Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications
Incumbent Eamon Ryan since 27 June 2020
Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Member of	Government of Ireland Council of the European Union Dáil Éireann
Reports to	Taoiseach
Seat	Dublin, Ireland
Appointer	President of Ireland on the nomination of the Taoiseach
Inaugural holder	Seán Etchingham as Director of Fisheries
Formation	26 August 1921
Website	Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Irish: An tAire Comhshaoil, Aeráide agus Cumarsáide) is a senior minister in the Government of Ireland and leads the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

The current Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications is Eamon Ryan, TD.^[1][2] He is also Minister for Transport.

He is assisted by two Ministers of State:

• Jack Chambers, TD – Minister of State for Postal Policy.
• Ossian Smyth, TD – Minister of State for Communications and the Circular economy

Overview

The department has responsibilities in the areas of:

Energy

• To develop a competitive energy supply industry
• To ensure security and reliability of energy supply
• To develop energy conservation and end-use efficiency.

Communications

• Communications development – promotion of the provision and development of competitive high quality and world class services in the communications, electronic and mobile commerce sectors.
• Business and technology – focusing on new business and technology applications and the development of policies, initiatives and legislation as appropriate.
• Regulatory affairs – the development of effective policies for the regulation of the electronic communications sector and management of the radio frequency spectrum.
• Postal services – the development of an effective policy for the Irish postal sector based on open market principles.
• It is seen as a successor to the old Department of Posts and Telegraphs.

Natural Resources

• The Petroleum Affairs Division aims to:
  • maximise the benefits to the State from exploration for and production of indigenous oil and gas resources;
  • ensure that activities are conducted safely and with due regard to their impact on the environment and other land/sea users.
• The Exploration and Mining Division of the Department is charged with:
  • applying the Minerals Development Act to minerals exploration and development;
  • encouraging the early identification and responsible development by private investors of the Nation's minerals deposits in accordance with best international practice;
  • enhancing the attractiveness of Ireland for international and national minerals investment by active promotional measures.
• The Geological Survey of Ireland is:
  • Ireland's National Earth Science Agency, and is responsible for providing geological advice and information.

List of office-holders

Notes