Ireland will not meet  2030 emissions reductions or renewable energy targets

Ireland is set to fall short of the target of 43% of energy from renewable sources. Picture: Denis Minihane

The European Commission has dished out a withering assessment to Ireland, saying that it will not meet its 2030 emissions reductions or renewable energy targets.

In an opinion published today, the commission said there is a 31.8% gap between what Ireland must cut in greenhouse gas emissions in relevant sectors by 2030 under EU targets and what it will actually achieve.

Ireland is also projected to fall short of the target of 43% of energy coming from renewable sources. While that figure in 2021 was 12.5%, Ireland’s target of 31.4% is “significantly below the 43% required”, it said.

While other bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency are among those that have previously said Ireland will not meet its climate targets, this stark assessment from the European Commission reiterates where Ireland may fall significantly down on these measures.

EU targets include transport, agriculture, and small industry emissions with a view to decreasing emissions. Picture: David Jones/PA

This assessment given to Ireland is part of the commission’s appraisal of the climate plans from all member states, detailing how they will move to more climate-friendly energy systems while taking further measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

While differing from national targets, the EU targets also include transport, agriculture, and small industry emissions with a view to decreasing emissions.

The commission noted that Ireland issued its plan to Europe “more than five months after the deadline” of 30 June 2023, which meant it had “limited time to draft its assessment”.

On Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry [LULUCF], the draft updated plan indicates that Ireland will fall short of the 2030 ambition, highlighting the need for enhanced climate action.

“The draft does not clearly set out a pathway to increase the land sector’s contribution to the EU’s overall enhanced climate target, nor does it describe with detail specific measures, such as afforestation, and their impacts.” 

Regarding fossil fuel subsidies, “no date, timeline, or commitment” is given to phase these out, it said.

While it noted that sectors relevant to energy and climate such as transport and agriculture have developed adaptation plans, “risks from climate change or extreme weather events are not specifically described, nor are measures identified to counter those risks”.

Ireland has been told it must set out cost-efficient policies and measures in sectors such as transport and agriculture to bridge the projected gap on emissions and set out “concrete pathways” to take the steps required.

In a statement, the European Commission said: “Today, the commission reiterates its call on member states to enhance their efforts on greenhouse gas emissions reductions and better prepare for an increased uptake of renewables and improvement of energy efficiency measures.

“Additional measures are also encouraged to empower consumers, improve energy security and stimulate the competitiveness of European industry. Member states are required to submit the final updated [plans] by 30 June 2024, taking into account the commission's recommendations and individual assessments.”