Irish businesses accused of failing to reduce emissions

The Government’s Economic and Social Research Institute has accused Irish businesses of failing to meet their obligations to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

In a report published today, the ESRI said many Irish firms were not investing in energy-saving measures.

It said the problem was worst in energy-intensive industries, with inefficient machinery and equipment identified as the main source of needless emissions.

The ESRI said Ireland had the worst record on greenhouse gases of all 15 EU member states and could face massive fines if it fails to honour its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.