Rise in low-emission slurry spreading puts Ireland on track for ammonia target

The move away from fossil fuel use in power generation and residential heating has also been key in driving down emissions in three of the five key air pollutants: sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter

A decrease of 4% in ammonia emissions in 2023 was driven by an 18% reduction in nitrogen fertiliser use and increased use of low-emission slurry spreading (LESS). File picture

Ireland has met its EU emissions reduction targets for all five major air pollutants, the latest EPA assessment has shown.

These include ammonia, non-methane volatile organic compounds, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter, all of which can impact air quality, health and the environment. Agriculture accounts for over 99% of ammonia emissions in Ireland and has previously been in non-compliance with EU targets.