EPA - Ireland's Environment, An Integrated Assessment - 2020

Ireland’s Environment – An Integrated Assessment 2020 POLICY AREA CURRENT ASSESSMENT OUTLOOK NOTES AIR Emissions to air Nitrogen oxides Ireland’s national emissions limit for nitrogen oxides has been exceeded since 2010, although emissions decreased slightly in 2018. Lower EU limits will come into effect in 2030. Based on the latest EPA projections (EPA, 2020d) nitrogen oxide emissions are projected to reduce and to be compliant, provided planned measures, particularly in relation to the Climate Action Plan, are implemented; however, further measures may be required to ensure compliance in 2030. Sulphur dioxide Emissions have decreased by 93.3% since 1990, owing to fuel switching and reduced sulphur content of fuels. On track to meet 2030 targets (EPA, 2020d). Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) emissions Emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) are increasing, arising from the food and beverage industry and the storage and handling of animal manures and synthetic fertilisers. Emissions of NMVOCs decreased slightly in 2018. Currently slightly off track to meet 2030 emissions target (EPA, 2020d), indicating further measures are required. Ammonia emissions Ammonia emissions are increasing, linked with agriculture. Emissions breached national ceiling under the National Emission Ceilings Directive in 2018 for the third successive year (EPA, 2020d). Currently not on track to meet 2030 emissions target. The underlying drivers are the use of animal manure and nitrogen fertilisers, which can be reduced through widespread adoption of on-farm measures. Particulate matter (PM 2.5 and/or PM 10 ) emissions Emissions of particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) have decreased by 62.8% since 1990, mainly due to fuel switching in the residential and commercial sectors, and improvements in vehicle engine technology. There was a small increase in emissions of particulate matter in 2018, mainly due to increased heating requirements in homes and buildings. Projected to meet 2030 EU emissions target subject to agreed national actions being implemented (EPA, 2020d). Overall air assessment While overall air quality in Ireland is good, there are localised issues with some pollutants (such as particulates) that have serious potential health impacts, resulting in an overall current assessment of ‘moderate’. Ireland is generally meeting EU air quality limits but not some WHO guideline values in places, and nitrogen oxides exceedance in 2019 is a warning about not being complacent in tackling air pollution. Not on track to meet National Emission Ceilings Directive targets for ammonia due to emissions from agriculture. Mixed progress in reducing overall emissions from transport and energy. Overall, Ireland’s prospect of meeting targets and policy objectives is heavily dependent on agreed national measures being implemented. 410