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

Ireland’s Environment – An Integrated Assessment 2020 Aerial image of Tullamore, Co. Offaly 3. Tracking Emissions of Transboundary Air Pollutants The NEC Directive sets national emission reduction commitments for Member States and the EU for five important air pollutants: nitrogen oxides, non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC), sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), ammonia and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ). The position in Ireland concerning the requirements of the NEC Directive is as discussed below. An assessment of projected future emissions of these pollutants in 2020 and 2030 is provided, focusing on the ‘With Additional Measures’ scenario. This scenario includes the effect of Ireland’s 2019 Climate Action Plan. State of Progress for Limiting Transboundary Air Pollutants in Ireland Nitrogen oxides (NO x ) Overview: Nitrogen oxide emissions are linked to fuel combustion in transport, home heating and power stations and nitrogen (fertiliser and manures) in agriculture. Nitrogen oxide emissions contribute to acidification and eutrophication processes. Nitrogen dioxide, in particular, can have negative impacts on respiratory and cardiovascular health. Progress against the emission ceiling target Figure 3.3 shows nitrogen oxide emissions by sector before and after applying the flexibilities 2 as allowed under Article 5 of the NEC Directive. The figure shows that, even after applying the flexibilities, Ireland exceeded the emission ceiling of 65 kilotonnes in 2010 but was compliant in all subsequent years up to and including 2018. Current projections show Ireland’s emissions exceeding the reduction commitment for 2020. Projections estimate compliance with the 2030 emission reduction ceiling on the basis of full implementation of the 2019 Climate Action Plan; however, further measures may be required to ensure compliance in 2030. Emissions of nitrogen oxides from manure management and agricultural soils are not within the scope of the NEC Directive for the purposes of complying with the reduction commitments applicable from 2020 onwards. 2 The use of flexibilities is allowed under Article 5(1) of the NEC Directive (2016/2284/EU) as Ireland is non-compliant with national emission reduction commitments as a result of applying improved emission inventory methods updated in accordance with best scientific knowledge. The flexibility mechanism allows Member States to subtract emissions from new sources that have been included in the national inventory since the reduction commitments or ceilings were established or where the emission factors used to estimate emissions have changed significantly based on new science. Ireland’s adjustments are reviewed under Article 10(3) of the NEC Directive. 66