Ireland to miss emissions targets even under a best case scenario – EPA.
Ireland is projected to achieve a reduction of up to 29% in total greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to a target of 51%, when the impact of the majority of actions outlined in Climate Action Plan 2024 is included.
To achieve a reduction of 29% would require full implementation of a wide range of policies and plans across all sectors and for these to deliver the anticipated carbon savings.
Almost all sectors are on a trajectory to exceed their national sectoral emissions ceilings for 2025 and 2030, including Agriculture, Electricity and Transport.
The first two carbon budgets (2021-2030) will not be met, and by a significant margin of between 17% and 27%.
Ireland will not meet its EU Effort Sharing Regulation target of 42% reduction by 2030.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published its greenhouse gas emissions projections for the period 2023-2050.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published its greenhouse gas emissions projections for the period 2023-2050.
EPA analysis shows that planned climate policies and measures, if fully implemented, could deliver up to 29% emissions reduction by 2030 compared to 2018, a reduction of 4% each year from 2023 to 2030. This is insufficient to achieve the ambition of 51% emissions reduction in Ireland’s Climate Act.
The first two carbon budgets (2021-2030), which aim to support achievement of the 51% emissions reduction goal, are projected to be exceeded by a significant margin of between 17% and 27 %.
All sectors, except Residential buildings, are projected to underperform relative to the sectoral emissions ceilings. Agriculture, Industry and Electricity sectors are projected to be the furthest from their sectoral ceiling in 2030.
MsLaura Burke, Director General, EPA said: “The EPA’s projections show that full delivery of all climate action plans and policies could deliver a 29% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This is well short of both our European and National emission reduction targets and highlights the scale of effort required to achieve the required reductions across all sectors of our economy. The key priority must be to translate the aspiration in our policies and plans to implementation on the ground.”
Ms Burke added: “The transition to a low carbon society is building momentum in Ireland. We see this with more electric vehicles on our roads, renewable electricity powering our homes and adoption of new farm practices. However, we need to speed up and scale up the transition.”
Agriculture. Total emissions from the Agriculture sector are projected to decrease by between 1% and 18% over the period 2022 to 2030. Savings are projected from a variety of measures including limits on nitrogen fertiliser usage, switching to different fertilisers and bovine feed additives. The higher ambition scenario assumes that most of the measures outlined in Climate Action Plan 2024, AgClimatise and Teagasc (MACC) are in place.
Transport. Emissions from the sector are projected to reduce by 26% over the period 2022 to 2030, if the measures set out in plans and policies are implemented. These include over 940,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030, increased biofuel blend rates and measures to support more sustainable transport. Road freight is projected to be the biggest source of road transport greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Energy. Driven by a reduction in fossil fuel usage and increased net importation of electricity from interconnectors, there was a marked drop of almost 24% in emissions from electricity generation between 2022 and 2023. In combination with planned increases in renewable energy generation from wind and solar, energy sector emissions are projected to reduce by 62% and achieve over 80% renewable electricity generation by 2030.
Land use.
Emissions from this sector are projected to increase between 23% to 99% over the period of 2023 to 2030 as our forestry reaches harvesting age and changes from a carbon sink to a carbon source. Planned policies and measures for the sector, such as increased afforestation, water table management on agricultural organic soils and peatland rehabilitation, are projected to reduce the extent of the emissions increase.
Commenting, Ms Mary Frances Rochford, Programme Manager said: “The EPA projections show the importance of accelerating the delivery of renewable technologies to support decarbonised electrification across the economy, adopting known emission reduction technologies while new solutions are developed in agriculture, providing alternatives to car and freight transport, and taking action to reduce emissions from land to reduce Ireland’s emissions. Increasing the pace of implementation will deliver the required emission reductions and create space for adoption of further policies and measures.”
According to a notice posted on the Tipperary County Council website; the bridge crossing the river Suir joining Cathedral Street with Liberty Square, [known locally as ‘Barry’s Bridge’ situated on route N75 east of Thurles,] will close next month.
Barry’s Bridge, Thurles
The period of closure is understood to take place nightly from 7:00pm to 5:00am, for an estimated 9 day period beginning Monday, June 17th until Tuesday, June 25th.
During this period, traffic travelling eastwards on the N75, towards Two-Mile-Borris, will be diverted in the town centre, (Liberty Square) to turn right onto Slievenamon Road, (N62) travelling to Horse and Jockey, before turning left onto the R639 as far as Littleton, and turning left in the village onto the L-4157, remaining on this road until the roundabout on the N75.
We are informed that traffic travelling westward on the N75 route into Thurles will be diverted east at the Mill Road Roundabout onto the L-4157 as far as Littleton village, turning right onto the R639 to Horse and Jockey, turning right onto the L4150 and continuing on the N62 to Liberty Square.
REASON FOR CLOSURE: To facilitate resurfacing works already one year late which had initially been scheduled for May of 2023, according to Tipperary Co. Councils Chief Executive, Mr Joe MacGrath.
Why traffic is required to travel to Littleton and Horse & Jockey before returning to Thurles via the N62; latter a distance of 21.7k(some 13.5 extra miles), instead of using the Archerstown route and onto the N62 close to the rear of Thurles Golf Club, (in relation to both diversions) has not been explained. But then Co. Council engineers may not be familiar with the area.
It would now appear that Tipperary County Council’s promised Traffic Calming Measures on the N75 from Mill Road roundabout to Barry’s Bridge, is no longer on the June 2024 agenda, as reported by local Councillor Mr Sean Ryan scheduled for this June, 2024. Also, the necessary pedestrian crossing and pavement improvement schemes for this area, are no longer viewed as an emergency. Read HERE and Read HERE.
Do we actually need to elect local councillors on Friday, June 7th, 2024 next or should we have a referendum to decide whether or not they are required at all?Think of the savings that could be made nationally!
We understand that a small parcel of land, (approximately 2 acres), has now been purchased by Tipperary Co. Council, from the Ryan Family, to construct the long awaited inner relief road for Thurles town, same planned to join the N62 at Slievenamon Road, Thurles, exiting northwards, unto the Mill Road.
ProposedThurles Inner Relief Road.
An Bord Pleanala granted permission for the development of this Thurles inner relief road 10 years ago, in July 2014. Same was granted resulting in the annulation and total destruction of the historic Great Famine Double Ditch, which we here at Thurles.Info fought so hard to retain, while local Thurles press and Thurles local radio remained totally silent on the issue.
Late last year the acquisition 4.5 acres of land had been sought in ongoing discussions, however up until recently, no land purchase to provide for such a relief road had been agreed despite the destruction of Thurles history undertaken by Tipperary Co. Council, aided by Thurles local councillors.
In Tipperary Co. Councils Management report of February 2023 (See last item on bottom of page 9), Tipperary Council Council state that the Thurles Inner Relief Road scheme would take approximately 3 years to complete. A consultant was expected to have the tender documentation prepared by Q4 2023, so that a works contractor could be appointed by Q1 2024, with the next stage being to “Secure funding to deliver the Inner Relief Road project and finalise land acquisition.”
So far as the public are aware to date, only €75,000 had been allocated to this project, under the Regional and Local Roads Programme. However, (SEE HERE), Fianna Fáil TD Mr Jackie Cahill stated, (video of October 2021 last), quote “I am delighted to have secured funding for this inner relief road”.
A contract for the purchase is expected to be officially signed on Friday next. Same will also now allow for the construction of a footpath on the Mill Road, previously put on hold by the failure to acquire the same stated property.
From yesterday, Monday 20th May, e-scooters will be legal to use and operate on a public road, under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, however, it should be noted that the following rules and restrictions will apply.
E-scooters can only be used:
by people over 16 years of age.
on cycle and bus lanes.
on local, regional and national roads.
E-scooters are not permitted:
to be used by people under 16 years-of-age.
to carry goods or passengers.
to be used on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or on motorways.
to exceed a speed limit of 20 km/h.
Note: An Garda Síochána will be enforcing the new rules and regulations with regards same vehicles.
Q. What is an e-scooter? A. An electric scooter (e-scooter) is a vehicle with a small standing platform and no seat, for use by one person only, with two or more wheels, propelled by an electric motor. The rider may also propel the e-scooter forward by pushing.
Q. When do the new laws for e-scooters come into force? A. The regulations for e-scooters came into force yesterday, Monday May 20th 2024.
Q. Are e-scooters legal in Ireland? A. From May 20th 2024, e-scooters are legal to use on public roads under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023.
Q. What is the minimum age limit for e-scooter users? A. E-scooter users must be aged 16 years or older. Gardai will have the power to seize an e-scooter if it’s being used by anyone under the age of 16 years.
Q. Do I need to register, tax, or insure my e-scooter? A. No.
Q. Do I need a licence to use my e-scooter in a public place? A. No.
Q. What are the rules for using e-scooters in Ireland? A. From May 20th 2024, e-scooter users must:
Drive on the left, including in cycle and bus lanes.
Be 16 or older.
Obey the rules of the road, particularly for traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, pelican crossings and zebra crossings.
Obey signals given by a Garda or school warden.
Obey all traffic lights, including bicycle traffic lights.
Obey all traffic signs in the same way that they apply to cyclists.
Not carry passengers or goods.
Not use the footpath.
Obey a speed limit of 20km/h.
Not hold or use a mobile phone.
Q. What are the technical specifications for e-scooters? A. E-scooters must:
Have a maximum power output of 400 watts or less.
Have a maximum weight of 25 kg (including batteries).
Have a maximum design speed of 20 km/h or less.
Have wheels with a minimum diameter of 200mm.
Be fitted with front and rear lights, reflectors, brakes and a bell.
Be fitted with a manufacturer’s plate certifying the power output, weight and design speed.
Q. What if my e-scooter doesn’t meet the technical requirements in the regulations? A. If your e-scooter doesn’t meet the current legislative requirements, it will remain illegal for you to use it in a public place. Same will be subject to enforcement by An Garda Síochana and may be seized.
Q. Can I carry a passenger on an e-scooter? A.No. It’s illegal and unsafe for you to carry a passenger on an e-scooter and a fixed charge noticewill apply if you’re caught.
Q. What rules apply for e-scooters for alcohol/drugs? A. An e-scooter may not be used while under the influence of an intoxicant. An e-scooter user charged with this offence will face a court appearance and can be fined up to €2,000.
Q. What are the rules governing the use of e-scooters in public places? A. From 20 May, E-scooters can be used: • by people over 16. • on cycle and bus lanes. • on local, regional and national roads.
E-scooters are not permitted: • to be used by people under 16. • to carry goods or passengers. • to have a seat. • to be used on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or on motorways.
In addition, where a bicycle is not permitted, e-scooters are not permitted either.
Rules that govern bicycle use, also now apply to the use of e-scooters.
This collision is almost a repeat of what had occurred at this very same spot on March 20th last, [see that of which I speak, HERE], which resulted in the total removal of that signage and its information, which as of yet has never been replaced.
This second collision is further proof, (as if proof was in ever in doubt), of the continued ongoing waste of funding by Tipperary engineers and other officials.
Did we really need to have a large motorway sign jutting out across a footpath, informing drivers of a now deserted/destroyed town centre; when the Thurles town centre, has moved to Thurles Shopping centre, across from the sign; thus rendering same totally obsolete.
Meanwhile, on June 7th 2024, you will be asked to vote once again for those who destroyed this once thriving business centre known as Liberty Square.
This damaged sign now needs to be made safe, as soon as possible, as the remaining clips holding the bent “Durlas Town Centre”, section is liable to fall on some unsuspecting pedestrian.
No directional sign for Dublin currently available, in Liberty Squarehaving also been damaged/struck by a high sided vehicle.
Talking of ‘bent directional signs’ – ‘high sided motor vehicles’ – and the deliberate ‘wasting of taxpayers money’, by Tipperary engineers and other council officials; what has happened to the sign for Dublin, latter also recently removed by the council and not replaced?
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