State spending on fossil fuels to increase despite Ireland's climate commitments

The new contract will succeed the existing supplier agreement awarded to fuel and retail multinational Circle K in 2021 and due to expire at the end of next July. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins

The Government is to spend €160m on providing fossil fuels for the public service over the next four years — nearly 15% more than it does at present, despite binding EU climate targets as 2030 approaches.

A new contract published by the office of government procurement — a subsidiary of the department of public expenditure — will see a single supplier appointed for the delivery of fuels — including gas, diesel, heating oil, and other petroleum products — for public sector entities.