The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan T.D., joined other governments in a landmark announcement at COP26 today to launch the Beyond Oil & Gas Alliance (BOGA).
BOGA is a first-of-its-kind alliance of governments that are determined to set an end date for oil and gas exploration and extraction. The alliance is seeking to curtail new licensing and undertake other measures to phase out oil and gas production in line with the existing Paris Agreement.
Ireland joined other nations and sub-nations – Costa Rica (co-chair); Denmark (co-chair); France; Greenland; Quebec; Sweden; Wales; California; and New Zealand – in making today’s milestone announcement.
Speaking at the launch of BOGA Minister Ryan said: “Ireland is leading the way in incentivising the transition to renewable energy and putting ourselves on a pathway to net zero, by legislating to keep fossil fuels in the ground. The decision we have made today, to join the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance, sends a powerful message that we are moving irrevocably away from fossil fuels towards a renewable future – both in Ireland and internationally.
“Through the Climate Act 2021, Ireland has closed the door on new exploration activities for oil and gas. There is no longer a legal basis for granting new licences. In line with Irish Government policy of keeping fossil fuels in the ground, we are also currently legislating to prohibit exploration for and extraction of coal, lignite and oil shale. As a core member of BOGA, Ireland will lead by example and share our experience of legislation so that we can all move towards a fossil free future.”
