Ireland's State of the Environment Report 2024

456 Chapter 16: Environmental Policy Implementation and Performance POLICY AREA CURRENT ASSESSMENT OUTLOOK NOTES AIR Emissions to air Nitrogen oxides (NO x ) NO x emissions have reduced by 46.4% since 1990. Agriculture is the largest source (36.4%) of NO x emissions, followed by transport (34.8%). Ireland is compliant with the 2020 emission reduction commitment for NO x and is projected to comply with the 2030 commitment provided that planned measures are implemented. Sulphur dioxide Emissions decreased by 94.9% between 1990 and 2022 (EPA, 2024c), driven mainly by a reduction in the combustion of fossil fuels at power stations and for residential and commercial heating. Ireland is compliant with its 2020 emission reduction commitment for sulphur dioxide and is projected to comply with future emission reduction commitments. Non-methane Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions have reduced by 7.9% in the period 2005-2022, compared with the 25% reduction required under the NECD, indicating that Ireland is non-compliant. However, Ireland is allowed to utilise the prescribed flexibility mechanism under Directive 2016/2284 to account for improved national emission inventory methods; when the adjustment is considered, Ireland is compliant with the emission reduction commitment for NMVOCs for 2020, 2021 and 2022. Emissions are 28.7% lower than 1990. Agriculture is the largest source (39.1%). Production of food and beverages (beer and spirits) accounts for 28.2% (EPA, 2024c). Ammonia emissions Although ammonia emissions in 2022 were 1% below 2021 levels, Ireland has exceeded its 2020 emission reduction commitment for a third year in succession (EPA, 2024c). National emissions are largely determined by cattle population and nitrogen fertiliser use. Compliance with 2030 reduction commitments will be achieved only through comprehensive implementation of abatement measures such as low-emission slurry spreading and the use of inhibited urea fertiliser on farms. PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter) Emissions of PM 2.5 decreased by 32.7% in the period 2005-2021, driven mainly by fuel switching away from coal and peat. Ireland is compliant with its 2020 emission reduction commitment for PM 2.5 and is projected to comply with the 2030 target provided that planned measures are implemented.