Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 2pc, finds EPA

Emissions will have to increase further, by more than 10pc annually until 2030, to meet the national climate target of a 51pc reduction on 2018 levels.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published the provisional greenhouse gas emission figures for Ireland for 2025 and what stands out, is that since 2024, emissions have fallen by 2.2pc, with reductions across Ireland’s main sectors. 

There are still significant changes to be made however, as the data also found that if Ireland is to reach the future target of reducing the 2018 figures by 51pc, emissions will have to fall by more than 10pc each year until 2030. 

Commenting on the findings of the report, Dr Eimear Cotter, the EPA director general, said, “This is the fourth year in a row that Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions have reduced which is welcome in the context of a growing economy and population. However, with just four years to 2030, Ireland needs to accelerate delivery and achieve much deeper annual reductions to meet our climate targets.”

She added, “The evidence shows that clear prioritisation and sustained investment can deliver emissions reductions. Since 2005, emissions covered by the Emissions Trading System, including large point sources such as power generation, have fallen by over 52pc. By contrast, greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, transport and buildings have collectively fallen by only 12pc. 

She said this highlights the challenges Ireland faces in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sources, explaining that the priority now is on accelerating delivery in select sectors by removing barriers and focusing on low-carbon choices that are practical, affordable and attractive.

The reduction in emissions was as a result of a number of factors, including energy generation coming from renewables, an increase in the share of imported electricity, an increase in electricity consumption for road transport, a reduction in cattle numbers and the decreased use of fossil fuels. 

While Ireland remains under allowed figures as dictated by the carbon budget, the assessment also found that several sectors such as energy industries and buildings are closing the narrow gap, while others, such as transport and industry have exceeded it. 

Dr Conor Quinlan, the EPA programme manager, said, “Sectoral ceilings are intended to make climate progress measurable and accountable. The fact that some sectors, such as energy industries and buildings, are provisionally on track is encouraging, but the overshoots in transport and industry show that the overall carbon budget remains at risk unless delivery strengthens across all sectors.”

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