Ireland struggles to meet climate goals
New data revealed that the country’s emissions are expected to exceed its carbon budget for 2021–2025 by 10 million tons, surpassing the National Climate Plan’s limit of 295 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO₂ Eq).
The Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) cautioned that these excess emissions will have to be offset by even deeper reductions during the second carbon budget period, which covers 2026–2030.
According to the CCAC, this shortfall jeopardizes Ireland’s legally binding 2030 climate commitments and could result in financial penalties of up to €26 billion ($30.1 billion).
Marie Donnelly, chair of the CCAC, stressed that Ireland still has “an opportunity and resources to transform” the country’s approach to emissions and climate preparedness. “We must act now because if we don't, we will pay the financial and societal price by losing out on secure and affordable energy, a healthier and more sustainable society, both today, and for future generations,” she said.
The council’s 2025 Annual Cross Sectoral Review also found that Irish taxpayers have subsidized fossil fuels by €4.7 billion ($5.4 billion) over the past five years, hindering the shift toward a cleaner, more efficient economy.
Transport and agriculture were identified as the main contributors, accounting for 55% of Ireland’s total emissions and failing to make the necessary cuts.
The CCAC expressed that it is “deeply disappointed” with Ireland’s slow progress in incorporating EU climate directives into national law and urged the government to address this shortfall well ahead of the country’s upcoming EU presidency in the latter half of next year.
It warned that continued inaction could inflict significant reputational harm on Ireland’s international standing.
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