Ireland declared a climate and biodiversity emergency in 2019 – only the second country in the world to do so. Since then, the government has put legally binding targets, carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings into law. The ambition is clear: cut greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and reach climate neutrality by 2050.
The reality is more complicated. Ireland is not on track to meet its 2030 targets. Emissions have fallen, but not fast enough. Agriculture remains the largest source of emissions, data centres are driving electricity demand upward, and progress on transport has been slow.
This guide explains where Ireland’s emissions come from, what the targets are, how far off track we are, and what is actually being done – from national policy down to what you can do at home.
🌡️ How Is Climate Change Already Affecting Ireland?
Climate change is not a future problem for Ireland – it is happening now. The impacts are accelerating and becoming harder to ignore.
🔹 Temperature
2025 was Ireland’s second warmest year on record, only slightly behind 2023. The last four years (2022-2025) are now the four warmest years ever recorded in Ireland since records began in 1900. Seven of the top ten warmest years have occurred since 2005.
Ireland’s average temperature has risen by approximately 0.7°C when comparing the 1961-1990 period to 1991-2020. The warmest spring and warmest summer on record were both set in 2025, with temperatures reaching 31.1°C in County Roscommon in July.
🔹 Storms and Flooding
Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more intense. In January 2025, Storm Eowyn brought the highest winds ever recorded in Ireland – hurricane force. Five named storms hit Ireland during 2025.
Scientific analysis by the World Weather Attribution group found that human-caused climate change made the heavy storm downpours that caused devastating flooding across Ireland and the UK between October 2023 and March 2024 approximately 20% more intense. The 2023-2024 storm season saw 13-14 severe storms, 11 of which were officially named.
Storm Claudia in late 2025 caused significant river flooding in Wexford and Wicklow, with several gauges recording their highest or second-highest peaks on record. A rapid attribution study by Met Eireann found that the two-day rainfall totals during that event had increased in magnitude by nearly 12% compared to a pre-industrial climate, and were now twice as likely to occur.
The Climate Change Advisory Council warned that Storms Isha, Bert, Darragh and Eowyn exposed the inadequacy of Ireland’s critical infrastructure, with significant flood damage in Counties Donegal, Kerry, Cork, Limerick and Galway. 2023 was the wettest year on record in Ireland.
🔹 Rainfall
Ireland is getting wetter, and the pattern is shifting. Winters could become up to 24% wetter according to climate projections. More critically, the nature of rainfall is changing – both prolonged dry spells and intense heavy rainfall events are becoming more frequent. This combination is particularly damaging: dry soil cannot absorb sudden heavy rainfall, leading to flash flooding and waterlogged farmland.
🔹 Sea Level Rise
Sea levels around Ireland have been rising by approximately 2-3mm per year since the 1990s. This is “locked in” according to Met Eireann – even if global warming is limited to 1.5°C, sea levels will continue rising for decades. Projections suggest sea levels could rise by up to 1 metre by 2100.
This is a serious threat for Ireland. Approximately 40% of the population lives within 5km of the coast. All major cities (Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford) are coastal and subject to tides. An estimated 70,000 Irish addresses could be at risk of coastal flooding by 2050.
The combination of rising sea levels, heavier rainfall and more intense storms creates what Met Eireann calls “compound events” – where coastal flooding, river flooding and storm surges hit simultaneously. These events are projected to become increasingly common.
Professor Hannah Daly of UCC summed it up: “2025 may be remembered as the year climate change stopped feeling like a future risk. The impacts in extreme weather, food price inflation and flooding are all being felt very close to home.”
🌍 Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions – The Numbers
Ireland’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 were approximately 53.8 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. That was down 2% from 2023, and 5.4% below the 1990-1994 average.
However, Ireland remains one of the worst performers in Europe on emissions:
🌿 Ireland had the second highest per-capita emissions in the EU in 2023 at 10.4 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per person – 51% above the EU average of 6.9 tonnes
🌿 Ireland’s 2023 emissions were 98.6% of its 1990 level – the second worst reduction in the EU, compared to an EU average of 63.7%
🌿 In Q3 2025, emissions fell 2.8% year-on-year, driven by reduced agricultural emissions and increased renewable electricity generation
The main sources of Ireland’s emissions by sector are:
🌿 Agriculture: 38% – by far the largest sector, driven by livestock (particularly dairy), fertiliser use and land management
🌿 Transport: approximately 18% – still heavily dependent on private cars and diesel vehicles
🌿 Energy/Electricity: approximately 14% – falling as wind and solar replace fossil fuel generation
🌿 Residential buildings: approximately 11% – from oil and gas heating in homes
🌿 Industry: approximately 8%
🌿 Commercial/public services: approximately 2.5%
🌿 Waste: approximately 1.5%
📋 Ireland’s Climate Targets and Carbon Budgets
Ireland’s Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 established the legal framework. The key commitments are:
🌿 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (compared to 2018 levels)
🌿 Climate neutrality by 2050 – a legally binding national objective
🌿 80% renewable electricity by 2030 – up from around 40% in 2024
To reach these targets, three five-year carbon budgets have been set:
🌿 2021-2025: 295 Mt CO₂eq (average annual reduction of 4.8%)
🌿 2026-2030: 200 Mt CO₂eq (average annual reduction of 8.3%)
🌿 2031-2035: 151 Mt CO₂eq (provisional)
Each sector of the economy has a specific emissions ceiling it must stay within.
⚠️ How Far Off Track Is Ireland?
The honest answer: significantly. The EPA’s May 2025 projections painted a stark picture:
🌿 The first carbon budget (2021-2025) is projected to be exceeded by 8 to 12 Mt CO₂eq
🌿 The second carbon budget (2026-2030) is projected to be exceeded by 77 to 114 Mt CO₂eq
🌿 Even with all planned policies fully implemented, Ireland would achieve only a 23% emissions reduction by 2030 – less than half the 51% target
🌿 The emissions decline rate slowed to just 2% in the latest data, down from 6.8% the previous year
The gap between ambition and delivery is widening, not closing. The EPA noted that Ireland has “gone backwards” in some areas, with updated projections showing a worse outlook than the previous year.
The sectors furthest from their targets are electricity (where data centre demand is pushing up gas-fired generation) and transport (where the shift to electric vehicles is behind schedule).
🌾 Agriculture – Ireland’s Biggest Emissions Challenge
Agriculture accounts for 38% of Ireland’s total emissions – the highest share of any EU country. This is primarily driven by methane from cattle (particularly the dairy herd, which expanded significantly between 2010 and 2023), nitrous oxide from fertiliser use, and CO₂ from land management.
Emissions from agriculture fell in 2023 due to reduced fertiliser use (down 18.2%) and a slight reduction in non-dairy cattle and sheep numbers. However, dairy cow numbers continued to increase slightly.
The sector has a target to reduce emissions by 25% by 2030. Progress depends on measures like reduced fertiliser use, changes to herd management, diversification and the ACRES agri-environmental scheme (funded at €280 million for 2026).
This is one of the most politically sensitive areas of climate policy in Ireland, with significant tensions between environmental targets and the economic reality of farming communities.
⚡ Energy – The Bright Spot (With a Big Problem)
The electricity sector is where Ireland has made the most progress. Wind energy provided a third of Ireland’s electricity in 2025 and solar capacity tripled between 2023 and 2025. Renewable energy accounted for 40.2% of electricity generation in 2024, up from just 5.1% in the early 1990s.
Ireland’s targets for renewable electricity capacity by 2030 are:
🌿 9 GW of onshore wind
🌿 5-7 GW of offshore wind
🌿 8 GW of solar
Combined with wind and solar, renewables reached 43% of electricity supply in December 2025. The 80% renewable target by 2030 is ambitious but the trajectory is positive.
🔹 The Data Centre Problem
However, there is a massive elephant in the room: data centres. Ireland has become one of Europe’s biggest data centre hubs, largely due to its low corporation tax, English-speaking workforce and EU single market access. Companies including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google, Meta and Equinix operate major facilities here.
The numbers are staggering:
🌿 Data centres accounted for 21% of Ireland’s total electricity consumption in 2023 – up from just 5% in 2015
🌿 Electricity consumption by data centres increased by 400% between 2015 and 2023
🌿 The IEA projects data centres could consume 32% of Ireland’s total electricity by 2026
🌿 EirGrid forecasts data centre demand will rise from 9.4 TWh in 2025 to 14.6 TWh by 2034
🌿 A single large data centre uses the same amount of electricity as a city the size of Kilkenny
🌿 Microsoft alone uses electricity equivalent to roughly one-tenth of Ireland at peak demand
🌿 Data centre electricity demand emitted an estimated 1.53 million tonnes of CO₂ in 2023
The fundamental problem is simple: all the new renewable energy Ireland has built since 2017 has been consumed by increased demand, primarily from data centres. This means that despite massive investment in wind and solar, the actual carbon intensity of Ireland’s grid has barely improved.
As Professor Hannah Daly of UCC has noted: “It’s very difficult to grow your energy demand and reduce your greenhouse gas pollution at the same time. It just doesn’t work out.”
In response, the CRU ruled in December 2025 that new data centres must generate and supply electricity to the wider market as a condition of connecting to the grid. A moratorium on new data centre construction in Dublin has been in place since 2022 and extends to 2028. But with 82 data centres already operating and a further 54 approved or under construction, the demand growth is largely already locked in.
While data centres have contributed approximately €7.3 billion to the Irish economy, the tension between Ireland’s role as a European tech hub and its legally binding climate commitments is one of the most significant policy challenges the country faces.
🚗 Transport – The Slowest Progress
Transport emissions have been stubbornly resistant to reduction. Ireland remains heavily car-dependent, particularly in rural areas. At the end of 2023, there were approximately 110,000 electric vehicles in Ireland – roughly 58% of the 2025 Climate Action Plan target.
EV sales are accelerating (up 48.7% in January 2026), but the overall fleet turnover is slow. The government offers an EV purchase grant of up to €3,500 plus VRT relief of up to €5,000, but the high upfront cost of electric vehicles remains a barrier for many households.
Public transport investment is increasing, with BusConnects Dublin and expanded cycling infrastructure, but delivery has been slower than planned.
🏠 Buildings – Retrofitting Is Key
Residential buildings account for around 11% of Ireland’s emissions, mainly from burning oil and gas for heating. Ireland’s housing stock is one of the least energy-efficient in Europe, with many homes built before modern insulation standards.
The solution is retrofitting – upgrading insulation, replacing oil boilers with heat pumps, installing solar panels and improving BER ratings. The government’s target is to retrofit 500,000 homes to BER B2 by 2030. As of end 2025, approximately 55,893 homes had reached that standard.
The SEAI grants programme provides up to €12,500 for heat pumps, up to €1,800 for solar panels, and substantial grants for insulation. Budget 2026 allocated €558 million for residential and community energy upgrades.
💰 Carbon Tax – Making Pollution Pay
Ireland’s carbon tax is a central tool in the climate strategy. The rate increased to €71 per tonne of CO₂ in Budget 2026 and is legislated to reach €100 per tonne by 2030. The revenue (estimated €157 million in a full year from the latest increase) is ring-fenced for social welfare, retrofitting and agricultural sustainability.
The carbon tax adds approximately 16c to a litre of petrol, 19c to a litre of diesel, and around €157 to a 900-litre fill of home heating oil. Critics argue it disproportionately affects rural households who have fewer alternatives, while supporters point out that the revenue funds the retrofitting and grants that help people transition away from fossil fuels.
🌿 Nature and Biodiversity
Climate change and biodiversity loss are deeply interconnected. Ireland’s peatlands, if restored, could shift from emitting 11 million tonnes of CO₂ per year to potentially sequestering 4.5 million tonnes. Hedgerows, forests and wetlands all act as carbon sinks while supporting wildlife.
The 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (2023-2030) and the EU Nature Restoration Regulation require Ireland to restore degraded ecosystems. However, only 14.4% of Ireland’s land and under 10% of marine areas are formally protected – far below the 30% EU target.
🛡️ Climate Adaptation – Preparing for What’s Coming
Even if Ireland hits every emissions target, some degree of climate change is already locked in. Adaptation – preparing for the impacts that are coming regardless – is just as important as cutting emissions.
The National Climate Change Risk Assessment identified 115 specific risks for Ireland in a warming world, including coastal flooding, erosion, extreme winds, disruption to agriculture, threats to infrastructure and impacts on public health.
Key adaptation priorities include:
🌿 Flood defences and drainage – upgrading urban and rural flood protection to handle heavier rainfall and higher river levels. The Office of Public Works has been rolling out flood relief schemes, but the pace needs to accelerate.
🌿 Coastal protection – with 40% of the population living within 5km of the coast and all major cities at tidal risk, coastal erosion and flood defences are critical.
🌿 Infrastructure resilience – Storms Eowyn and Darragh exposed how vulnerable Ireland’s electricity network, transport links and communications infrastructure are. The Climate Change Advisory Council has called for urgent investment.
🌿 Agriculture – crop patterns and growing seasons are shifting. Farmers face both drought conditions in summer and waterlogged fields in winter. Adaptation through diversification, soil management and water management is essential.
🌿 Health – heatwaves, air quality impacts, mental health effects of flooding and displacement, and the spread of new disease vectors are all emerging concerns.
🌿 Nature-based solutions – restoring peatlands, hedgerows and natural floodplains to act as buffers against extreme weather while also sequestering carbon. See our biodiversity guide for more detail.
The National Adaptation Framework requires 14 sectoral adaptation plans to be completed. However, the Climate Change Advisory Council has consistently criticised the pace and scale of adaptation investment as inadequate.
🇮🇪 How Does Ireland Compare to the Rest of Europe?
Badly, on most measures:
🌿 Per-capita emissions: Ireland had the second highest per-capita greenhouse gas emissions in the EU in 2023 at 10.4 tonnes – 51% above the EU average of 6.9 tonnes. Only Luxembourg was higher.
🌿 Progress since 1990: Ireland’s emissions in 2023 were 98.6% of its 1990 level – the second worst in the EU. The EU average fell to 63.7% of 1990 levels. Cyprus was the only country that performed worse.
🌿 Renewable electricity: Ireland is making progress here (40.2% of generation in 2024), but is still behind the EU leaders. Denmark generates over 80% from renewables. Ireland’s 80% target for 2030 is ambitious but achievable if data centre demand is managed.
🌿 Climate Change Performance Index: Ireland was ranked 29th globally (considered a medium performer) in the 2025 CCPI, with experts noting that progress has slowed and actions are “nowhere near sufficient” for meeting commitments.
🌿 Fossil fuel subsidies: Ireland’s fossil fuel subsidies totalled €4.978 billion in 2023 – up 74% from 2021. Much of this reflects temporary energy support measures during the cost of living crisis, but it highlights the scale of Ireland’s continued dependence on fossil fuels.
The reason Ireland performs so poorly relative to other EU countries largely comes down to agriculture. Most European countries have a much smaller agricultural sector as a proportion of their economy. Ireland’s 38% agricultural share of emissions is uniquely high and exceptionally difficult to reduce without fundamental changes to land use and livestock management.
🏡 What Can You Do?
Individual action matters. The most impactful things Irish households can do:
🌿 Retrofit your home – insulate, upgrade to a heat pump, install solar panels. SEAI grants cover a significant share of the cost.
🌿 Switch to an electric vehicle – the EV grant plus VRT relief can save up to €8,500.
🌿 Change how you travel – walk, cycle or use public transport where possible.
🌿 Switch energy provider – choose a supplier offering 100% renewable electricity.
🌿 Reduce food waste – food waste in landfill produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
🌿 Support biodiversity – even small actions like reducing mowing, planting native species and avoiding pesticides help.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 What is Ireland’s emissions reduction target?
Ireland must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 (compared to 2018) and reach climate neutrality by 2050. Both are legally binding under the Climate Action Act 2021.
🔹 Is Ireland on track to meet its climate targets?
No. The EPA projects Ireland will achieve approximately 23% reduction by 2030 with current policies – less than half the 51% target. Both carbon budgets are projected to be exceeded.
🔹 What is Ireland’s biggest source of emissions?
Agriculture, at 38% of total emissions – the highest share of any EU country. This is followed by transport (18%) and energy/electricity (14%).
🔹 What is a carbon budget?
A carbon budget is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions permitted during a five-year period. Ireland has three carbon budgets running from 2021 to 2035, with progressively tighter limits.
🔹 How does Ireland compare to other EU countries?
Poorly. Ireland had the second highest per-capita emissions in the EU in 2023 and the second worst improvement since 1990. Ireland’s emissions in 2023 were still at 98.6% of 1990 levels, while the EU average fell to 63.7%.
🔹 How are data centres affecting Ireland’s climate targets?
Data centres consumed 21% of Ireland’s electricity in 2023 and this could rise to 32% by 2026. All new renewable energy built since 2017 has been consumed by increased demand, primarily from data centres, meaning the grid’s carbon intensity has barely improved despite massive wind and solar investment.
🔹 Is Ireland getting warmer?
Yes. The last four years (2022-2025) are the four warmest on record since 1900. Ireland’s average temperature has risen by 0.7°C comparing the 1961-1990 period to 1991-2020. 2025 saw the warmest spring and warmest summer ever recorded.
🔹 Is flooding getting worse in Ireland?
Yes. Climate change has made heavy rainfall events approximately 20% more intense in Ireland. 2023 was the wettest year on record. Winters are projected to become up to 24% wetter. Compound events combining coastal flooding, river flooding and storm surges are expected to become more common as sea levels rise.
🔹 What are carbon budgets?
Carbon budgets are the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions permitted during a five-year period. Ireland has three budgets: 2021-2025 (295 Mt CO₂eq), 2026-2030 (200 Mt CO₂eq) and 2031-2035 (151 Mt CO₂eq). Both the first and second budgets are projected to be exceeded.
🔹 What is the single most impactful thing I can do?
Retrofitting your home – specifically insulating properly and switching from oil or gas to a heat pump. Residential heating is one of the areas where individual action can make the biggest difference, and SEAI grants cover a significant portion of the cost.
📚 Related Guides
🌿 Carbon Tax
🌿 Biodiversity
🌿 Extreme Weather & the Economy
🌿 Net Zero
🌿 Greenwashing
🌿 Scope 1, 2 & 3 Emissions
🌿 Circular Economy
🌿 Climate Glossary
👉 All guides and calculators
Climate Jargon Buster is an independent resource providing plain-English information on climate, energy and sustainability topics for an Irish audience. Data in this article is sourced from the EPA, CSO, SEAI, the Climate Change Advisory Council and the Climate Change Performance Index. For the latest official data, visit epa.ie.