The Government is confident that it will meet its Kyoto targets, Minister for the Environment, Dick Roche said today.
Speaking at the publication of a review of the Government's National Climate Change Strategy, the Minister said Ireland would be able to buy allowances to meet shortfalls, but that he wanted to minimise this as much as possible.
Dick Roche: Ireland's position similar to other EU states
"Buying allowances through the mechanisms does represent reduced emissions elsewhere and, as climate change is a global problem, I am completely satisfied that using this option is contributing to the overall aims of the Kyoto Protocol," he said. "It is, nevertheless, not the best solution for Ireland in the longer term."
According to the report, some eight million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions will be removed as a result of measures already put in place for the Kyoto Protocol, 2008-2012 compliance period. It says this will shrink the Kyoto target gap identified in the National Climate Change Strategy by more than 50 per cent.
The country has already reduced greenhouse gas emissions since 2001, leaving Ireland with a gap of 10 percentage points to reach its target - a significant gap.
"Ireland is not alone among EU Member States and indeed is in a much better position than some," said Mr Roche. However, the country could face more demanding targets from 2012 onwards.
The government is also to undertake a public consultation on the revised Climate Change Strategy. The consultation will run until September 30th.