing national arrangements for stakeholder engagement (see the complete Terms of Reference as an annex of the NIP for the SDGs 2018-2020).	Chaired by the DCEE, it comprises representatives from all government departments identified as having roles and responsibilities concerning SDG implementation.	The SDG-IDWG Terms of Reference were published as an annex in the NIP for the SDGs 2018-2020 and are currently under review. The group meets in plenary format, as well as sub-groups, to focus on sector or thematic issues (e.g. environment protection, gender equality) and to develop a communications strategy around Ireland’s SDG implementation priorities at the national and UN levels.
(National) SDG Stakeholder Forum	The SDG Stakeholder Forum is a key mechanism for discussing national implementation and sharing learnings, examples of best practices and SDG-relevant events from a national and international perspective. The SDG Stakeholder Forum also plays a role in Ireland's preparation of its SDG progress reports, both nationally and to the United Nations through the HLPF. Access to a range of government databases and evidence relevant to the SDGs, probably similar to the data used in the SDG Policy Map, such as GeoHive, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), and departmental sources, to present information on Ireland's progress towards the SDGs.	The SDG Stakeholder Forum is convened and chaired by DCEE. It comprises representatives from, among others, the non-governmental organisation (NGO) community and other civil society groups, the private sector, the trade union movement, the agricultural sector, youth, academia, the education sector, government departments, and the local government sector. Attendance at the SDG Stakeholder Forum is open to all, including members of the public.	The SDG Stakeholder Forum informed the latest Second VNR presented during the HLPF in 2023 through two meetings.
SDG Champions Programme	This initiative (Government of Ireland, 2024[12]) aims to enhance public awareness about the SDGs by highlighting the efforts of designated organisations working towards their achievement. SDG Champions play a role in advocating for sustainable development, serving as positive examples of SDG integration into organisational practices. They share their insights with others, provide quarterly updates on related activities, and organise SDG-focused events. Additionally, their responsibilities include promoting the SDGs and contributing to a showcase event at the end of their term.	Champions have been selected from the public, private, community, voluntary, youth and NGO sectors and are represented by larger national organisations and smaller community groups. Following an open call for expressions of interest, 12 champions were chosen to take part in Ireland’s first SDG Champions Programme in 2019‑20. For the 2023-24 Champions Programme, 26 champions were chosen, consisting of 22 newly appointed organisations, along with 4 former SDG Champions who chose to continue the role cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. For the 2024-25 Champions Programme, 20 champions have been selected from the public, private, community, voluntary, youth and NGO sectors and are represented by larger national organisations and smaller community groups.	Nominations for SDG Champions are made through the SDG Interdepartmental Working Group and the Senior Officials Group on the SDGs. The SDG Stakeholder Forum is consulted as part of this process. Selected organisations act as SDG Champions for one year.
SDG Data Governance Board (SDG-DGB)	Established to source, develop and report on the statistical data for the indicators in each SDG and interlinked targets. The SDG-DGB oversees the identification and management of national data needed for SDG reporting. This involves collaborating with various government departments and agencies responsible for collecting relevant data.	Chaired by the CSO, membership comprises representatives from each government department and agency.	The SDG-DGB meets quarterly.
National Economic and Social Council (NESC)	NESC is an advisory unit charged with providing timely, accurate and independent economic and social advice to improve the management of the economy. The committee is mandated to provide expert advice on economic and social matters to the President and the Cabinet. NESC's function of advising on social and economic issues inherently aligns with achieving the SDGs, many of which have social, economic and environmental dimensions. NESC has integrated sustainable development research with its core work programme to foster synergies and integration across environmental, social and economic sustainable development.	Chaired by the President or the Minister for Finance in their absence. It comprises Council members who bring together expertise, experience and distinguished service in diverse fields and countries, including medical practitioners, social scientists, economists, engineers, industrialists and other business and public service professionals.	It was launched on 10 January 2005, and since then, it has integrated sustainable development research with its core work programme to foster synergies and integration across environmental, social and economic sustainable development.

Source: Authors’ elaboration.

Table 2.2. Key tools that facilitate coherent policymaking in Ireland

Name	Mandate/function relating to PCSD	Composition	Status
SDG Policy Map	The SDG Policy Map serves as a tool to designate lead government departments responsible for addressing each of the 17 SDGs along with their 169 associated targets. Its purpose is to align these targets with existing national policies and provide comprehensive information, including contact details, pertaining to each relevant policy area. The SDG Policy Map is not a geographic map but rather a policy-focused one. It focuses on linking relevant national policies to each SDG target. The SDG Policy Map enhances the ability of stakeholders to track Ireland’s implementation of specific SDGs and associated targets. Additionally, it encourages and strengthens collaboration across governments to achieve all goals and targets. The SDG Policy Map was most recently updated in October 2022 and is currently being updated. It is available online.	N/A	The tool was developed in the context of the whole-of-government approach adopted for implementation of the SDGs in the NIP for the SDGs 2018-2020. An updated version has since been published on the DCEE website.
SDG Points of Contact	The SDG Points of Contact serves as a tool to identify the contacts who lead the co‑ordination, communication and promotion of the SDGs within their respective departments.	The list includes 17 points of contact, one for each government department.	The list was published on 12 June 2020 and is part of the whole-of-government approach adopted for the implementation of the SDGs in the NIP for the SDGs 2018-2020. The list is updated as required on an ongoing basis.
SDG Geospatial Data (Geohive) Platform	This platform is a collaborative space for tracking advancements towards the SDGs and exchanging information about associated initiatives. Ireland assesses its progress on each goal by employing a set of targets and indicators that are globally agreed upon by the United Nations and the European Union. GeoHive presents domestic data and indicators, while the Policy Map is a policy-focused internal government document. Due to their cross-cutting nature, close co‑operation between national policymakers and the CSO is necessary for monitoring and reporting SDG progress.	Tailte Éireann developed this data hub in partnership with DCEE and the CSO.	Ireland was invited by the United Nations Statistical Division to participate in developing a website related to SDGs. In the initial phase, seven countries, including Ireland, were invited. Ireland is committed to the continued development of the website, and a governance board, including representatives from Tailte Éireann and government departments, has been established by the CSO to oversee the ongoing process.

Source: Authors’ elaboration.

Ireland’s progressive approach to sustainable development leverages institutional frameworks and strategies that underpin its commitment to the SDGs. Ireland has integrated sustainable development into its national agenda, with legislative and policy mechanisms designed to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These efforts are grounded in long-term strategies, starting with the 1997 National Sustainable Development Strategy and evolving through successive initiatives, such as "Our Sustainable Future" in 2012, the SDG National Implementation Plans (2018-2020 and 2022-2024), and Project Ireland 2040. These frameworks demonstrate Ireland’s dedication to integrating sustainability into policy, with a particular focus on policy coherence, stakeholder engagement and public accountability.

A significant institutional aspect driving Ireland's SDG implementation is its whole-of-government approach. This approach is facilitated through a system of different roles across departments, with DCEE at the centre, co-ordinating policies and ensuring cross-departmental alignment. Ireland’s strategies reflect increasing sophistication in managing sustainability across sectors, marked by the SDG Matrix and Policy Map tools, which assign accountability for specific SDG targets and integrate them into relevant national policies. This structure underscores Ireland’s proactive position in aligning local actions with international commitments, ensuring that sustainability goals are prioritised and tracked effectively across various government departments.

Ireland’s sustainability approach also strongly aligns with the EU framework, reflecting its commitment to collective EU goals for a greener, more resilient future. Ireland has actively adapted EU directives and frameworks, integrating them into its national agenda to achieve both domestic and EU-wide sustainability objectives. Recent policies such as the Climate Action Plan and circular economy legislation demonstrate Ireland’s commitment to aligning with EU priorities, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving biodiversity and promoting green finance. This alignment is not only a regulatory obligation, but it also shows Ireland’s recognition of the interconnectedness between national and EU sustainability efforts.

Ireland’s engagement with stakeholders and public consultation processes further highlights its commitment to inclusivity and accountability in sustainable development. Stakeholder consultation has been integral to the design of Ireland's sustainability policies, as evidenced by the development of the SDG National Implementation Plans and the Voluntary National Reviews presented to the United Nations. These consultations allow Ireland to include civil society, private sector representatives and local communities, fostering a collaborative approach to sustainability that engages a broad spectrum of voices and reinforces Ireland’s commitment to the “Leave No One Behind” principle central to the 2030 Agenda.

Overall, this chapter conveys that a robust policy framework marks Ireland’s progress in sustainable development, strong institutional mechanisms and an ongoing commitment to both national and international sustainability goals. These structures and strategies reflect Ireland’s ambition to meet and contribute meaningfully to the global pursuit of sustainable development. This prior analysis is essential for delving deeper into Ireland's approach to PCSD in the next chapter, especially as it relates to the OECD's PCSD principles across the policy cycle. These fundamental components depict a dynamic, changing system that aims to harmonise national policies with international and European frameworks, guaranteeing accountability, efficacy, and coherence in the pursuit of the SDGs. This analysis will also help identify challenges and potential solutions.

References

[4] Department of Foreign Affairs (2015), September: UN Sustainable Development Goals, https://www.dfat.ie/annualreport/2015/our-values/negotiating-the-sustainable-development-goals/.

[5] Donoghue, D. (n.d.), How Ireland is Adopting the Sustainable Development Goals, https://drukjournal.bt/how-ireland-is-adopting-the-sustainable-development-goals/.

[1] EPA (2025), SEA Legislation, https://www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/assessment/strategic-environmental-assessment/sea-legislation-/.

[7] Government of Ireland (2024), Planning and Development Act 2024.

[12] Government of Ireland (2024), SDG Champions 2024-2025, https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-environment-climate-and-communications/publications/sdg-champions-2024-2025/.

[8] Government of Ireland (2022), Cross-government launch of new National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals 2022-2024, https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/69a2a-cross-government-launch-of-new-national-implementation-plan-for-the-sustainable-development-goals-2022-2024/.

[9] Government of Ireland (2022), National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals 2022-2024, https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e950f-national-implementation-plan-for-the-sustainable-development-goals-2022-2024/.

[11] Government of Ireland (2021), Climate Action Plan 2021, https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-environment-climate-and-communications/publications/climate-action-plan-2021/.

[6] Government of Ireland (2018), Project Ireland 2040, https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/09022006-project-ireland-2040/.

[3] Government of Ireland (2012), Our Sustainable Future: A Framework for Sustainable Development for Ireland, https://developmenteducation.ie/media/documents/Our%20sustainable%20future%20irish%20framework.pdf.

[10] UN Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (2023), Sustainable Development in Ireland: over 80% of targets achieved, https://unric.org/en/sustainable-development-in-ireland-over-80-of-targets-achieved/#:~:text=Over%2080%25%20of%20the%20169,and%20wellbeing%20(SDG%203).

[2] UNECE (2012), UNECE welcomes ratification by Ireland of the Aarhus Convention, its amendment on genetically modified organisms and its Protocol on PRTRs, https://unece.org/environment/press/unece-welcomes-ratification-ireland-aarhus-convention-its-amendment-genetically.

Notes

← 1.  The network was subsequently re-established as the High-Level Interdepartmental Group to steer the review of the NSDS in 2007, which in turn was replaced by the SDG Seniors Officials Group and the SDG Interdepartmental Working Group.

← 2.  See https://www.npf.ie.