31st May 2018

The Environmental Protection Agency has called for Ireland to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Strong economic growth has led to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions from most sectors of the economy, particularly in agriculture. The Environmental Protection Agency expects Ireland to achieve a 1% reduction in emissions “at best”, significantly less than the legally binding target of 20%.

Ireland is significantly behind schedule to meet its EU and international emissions targets in 2020 and 2030. The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that the “absence of significant new policy interventions” will result in greenhouse gas emissions increasing in line with our economic growth. If Ireland fails to meet these targets, it will likely result in millions of Euros worth of fines. These fines could reach as much as €150 million, unless the state can reach an agreement with other EU member states to reduce this cost.

More information is available on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.