Emissions in transport sector soar by 165%

IRELAND increased its transport emissions more than any other country in Europe, up by a massive 165% from 1990 to 2006, compared with an average of 28% among 28 European countries surveyed.

The head of the European Environment Agency, Professor Jacqueline McGlade, said the latest figures call into question how serious Europe is in meeting its commitment to reduce CO2 by up to 30% over the next few years.

Despite technology existing to reduce emissions from transport, very little is being done to use it, and countries are still using the least efficient modes to move people and goods, she said when launching the report, Transport at a Crossroads, in the European Parliament.