Ireland is predicted to miss its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target by almost half, a report released yesterday reveals.

And missing the targets could cost the country billions of euro in EU fines.

The report also said the State will not meet its EU Effort Sharing Regulation target of 42%, instead forecasting “a maximum reduction of 22%”.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said we are projected to achieve a reduction of up to 23% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to a national target of 51%.

The transport, industry and residential buildings sectors are projected to be the furthest from their emission ceilings in 2030, including emission reductions.

Residential emissions are expected to be down 22%, transport by 21% and industry by just 12%.

However, the gap between the target and what is achieved is widening.

Missing targets could mean EU fines of up to €26bn, but if the Government implements new measures in its Climate Action Plan by 2030, it could reduce fines to €3bn-€12bn.

EPA director general Laura Burke said: “This highlights the economy-wide effort needed to de-carbonise our society and the focus must shift from policy aspiration to practical implementation.”