The Taoiseach and other European Union (EU) leaders have agreed to reduce gas emissions by 40%.

They also intend to increase energy efficiency and renewables by at least 27%.

The Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Alex White welcomed the news and said the outcome will require a substantial and sustained effort to increase Ireland's renewable energy output and improve its energy efficiency.

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Minister White said: "My Department is currently consulting in advance of publishing a White Paper, in mid-2015, on Ireland's long-term energy policy. The practical challenges of both the 2020 and 2030 targets will feature strongly in our thinking.

"My Department has overall responsibility for two of the three new targets agreed."

The targets are:

• An EU target of at least 27% is set for the share of renewable energy consumed in the EU in 2030.

• An indicative target at the EU level of at least 27% is set for improving energy efficiency in 2030. This will be reviewed by 2020 with a view to increasing to 30%.

(CD)