Ireland could be hit with fine of up to €26bn for failing to meet emissions targets, C&AG report warns

'If Ireland fails to meet its national emissions reduction targets, the consequences will be significant, affecting the State legally, financially, economically, environmentally, and politically,' report says

Agriculture was the highest emitter of carbon dioxide in 2023.

Ireland may be hit with fines of up to €26bn for failing to meet its climate targets, but which Government department would pay is unclear, as responsibility for climate targets fall between multiple ministers.

The finding is contained in the new Comptroller and Auditor General’s (C&AG) report.