Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 4

Written Answers. - Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

David Stanton

Question:

226 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the estimated amount of greenhouse gas emitted each year during 1999, 2000 and 2001 respectively; the estimated amount to be emitted in 2002; the Government's responsibilities under the Kyoto agreement with respect to greenhouse gas emissions; the sectors and the estimated amount of gas emitted in each sector in the years concerned; the Government's plans to rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20876/02]

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

Ireland's obligation under the Kyoto Protocol is to limit emissions of a basket of greenhouse gases to an increase of 13% above our 1990 baseline by the commitment period, 2008-2012, viz. 60.9 million tonnes, Mt, CO2 equivalent per annum. In 1999 and 2000, greenhouse gas emissions as reported by the EPA to the United Nations Framework Convention Secretariat and to the European Commission were 65.9 and 67.0 Mt CO2 equivalent respectively. Preliminary data for 2001 are being prepared by the EPA and, subject to finalisation following complete analysis, indicate a further increase in emissions. Preparation of 2002 data will begin following completion of the 2001 exercise. The sectoral data are set out in the following table:

Sector(As identified in the National Climate change Strategy, 2000)	Greenhouse gas emissions in million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent
	1999-2000
Energy	16.5-16.7
Industry	4.9-5.6
Process	3.0-3.4
Transport	10.2-10.5
Commercial-Institutional	3.0-3.3
Residential	6.4-6.6
Agricultural	20.3-19.3
Waste	1.6-1.6
Total	65.9-67

As regards measures to reduce emissions to meet our Kyoto obligations, I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 690 and 691 on 5 November 2002.