Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has been appointed Energy Minister in the newly-formed Irish coalition government.
Ryan, who served in the role between 2007 and 2011, will oversee climate action as well as communications and transport.
He will be central in delivering government policy to hold annual renewables auctions and hit a 5GW by 2030 offshore wind goal.
The appointment was confirmed on Saturday by new Taoiseach (PM) Micheal Martin, who will lead the coalition between his own party Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens.
Martin said the portfolio is a “major” one for the country going forward.
“In addition to climate change and the natural environment, (Ryan) will oversee other specific areas which are an essential part of the climate change agenda,” said Martin.
The Green Party leader replaces Richard Bruton of Fine Gael in the post.
Bruton tweeted it had been a “privilege to serve” in government.
“We have helped deliver huge changes in Irish society during that time and there is still so much more…to achieve.”