Ireland emitted 54 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2024, a 2 per cent decrease from the previous year, according to new figures from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This marks the third year in a row that emissions have fallen and the 16th drop in the past 23 years.
While the decline is a positive sign, the EPA cautioned that it is far from sufficient. Director General Laura Burke stated that emissions cuts need to be five times greater in 2025 if Ireland is to remain within its carbon budget and meet both EU and national climate goals.
The EPA report highlights that each person in Ireland is responsible for the equivalent of 10 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Despite progress, the country still faces a significant challenge in reducing its overall climate impact.
Agriculture continues to be the largest source of emissions, accounting for 38 per cent of the total. Transport followed at nearly 22 per cent, with energy production responsible for just over 13 per cent and building heating contributing a little over 10 per cent.