Missing EU climate targets could cost Ireland up to a 'colossal' €26bn

The report found that even if Ireland was to put into effect the measures from its own climate action plan by 2030, it could still amount to a bill or between €3bn and €12bn. File Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA

Ireland faces a bill as high as €26bn for missing its EU climate targets, standing out as the worst in Europe per capita on its pledge to reduce emissions by 2030.

That figure, more the State's entire annual health budget, comes in a major report from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (Ifac) and the Climate Change Advisory Council. The councils say Ireland risks paying “colossal” costs in the years ahead, having already foregone €500m of potential revenue it could have had if it was meeting its targets.