Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 4

Written Answers. - Noxious Emissions.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

151 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government whether Ireland is the highest emitter of ammonia, methane and nitrous oxides per capita in the EU; the measures he will take to reduce these emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29007/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

The report from the Environmental Protection Agency entitled "Emissions to Air 1990-1998", a copy of which is in the Oireachtas library identifies Ireland as having the highest per capita emissions of methane, CH4, nitrous oxide, N2O, and ammonia, NH3, in the EU. According to the report, this is due to the combination of a relatively small population and a large agricultural sector. In 1998, it is estimated that agricultural activities gave rise to 99% of Ireland's total NH3 emissions, an acidifying gas, 87% of CH4 and 74% of N2O emissions, both greenhouse gases.

The National Climate Change Strategy which I published recently, a copy of which is also in the Oireachtas Library, sets out a framework for achieving the necessary reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, including CH4 and N2O, required by the Kyoto Protocol. The strategy is designed to achieve the necessary reductions equitably, and with economic and environmental efficiency, while continuing to support economic growth.

Among the objectives outlined in the strategy for the agricultural sector, to achieve reductions in CH4 and N2O emissions, are a reduction in CH4 from the national herd, equivalent to a reduction in livestock numbers by 10% below 2010 projected levels; an appropriate balance will be maintained between direct reductions in stock numbers and intensification of other measures, including a prioritised research programme, including feeding programmes, additives, probiotics, engineering and finishing cattle at a younger age, to identify means of reducing emissions per animal; development of anaerobic digestion of animal wastes for energy generation, CH4 reduction; reduction in the use of nitrogenous fertiliser by 10% below expected 2010 levels, supplemented by other measures, including use of slow release inhibitors, efficient management of slurry and dirty water to reduce N2O emissions from soils; and development of best practice guidelines to encourage changing farming practices.

Regarding emissions of NH3, on 1 December 1999 Ireland signed the Gothenburg Protocol to the 1979 United Nations Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground Level Ozone.

The objective of the protocol is to control and reduce national emissions of a number of pollutants including NH3 by 2010. Under the Protocol Ireland must achieve an 8% reduction on the baseline 1990 emission level of this pollutant by 2010. Emission reductions will be achieved primarily in the agricultural sector through,inter alia, using alternatives to urea-based artificial nitrogenous fertilisers and implementing best slurry spreading practices.

Question No. 152 withdrawn.