13 April 2005

Environment

Climate Change Strategy

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date with the proposals contained within the National Climate Change Strategy; when an updated strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government:  

The National Climate Change Strategy was designed as a comprehensive framework for reducing Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions in the most efficient and equitable manner, and for ensuring that Ireland meets its Kyoto target to limit greenhouse gases emissions to 13% above 1990 levels.

Progress is being made towards achieving that target. Latest EPA data show emissions in 2003 at approximately 25% above 1990 levels, down from 29% in 2002 and 31% in 2001. The aim must be to maintain this downward trend in emissions up to and through the Kyoto commitment period 2008-2012.

Current business-as-usual projections indicate a reduction requirement in total annual greenhouse gas emissions of 9.2 million tonnes per annum during the 2008-2012 commitment period under the Protocol. This reduction will be achieved through a combination of emissions reductions throughout the economy and the purchase of carbon allowances on the international market.

Under the 1994 Emissions Trading Regulations, some 105 Irish installations are participating in emissions trading within the EU since 1 January 2005. These installations account for approximately one third of total greenhouse gas emissions in this country. In addition to cost effective emissions reductions, participation in emissions trading will enable the installations concerned to meet their overall targets in the most economically efficient manner through access to least-cost emissions reduction opportunities across the EU and, ultimately, more widely.

The National Climate Change Strategy incorporates a range of emissions reduction options across the whole economy, including in sectors not eligible to participate in emissions trading. My priority is progressively to reduce total domestic greenhouse gas emissions on a least cost basis, having regard to economic and social development considerations. However, where reductions in the non-trading side of the economy cannot be achieved on a cost effective basis, carbon allowances will be purchased by the State in lieu of emissions.

Work is currently in progress in my Department on a review of the National Climate Change Strategy, taking account of developments since its publication at end 2000. I intend that this review will be completed in the coming months.