Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions jump by 5%, EPA warns

The EPA has said the country will exceed its 2021 annual limit for greenhouse gases set under the EU’s Effort Sharing Regulation. Picture: AP Photo/J. David Ake, File

Ireland’s greenhouse gases have jumped by almost 5%, driven by increased use of coal and oil for electricity generation, as well as agriculture and transport, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned.

Agriculture remains by far the largest contributor to overall emissions, at 37.5% of the total. However, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan and Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue continue to haggle over the carbon reduction target for the farming sector, with discussions in deadlock.