I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.
The latest greenhouse gas emissions projections from the EPA highlight the challenge Ireland faces in meeting its climate objectives and legally-binding emissions reduction targets. While the EPA’s projections show that emissions are expected to decrease in almost all sectors, it is clear that Ireland faces a significant challenge in meeting our climate targets. We need to fully implement the policies and measures in Climate Action Plan 2023, and bring forward further policies and measures to bridge the gap to target.
It should also be noted that some potentially impactful policies and measures are not accounted for in the EPA’s projections as sufficient detail is not yet available, particularly in key sectors such as electricity, industry and agriculture. The EPA has projected that Ireland is on course to reduce emissions by 29% by 2030 (under its ‘With Additional Measures’ scenario). If unmodelled policies and measures, and unallocated savings, are included, then the EPA’s projected emissions reduction would be 42%, significantly closer to our legally-binding target of 51% reduction by 2030.
My Department has commenced the inter-Departmental process to prepare and deliver the next annual update to the Climate Action Plan. The work will reflect the challenges highlighted by the EPA’s report, and the policies and measures identified for inclusion in Climate Action Plan 2024 will need to demonstrate how to deliver against the sectoral emissions ceilings, carbon budgets and our 2030 target of a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emission
