34 / 234
Ireland’s Environment – An Assessment 2016
30
Table 2.1: State of Progress for Limiting Transboundary Air Pollutants in Ireland
Sulphur Dioxide (SO
2
)
Overview – Transboundary emissions that can cause acid deposition have significantly reduced in Ireland.
SO
2
emissions are linked to combustion processes.
SO
2
is a gaseous species that readily undergoes atmospheric chemistry in water vapour to form sulphuric acid (H
2
SO
4
)
which leads to acidification of ecosystems and damage to vegetation.
Progress against the emission ceiling target
Ireland achieved the 2010 emission ceiling of 42 kilotonnes (kt) in 2009. It is anticipated that Ireland will continue to
meet its objectives under the 2020 Gothenburg Protocol and the 2030 NEC Directive.
Key steps towards achieving the target
Fuel switching in the power generation and industrial sectors has aided in the achievement of Ireland’s commitments
on SO
2
. Further reductions in the sulphur content of fuel oil, gas oil, diesel and gasoline, and a decrease in coal and
peat use for heating in Irish homes should help maintain this situation.
Oxides of Nitrogen (NO
X
)
Overview – Emissions linked to high-temperature combustion. Also relevant to acidification and
eutrophication processes.
Any processes that involve high-temperature combustion in the presence of oxygen and nitrogen lead to the
production of NO
X
as a by-product.
Progress against the emission ceiling target
Ireland is one of the 11 EU Member States that did not meet their 2010 emission ceiling for NO
X
.
Key steps towards achieving the target
A reduction in the contribution of transport combustion sources (mainly road transport) will be crucial for Ireland to achieve
its commitments under the 2020 Gothenburg Protocol and the 2030 NEC Directive. Technological advances and verified
success with real-world applications of Euro 6 emissions standards for vehicles will also be important to achieving the target.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Overview – Emissions linked to solvent use and transport.
The main sources of VOC emissions are solvent use, transport and agriculture.
Progress against the emission ceiling target
Ireland’s emission ceiling for VOCs is 55 kt and this was achieved in 2009.
Key steps towards achieving the target
Catalyst controls and improved vapour abatement technologies in gasoline vehicles achieved large reductions in VOC
emissions. The contribution from solvent use remains relatively constant in absolute terms, although drivers such as
population, paint use and pharmachem industrial activity have increased in recent years.
Ammonia (NH
3
)
Overview – Emissions risk not meeting EU emissions targets if cattle numbers increase to their pre-2000 levels.
NH
3
emissions can lead to the formation of aerosol particulate matter, and eutrophication.
Progress against the emission ceiling target
The emission ceiling for NH
3
under the previous Gothenburg protocol was 116 kt. Under the revised National
Emissions Ceiling Directive, Ireland’s targets for 2020 and 2030 have, following EU negotiations, been amended to a
1% reduction for 2020 and a 5% reduction for 2030 (based on a 2005 baseline).
Key steps towards achieving the target
98% of national NH
3
emissions arise from activities in the agricultural sector. This is especially pertinent with the
adoption of the planned 2030 NEC target, and Ireland’s planned implementation of Food Wise 2025, which will lead
to a risk of higher NH
3
emissions.