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

Chapter 3: Air Quality Figure 3.3  Total nitrogen oxide emissions with and without the use of flexibilities, and projected emission figures (Source: EPA) 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 Kilotonnes NO x 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2020 2025 2030 Power Stations Industrial Residential & Commercial Transport Fuel used in Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing Agriculture Other Total with use of flexibilities NEC 2010-2019 Ceiling 2020-2029 Reduction Commitment 2030 Reduction Commitment 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 Projections Figure 3.3 presents a scenario where the NOx emissions from manure management and agricultural soils (Agriculture) are excluded, as these sources were not included in the national inventory at the time the 2020 and 2030 reduction ceilings were established. Key steps towards achieving the target A reduction in the contribution of transport combustion sources (mainly exhaust emissions from road transport) will be crucial for Ireland to achieve its commitments under the NEC Directive. Transforming the transport system by promoting measures such as public transport use, walking and cycling can reduce dependency on cars. This, combined with an overall transition to low-emission fuel and renewable energy use in road transport, is needed to address nitrogen oxide emission concerns in transport. This will also assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. Sulphur Dioxide (SO 2 ) Overview: Sulphur dioxide emissions are transboundary emissions that can cause acid deposition, damaging ecosystems and vegetation. Sulphur dioxide emissions have significantly reduced in Ireland since 1990 and are linked to combustion processes that use sulphur containing fuel. Progress against the emission ceiling target Ireland achieved the 2010 emission ceiling of 42 kilotonnes in 2010 and all subsequent years up to and including 2018. Current projections estimate that Ireland will be compliant with the 2020 and 2030 reduction commitments. Key steps towards achieving the target Fuel switching in the power generation and industrial sectors has aided the achievement of Ireland’s commitments on sulphur dioxide. Reductions in the sulphur content of fuel oil, gas oil, diesel and gasoline, and a decrease in coal and peat use for power generation and heating in Irish homes, should help to maintain this situation. 67