Presidential candidates' statements on climate and the environment

In recent days, we contacted the campaign offices of both Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys to get their insights on climate and the environment - and to find out how Ireland's environment might shape their vision for the Presidency.

Here is what they said.

Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly

Ireland’s environment is not an abstract concern; it is the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil that feeds us, and the places that shape who we are. From our bogs and native woodlands to our coasts and islands, the health of our communities is inseparable from the health of the natural world. The consequences of environmental breakdown are already here, reshaping weather, threatening biodiversity, and deepening inequalities at home and abroad. It is so often those with the least who face the greatest harm.

If elected President, I would work within the Constitution to champion stewardship, science and solidarity. Stewardship means keeping the long view: restoring peatlands and rivers, protecting biodiversity, and supporting a just transition so that workers, farmers and small businesses are not left behind. This means listening carefully to evidence and lifting up the work of researchers, local authorities and communities who are delivering practical solutions - from energy efficiency and community energy to nature restoration and climate resilience. Solidarity means recognising that fairness between regions, generations and incomes must be at the heart of change. We need more than slogans and targets; we need a shift that places environmental responsibility and social justice at the centre of how we live and work.

I would use the platform of the Áras to highlight urgency, support those working for change, and celebrate our deep connection with the natural world. Áras an Uachtaráin should lead by example, welcoming the public while prioritising accessibility, biodiversity and lower emissions. With honesty, care and courage, we can protect what we love, repair what has been damaged, and pass on a living, thriving island to the next generation. That is the spirit I would bring to the Presidency."

Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys

I believe the President, as First Citizen, can help lead our national efforts to reach a net zero carbon future.

We can all make small changes in our lives to help. I’m very proud to grow all my own vegetables, it’s something that I find very satisfying and rewarding. If I’m fortunate enough to be elected as President, I’d love to work with the OPW to use some of the lands around Áras an Uachtaráin as community allotments to support biodiversity and encourage families and particularly young children to grow their own produce, young children get so much enjoyment out of the garden and seeing things grow and I think it’s gives them a great connection and appreciation of nature.

If honoured to be elected as President of Ireland, I will use the office to progress community level climate-friendly initiatives so that all of the communities in Ireland can benefit from the opportunities that the climate transition presents.

Climate change is the greatest challenge facing humankind today, tackling climate change and making our communities more climate resilient involves many small, day-to-day actions, as well as transformation changes, to, for example, our energy and electricity systems.

I was proud to serve in the Government which prepared and published Ireland’s first ever whole-of-government climate action plan in 2019. With that plan, we set out actions across energy, transport, agriculture, waste, and more. We also introduced carbon budgets and targets while also setting up the independent Climate Action Advisory Council to help our country on our climate action journey. Crucially, I pushed for the adoption of a Just Transition approach, in recognition of the need to ensure communities and households are supported during the changes we need to make.

In Ireland we are incredibly lucky to live amongst the most beautiful natural landscape across the world, as President I would continue to promote protecting our environment, to ensure that future generations get to experience the amazing environment that we enjoy."