Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
52. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which Ireland performed in 2020 as per the programme for Government commitment to achieve an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions over the next ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1417/21]
View answerThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prepares inventories of past greenhouse gas emissions for Ireland on an annual basis. Inventories are compiled by the EPA according to international standards to meet EU and UN reporting obligations and to inform national policy development.
The EPA, together with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland recently released a report entitled ‘The impact on 2020 greenhouse gas emissions of COVID-19 restrictions’. The report gives a first indication of Ireland’s 2020 emissions and projects they will be 6% below emissions in 2019. Emissions from the transport sector have seen the largest fall and are estimated to have reduced by almost 17% from 2017 levels. On the other hand, emissions from the residential sector are estimated to have increased by 9% in 2020, as many people have been working from home. The report also states that focusing on climate action as part of a green recovery stimulus offers the opportunity to rebuild our economy, generate new jobs and respond to climate change. This is in line with Government policy.
The Programme for Government has a Green New Deal for Ireland as a core mission. It commits to an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030 - a 51% reduction over the decade - and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, the latter being consistent with EU 2050 ambition. I have supported increased climate ambition at EU level through the European Green Deal, while asserting the importance of cost-effectiveness and fairness across Member States in pursuit of increased ambition. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill, which I will shortly take to Government for approval to publish following pre-legislative scrutiny, will significantly strengthen the governance structure in supporting Ireland’s response to climate breakdown, including achieving our 2030 climate goals.
