Irish industry emissions set to rise, climate council warns of missed targets

The Climate Change Advisory Council’s new analysis shows Irish industry emissions are expected to climb slightly between 2025 and 2030, reversing modest gains of up to a 3.9 % drop in recent provisional data. Dairy factories recorded a 4.8 % rise in milk-production emissions and a 3.6 % increase in processing emissions last year, while construction growth threatens to nullify overall reductions. The nation’s 2030 target—a 35 % cut from 2018—could fall short, with one outlet gap widening from 15.9 % to 11.6 % below 2018 levels.

Council member Jillian Mahon stresses that insufficient renewable energy, especially scarce biomethane, and lax cement-clinker regulations are hindering progress. Waste generation has risen 20 % over a decade, recycling is stagnant, and carbon-capture frameworks remain undeveloped. The council urges immediate action on biomethane production, stricter low-carbon construction standards, and stronger support for SMEs to build climate resilience.