On 13 July 2026, the Council adopted a proposal for an implementing decision approving Ireland's amended recovery and resilience plan (RRP). The amendment, requested by Ireland on 29 May 2026, modifies 13 measures to reduce administrative burden and simplify implementation while maintaining the original objectives. One clerical error in milestone 4 of measure 1.2.1 (Accelerate the Decarbonisation of the Enterprise Sector - Carbon Reduction Fund) under component 1 is also corrected. The total estimated cost of Ireland's amended RRP remains EUR 1 153 797 007, with no change to the Union's financial contribution.
The amendment concerns measures listed as C1-I3 through C5-I5, which Ireland argued are partially no longer achievable due to objective circumstances. The Commission assessed the amended plan and confirmed it still meets all criteria under Article 19(3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. The Council's decision replaces the annex of its original implementing decision of 8 September 2021 entirely.
This update follows Ireland's initial RRP approval in 2021, which allocated EUR 1.15 billion in grants. The amendment aims to streamline implementation without altering the plan's overall ambition or financial envelope. The decision is addressed to Ireland and will take effect upon notification.
For Irish businesses and public authorities, the simplification reduces administrative burdens associated with the 13 measures, potentially accelerating project delivery. EU taxpayers see no change in financial exposure. The European Commission's positive assessment signals continued alignment with the Recovery and Resilience Facility's objectives. The correction of the clerical error ensures accurate reporting and milestone tracking.
Ireland must now implement the amended plan, reporting progress to the Commission. The Council's decision is final and does not require further legislative steps.