Emissions will have to decrease 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.
