Environmentalists welcome fall in greenhouse gas levels

Environmentalists have welcomed the fall in Ireland's greenhouse gas levels last year.

Emissions fell by 8%, the first time a fall has been reported in 20 years.

However the drop is believed to be more to do with the effects of the economic downturn, than a substantial increase in environmental awareness.

Environmental campaigner Duncan Stewart said it might be possible to use the downturn to transform society and to plan for the future.

"We've got a 30% reduction to make in the next 10 years…We're miles from that," he said.