Written Answers - Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Willie Penrose
Question:
95
Mr. Penrose
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
the progress made to date in implementing the targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions agreed by Ireland under the Kyoto Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[8754/03]
Paul Connaughton
Question:
118
Mr. Connaughton
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
if he will make a statement on the fact that Ireland is one of the highest polluters in Europe in terms of CO2 emissions.
[8649/03]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
312
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
the extent to which reductions in various pollutants have been achieved in the past four years; if such reductions are in accord with the objectives set at Kyoto; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9014/03]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
313
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
his proposals to make a greater impact by way of reduction in greenhouse gases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9015/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95, 118, 312 and 313 together.
On the basis of emissions data contained in the European Environment Agency report, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trends in Europe, 1990-2000, Ireland's emissions of CO2 and total greenhouse gases were second lowest of the EU member states for 2000. However, on aper capita basis, Ireland's emissions of CO2 were fourth highest within the EU in 2000, 11.5 tonnes compared to the EU average of 8.8 tonnes; Belgium and Luxembourg being highest at 12.4 tonnes. There is a greater disparity between Ireland's emissions of total greenhouse gases on a per capita basis and the EU average. These emissions were 17.4 tonnes CO2 equivalent in Ireland, the highest in the EU, compared to the EU average of 10.8 tonnes in 2000, due mainly to the greater proportion of Irish emissions attributable to the agriculture sector.
The Government's national climate change strategy, published in November 2000, sets out a ten year framework for achieving the necessary greenhouse gas emissions reductions to ensure that Ireland complies with the Kyoto Protocol.
A progress report on the implementation of the strategy was published in May 2002. While this shows that measures in place or in progress are capable of achieving approximately 20% of the reductions required to meet our Kyoto Protocol obligations, I am satisfied the implementation of the strategy must be intensified and additional measures to achieve reductions in emissions put in place. I have initiated a review to this end and expect it to be finalised by mid-year.
I am satisfied that the full implementation of the national climate change strategy over the remainder of the decade, together with any additional measures to be identified in the review, will ensure that our greenhouse gas emissions are reduced and our Kyoto obligations are fully met by the 2008-12 period.
The national climate change strategy and the progress report on its implementation are available in the Oireachtas Library.
