Ireland way off target to reduce greenhouse emissions by 2030

EPA report paints a grim picture with environmental projections

- BY CILLIAN SHERLOCK

IN A SPIN: Wind turbines at a wind farm in Co Kerry.

IRELAND remains way off track for 2030 targets in greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new report.

Even if there is a complete implementation of a wide range of policies and plans across every sector, reductions would only get up to 25% by 2030 - not even halfway to the national target of a 51% cut compared to 2018 levels.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) examined projections for greenhouse gas emissions in a range of sectors with existing measures (WEM) in place, as well as with additional measures (WAM) that have been announced by government but are yet to be put in place.

Ireland could reduce emissions by 13% by 2030 under the WEM scenario, and up to 23% with a full implementation of additional measures.

The State could avail of "flexibilities" under EU legislation, by buying from other member states - however, the projections would only increase these reductions by 10 and four percentage points respectively.