Ireland meets EU emissions reduction targets for all five major air pollutants

Assessment covers ammonia, non-methane volatile organic compounds, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter

Ireland is on track to meet its 2030 EU air quality goals after remaining compliant with emissions reduction targets for all five major air pollutants in 2024, according to new figures from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The assessment covers ammonia, non-methane volatile organic compounds, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter — all of which have significant impacts on air quality, human health and the environment.

The EPA said sustained policy measures and changes in energy use and agriculture have driven continued improvements. Since the 1990s, fine particulate matter has fallen by 67 per cent, while sulphur dioxide is down 96 per cent and nitrogen oxides down 67 per cent, reflecting major long-term reductions in emissions linked to fossil fuel use.

Ammonia emissions, which come almost entirely from agriculture, remained within EU limits for the third consecutive year. Ireland had previously exceeded targets in 2020 and 2021, but compliance has been restored through measures such as the adoption of low-emission slurry spreading and changes in livestock numbers.

Commenting on the findings, Roni Hawe, Director of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment, said: “Ireland is on track to meet its 2030 EU Emissions Reduction targets for all five major air pollutants. The EPA’s assessment confirms that this progress is delivering clear benefits for air quality, human health and sensitive ecosystems, and shows that targeted policies and practical measures are achieving measurable reductions in emissions.”

She added: “Low-emission slurry spreading alone avoided an estimated 8,526 tonnes of ammonia being released to the atmosphere. That’s seven per cent of the national total, making it one of the most effective actions in reducing national ammonia emissions. Continued and wider adoption of these practices is essential to sustain progress on air quality.”

The EPA also reported further year-on-year reductions across other pollutants in 2024, including a 4.4 per cent decrease in sulphur dioxide, 1.9 per cent in fine particulate matter, 1.3 per cent in nitrogen oxides and 1.0 per cent in non-methane volatile organic compounds. These declines were largely attributed to reduced fossil fuel use in electricity generation and residential heating.

Dr Tomás Murray, Senior Manager of EPA Emissions Statistics, said continued progress would depend on maintaining current policies.

“This is good news. We can hit our 2030 air pollutant reduction goals if we stay on course with the National Air Pollution Control Programme. By moving away from fossil fuels to generate our electricity and continued adoption of a range of good farming practices, we aren't just achieving targets but also actively protecting our health and our environment.”