Greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland for 2004 were nearly twice the level the Government is committed to under its Kyoto Protocol target, according to latest official figures.
According to the Central Statistics Office's (CSO) Environmental Accounts for Ireland 1997-2004estimated Greenhouse gas emissions in 2004 were 22.9 per cent higher than the 1990 reference year.
This marks a slight increase on the 2003 level of 22.2 per cent.
Under the Kyoto Protocol, Ireland is committed to limiting its increase in emissions to 13 per cent above 1990 levels between the years 2008 and 2012.
Of the total, Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing was the highest contributor at 29.8 per cent (31.3 per cent in 2003) followed by Transport at 20.2 per cent (18.9 per cent in 2003) and Industry at 16.9 per cent (19.0 per cent in 2003).
Earlier today Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said that the European Commission would not accept an over-allocation of carbon dioxide (CO2) credits in the second phase of the EU emissions trading scheme.
The EU scheme has been criticised in recent weeks, with carbon prices diving after data showed most companies used fewer CO2 permits in 2005 than they were given by their governments.
Mr Dimas said he would be tough but fair when judging the plans, due to be submitted by EU member states by June 30th.
He also reiterated there had been an over-allocation of CO2 credits by EU member states to their businesses in 2005.
"Member states were complacent in accepting these over-estimations," he said, referring to emissions forecasts provided by industry.
Additonal reporting Reuters
