Ireland: environment

What are Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions?

Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions fell 2.2%, or 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, in 2025, according to provisional figures from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), published on 8 July 2026. Total emissions excluding land use were 52.65 million tonnes. It was the fourth year in a row of reductions.

All main sectors fell, led by energy industries (down 7.1%) and buildings (down 4.7%). The figures are provisional; final data will be submitted to the EU and UN in 2027.

Official sources: EPA: Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions decrease by 2.2% in 2025

Which sector produces the most emissions in Ireland?

Agriculture was the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland in 2025, at 38.7% of the total (excluding land use), according to the EPA's provisional inventory. Transport was second at 22.0%, energy industries third at 12.5%, followed by residential (9.9%) and manufacturing combustion (7.9%).

Agriculture emissions were 20.40 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, 0.2% lower than in 2024, mainly because cattle numbers fell 3.3%; a 12.7% increase in fertiliser nitrogen use offset part of the fall. Agriculture emissions are mostly methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from soils.

Official sources: EPA: Ireland's Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1990-2025 (PDF)

Is Ireland on track for its 2030 climate target?

Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions, including land use, were 14.5% below 2018 levels in 2025, against a national target of a 51% reduction by 2030, according to the EPA. The EPA says emissions now need to fall by more than 10% a year to 2030 to meet the target.

Under EU rules, Ireland must cut emissions from sectors such as agriculture, transport and buildings by 42% by 2030 compared with 2005; a 12% reduction had been achieved by 2025. Provisionally, Ireland stayed within its first five-year carbon budget by 1.1 million tonnes, although transport and industry exceeded their sectoral ceilings.

Official sources: EPA: Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions decrease by 2.2% in 2025

How much of Ireland's electricity comes from renewables?

Renewables provided 40.6% of Ireland's electricity generation in 2025, up from 39.8% in 2024, with wind accounting for 31.7% of electricity supply, according to the EPA's provisional greenhouse gas inventory. Natural gas accounted for 40.2% of generation, and imported electricity was 16.4% of supply.

The emissions intensity of power generation fell to a record low of 197 grams of CO2 per kilowatt hour, from 224 in 2024. Imports through interconnectors are not counted in Ireland's emissions; the EPA estimates they would have added over 1.3 million tonnes if generated in Ireland.

Official sources: EPA: Ireland's Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1990-2025 (PDF)

Are transport emissions falling in Ireland?

Ireland's transport emissions fell 1.5%, or 0.17 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, in 2025, after a 1.2% fall in 2024, according to the EPA. Transport is the second-largest source of emissions, at 22.0% of the total.

Transport exceeded its sectoral emissions ceiling for 2021 to 2025 by 8.1%, the EPA said. Most transport emissions come from road vehicles burning petrol and diesel, so they depend on fuel use, the number of electric vehicles and how much people travel.

Official sources: EPA: Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions decrease by 2.2% in 2025 · EPA: Ireland's Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1990-2025 (PDF)

What are Ireland's CO2 emissions per person?

6.0 tonnes: that is carbon dioxide emissions per person in Ireland for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 5.1 tonnes; Ireland is 16th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 38th of 186.

How much greenhouse gas does Ireland emit?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, total greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland was 59.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. No year since 2005 has been lower. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 53.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, and Ireland placed 21st highest of 46. Worldwide: 70th of 186.

How much renewable energy does Ireland use?

The IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO puts the renewable share of final energy use in Ireland at 12.7% in 2021. Since 2005 it has ranged from 2.9% (2005) to 13.7% (2020). It is 38th highest of 50 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 20.4%. World rank, highest first: 129th of 191.

How much of Ireland is forest?

According to the FAO, forest area as a share of land in Ireland was 12.0% in 2024. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 33.2%, and Ireland placed 42nd highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 146th of 190.

What is PM2.5 air pollution in Ireland?

In 2023, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Ireland was 7.5 micrograms per cubic metre, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 11.7 micrograms per cubic metre; its low point was 2017, at 7.1 micrograms per cubic metre. Europe & Central Asia median: 13.0 micrograms per cubic metre; Ireland is 44th highest of 51. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 170th highest.

How much of Ireland is in national parks and reserves?

The latest figure from the UN Environment Programme, for 2025, is 14.2%. No year since 2013 has been lower. Europe & Central Asia median: 22.1%; Ireland is 39th highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 122nd of 192.

How much of Ireland's fresh water is used?

In 2022, water stress in Ireland was 8.1%, according to the FAO. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 28th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 12.6%. Worldwide: 97th of 175.