Ireland is now facing "extremely challenging" emissions reduction targets of 12.4 per cent annually for the next three years, according to the Environment Protection Agency.
The latest figures show Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions decreased by just 1.9 per cent last year.
The Environmental Protection Agency says the fall was driven by higher fuel prices, increased renewable energy, behavioral change and regulation.
It means 47% of Ireland’s carbon budget for 2021-25 has been used in the first two years.
Emission reductions were recorded in all key sectors other than transport but many of these improvements were modest.
The report found power generation emissions decreased by 1.9 per cent due to a reduction in coal, oil and peat use and more renewable energy.
Agriculture emissions fell by 1.2 per cent, and residential emissions dropped by 12.7 per cent.
The report warned that a growing economy, with high employment, will continue to produce emissions if cleaner and alternative sources of energy are not used.
