Planning Permission Boosts Ireland’s 16% Emissions Drop
Struggling with rising energy costs and climate targets? Ireland slashed energy emissions 16% since 2018 through smart planning permission reforms.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) reports energy-related greenhouse gas emissions dropped 16% from 2018 levels, reaching the lowest in over 30 years despite 10% population growth and 18% higher electricity demand. Strong economic expansion accompanied this decline, yet the nation clings to fossil fuels, especially in transport at 93% fossil-powered. Electricity generation led gains via peat and coal phase-outs, boosted by renewables and 55% more UK imports.
Planning permission processes now prioritize low-carbon projects, mirroring An Bord Pleanála decision trends favoring sustainable builds. Transport emissions fell 5.3% since 2018, averaging 0.9% yearly—too slow for 2030 goals. Experts urge expanded public transit, active travel, and projects like MetroLink to accelerate cuts. Meanwhile, heat pumps outperformed all solar installations combined in renewable output last year.
Ireland faces a legal mandate to halve emissions by 2030 versus 2018, requiring 5% annual reductions against the current 2.7% pace. The EU’s Effort Sharing Regulation demands 42% cuts in non-ETS sectors by 2030 from 2005 levels. Projections show only 23% total reduction under full policies, underscoring implementation gaps. Flood-risk development rules and housing scheme approval standards integrate climate resilience via environmental impact assessments.
Electricity sector emissions plunged over 21% from 2022-2023, driven by fossil fuel reductions and interconnector imports, eyeing 68% cuts by 2030 with 68% renewable generation. Renewables hit 40.7% of electricity in 2023, up from 33.1% in 2018, led by wind. Industrial emissions dropped 11% since 2018. Material contravention exceptions in planning permission enable green upgrades like district heating and grid strengthening.
SEAI calls for doubling down on wind, solar, home retrofits, and electrification to sever fossil fuel ties. Total GHG emissions fell 6.8% in 2023, dipping below 1990 baselines for the first time in decades. Yet, renewable energy share lags at 15% versus a 43% 2030 target. Decisive planning permission actions on environmental impact will bridge shortfalls.
- Key levers: Heat pumps, renewables, public transport expansion.
- Challenges: Transport decarbonization, policy delivery.
- Targets: 51% overall GHG cut by 2030, climate neutral by 2050.
Originally reported in Sustainability Online on Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:33:10 +0000. Full story
