Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of a climate neutral economy no later than 2050 and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Following the process set out in the Act, a carbon budget programme proposed by the Climate Change Advisory Council was adopted by the Oireachtas on 6 April 2022. On 28 July, the Government approved sectoral emissions ceilings for both the first and second carbon budget periods, (i.e. 2021-2025 and 2026-2030). For our agriculture sector, this process has set a 10% emissions reduction target for 2025 and a 25% emissions reduction target for 2030.

The baseline and mitigation targets for Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions are informed by the national reporting of greenhouse gas emissions carried out by the EPA. This national reporting follows principles and methodologies established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, including with regard to the global warming potential of methane. In the Irish context, methane is the most significant greenhouse gas (GHG) in agriculture.

Agriculture saw a 1.2% decrease in emissions in 2022, predominantly driven by reductions in fertiliser use. This decrease must be sustained and accelerated to meet the sectoral emissions ceiling for the first carbon budget period. Responsibility for meeting targets sits with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. There is ongoing engagement between my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on implementation of the Climate Action Plan.

Climate Action Plan 2024 was approved by Government in December, subject to strategic environmental assessment and consultation. The plan outlines how emissions reductions can be achieved in the coming years, increasing our ambition for efficiency in the sector while also heavily promoting the diversification of agricultural activities. These actions will both improve animal breeding, feeding and finishing and also encourage farmers to diversify into sectors including organics, tillage and biomethane feedstock production. Livestock grazing out of doors dominates Irish agriculture and our agriculture sector has an international reputation for high quality and sustainably produced food. Maintaining that reputation is an imperative for our agri-food industries, as 90% of our production is exported. Ireland is already well placed through the success of the Origin Green programme and can maintain and build on this competitive advantage. Conversely, failure to mitigate emissions is a risk to the sector’s reputation for sustainable production.