Evidence Synthesis Report 14: Impacts and Opportunities of the Clean Industrial Deal in Ireland

Authors: J. Andrew Kelly, J. Peter Clinch and Vishwajeet Pundkar

Summary: This research study, led by EnvEcon Decision Support, assesses the impact of the EU CID Clean Industrial Deal (CID) policy framework for Ireland, examining the alignment between EU-level policy objectives and Ireland’s industrial structure, competitive positioning and decarbonisation requirements. The EU’s CID, launched in 2025, aims to integrate decarbonisation with competitiveness, supply chain resilience and strategic autonomy through six pillars: affordable energy, lead markets, financing, circularity, global markets, and skills for a just transition. The research found that the CID comes at a critical time for Ireland. Despite recent progress, industrial emissions are not projected to meet reduction targets by 2030. Within this context, the CID implementation period presents both opportunities and challenges. The study recommends that Ireland’s priority should be to convert EU policy alignment into coordinated delivery for Irish industry.

Published: 2026

ISBN: 978-1-80009-424-6

Pages: 69

Filesize: 3,842 KB

Format: pdf

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The EPA has published a new research report under its Fast-Track to Policy Scheme which supports the rapid generation of evidence to inform the design and implementation of effective and robust environmental policy.

Evidence synthesis report 14: Impacts and Opportunities of the Clean Industrial Deal in Ireland, led by EnvEcon Decision Support, assesses the impact of the EU CID Clean Industrial Deal (CID) policy framework for Ireland, examining the alignment between EU-level policy objectives and Ireland’s industrial structure, competitive positioning and decarbonisation requirements.

The research found that the CID comes at a critical time for Ireland. Despite recent progress, industrial emissions are not projected to meet reduction targets by 2030.  Within this context, the CID implementation period presents both opportunities and challenges.  Whilst Ireland has established climate policy and legislation and strong stakeholder networks, these enablers are offset by various implementation barriers. The study recommends that Ireland’s priority should be to convert EU policy alignment into coordinated delivery for Irish industry.