Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Act 2024 (N.16 of 2024)

This Act provides under Part 2 for the establishment of the Future Ireland Fund for the purpose of supporting, in a consistent and sustainable manner, State expenditure in any year from 2041. Part 3 provides for the establishment of the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund for the purpose of to support State expenditure in: (a) in 2026 or any year thereafter, where there has been, or is likely to be in the subsequent year, a significant deterioration in the economic or fiscal position of the State, and (b) in each of the years 2026 to 2030, on designated environmental projects. A Minister of the Government may designate in writing a project referred to as a designated environmental project, where the project contributes directly or indirectly, or is likely to so contribute, to: a) the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the State; b), c) d) the achievement of environmental objectives for surface waters (within the meaning of the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 272 of 2009) established under regulation 28, 29 or 31 of those regulations; e) the implementation of a programme of measures pursuant to Regulation 4 of the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations 2010 ( S.I. No. 9 of 2010); f) the achievement of environmental targets and associated indicators established under Regulation 5(3)(a)(iii) of the European Communities (Marine Strategy Framework) Regulations 2011 ( S.I. No. 249 of 2011 ), (g) the achievement of conservation objectives, or the implementation of conservation measures or administrative and contractual measures, established under Regulation 26 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 ( S.I. No. 477 of 2011 ), or h) the implementation of a plan, programme or strategy, the National Biodiversity Action Plan or guidelines (each within their meanings, respectively, in Part VA of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 ).