Ireland to miss 2030 climate targets by wide margin, EPA warns

Ireland is on track to miss its legally binding greenhouse gas emission targets for 2030 by a wide margin, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned. The agency's latest projections indicate that even if all currently discussed climate measures are fully implemented, the country will only achieve half the required reduction in emissions.

Ireland faces two primary targets: a 51% reduction in emissions below 2018 levels under its own Climate Act, and a 42% reduction below 2005 levels as mandated by the EU Effort Sharing Regulation. The EPA's report suggests that current actions are insufficient to meet either goal.

While the government has planned additional measures, including promoting electric cars, heat pumps, reducing cattle numbers, and increasing renewable electricity imports, these are projected to yield only a 25% cut under the Climate Act and 23% under the EU regulation. This falls far short of the required targets.

“

There must be a renewed focus on delivering the actions to meet Ireland’s climate targets which will be a significant challenge given the short timeframe to 2030.

Failure to meet these targets could result in substantial fines, estimated between €8 billion and €26 billion, according to a joint report by the Fiscal Advisory Council and the Climate Change Advisory Council. EPA Director General Dr. Eimear Cotter emphasized the need for a "renewed focus on delivering the actions to meet Ireland’s climate targets," highlighting the significant challenge posed by the short timeframe.

Beyond avoiding financial penalties, the EPA stresses that achieving emission targets offers numerous co-benefits. These include reducing dependence on fossil fuels for electricity, transport, and heating, thereby strengthening national energy security and resilience. Meeting targets will also improve public health, create green jobs, and protect the environment. Dr. Cotter noted that while progress is possible, accelerating the delivery of promised climate policies is critical, particularly in scaling up renewable energy to meet increasing demand.

“

Renewable energy is now expected to provide nearly 60% of Ireland’s electricity by 2030. It is imperative given the increasing demand for electricity across several sectors, that renewables are delivered at the pace and scale required to meet this demand.