Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which each sector in the economy can contribute to greenhouse gas reduction over the next five years without negatively impacting on economic output; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21832/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo ensure that Ireland's future economic development is on a sustainable footing, we have taken a number of ambitious measures, including the adoption of the 2021 Climate Act, with provides for economy-wide carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings.
The ceilings and budgets underpin Ireland’s ambitious commitments to tackle climate breakdown, while also increasing our energy security, and putting us in a strong position to introduce climate-neutral agriculture and business models. This provides us with excellent opportunities to encourage and incentivise innovation, while also developing new job opportunities in the green economy.
The latest Environment Protection Agency (EPA) report shows that in 2022 Ireland’s emissions fell by 1.9% compared to 2021. This is to be welcomed. During the same period Ireland's economy performed strongly, with employment growing by 2.7% to record levels, with real GNI growth of 6.7%. This fall in overall emissions at a time of sustained economic growth demonstrates how Ireland can reverse the trajectory of its emissions while also continuing to support job creation, economic growth and socio-economic development.
The EPA’s emissions projections show that under their ‘With Additional Measures’ scenario, Ireland will only reduce its emissions by 29% by 2030, falling short of our legally-binding obligations. However, the EPA acknowledges that if all of the unmodeled policies and measures in CAP23 and the, as yet, unallocated emissions savings are included, the reduction in emissions could equate to 42%.
The sectoral emissions ceilings, which cover all sectors of the economy, mandate the following emissions reductions by the end of the decade:
• Electricity: 75% reduction from 10 MtCO2eq. in 2018 to less than 3 MtCO2eq.
• Transport: 50% reduction from 12 MtCO2eq. in 2018 to 6 MtCO2eq.
• Residential Buildings: 40% reduction from 7 MtCO2eq. to around 4 MtCO2eq.
• Commercial and Public Buildings: 45% reduction from 2 MtCO2eq. to just over 1 MtCO2eq.
• Industry: 35% reduction from 7 MtCO2eq. to about 4 MtCO2eq.
• Agriculture: 25% reduction from 23 MtCO2eq. to 17.25 MtCO2eq.
It should be noted that climate change poses a fundamental threat to Ireland and its people. By building on existing work and cutting the link between emissions and economic activity, we can meet our climate targets and make Ireland a leading country for green jobs, sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.
The transition to a carbon-neutral economy will provide huge opportunities to foster innovation, create new jobs and grow businesses in areas like offshore wind, cutting-edge sustainable agriculture, and low carbon construction. By investing in our future now, we can ensure that we as a country make the most of these opportunities and avoid the consequences of not taking action.
