Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP visits NEG8 Carbon to Discuss Irish Climate Technology, Decarbonisation and Economic Growth
24 July 2026
Waterford-based Direct Air Capture (DAC) company, NEG8 Carbon, welcomed Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP to the company’s site to discuss how indigenous clean technology can support Irish and European climate targets, sustainable aviation and regional economic growth.
There is a need for Ireland and the EU to invest in local clean technology companies that require long development periods, first-of-a-kind (FOAK) demonstration projects and capital support before reaching commercial scale. In addition to the environmental benefits, these companies return value to the region and stimulate economic growth. NEG8 Carbon estimates that large-scale DAC deployment can support 600 to 1000 skilled direct jobs, together with 1800 to 3000 indirect jobs.
Furthermore, the team discussed the recent EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) proposal, including the future role of permanent carbon removals such as Direct Air Capture. Directing a greater proportion of ETS revenues towards European clean technology and FOAK industrial projects will establish manufacturing capacity within the EU while supporting the decarbonisation of heavy emitting industries.
Dr David Mulrooney, Head of Business Development at NEG8 Carbon said:
“Irish research can produce technology that has a European and global impact. Ireland should be building clean technology businesses that create skilled employment, retain expertise and support our climate objectives.”
Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which runs from July to December 2026, provides an opportunity to advance EU policy on competitiveness, industrial decarbonisation and clean technology funding. For an Irish company such as NEG8 Carbon, the Presidency offers a period in which Ireland can place EU innovation and decarbonisation on the European policy agenda.
The visit took place during an extended period of high temperatures across Ireland, attributed to a large extent to climate change, while globally we are seeing the frequency and severity of heat extremes and disturbed weather patterns increasing. These conditions provide a timely reminder of the need to reduce emissions while developing methods to remove previously emitted CO₂.
Photo from left to right: Dr John Breen (NEG8 Carbon, Chief Technology Officer), Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (MEP), Dr David Mulrooney (NEG8 Carbon, Head of Business Development), Grainne Moynihan (NEG8 Carbon, Chief Financial Officer)