Greenhouse gas emissions from Irish firms in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in 2014 increased by 1.7 per cent overall compared to 2013, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The increase is largely due to increased emissions from the cement sector and reflects increased production due to a rising demand for cement.

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Almost 100 major industrial and institutional sites in Ireland participate in the Emissions Trading Scheme.

Dr Maria Martin, EPA Senior Manager, said: "The overall increase in emissions is disappointing and points to the fact that economic growth needs to be decoupled from emissions growth. The current price of carbon at €7 per tonne is clearly not a sufficient incentive under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme to encourage investment in cleaner technologies across all sectors. We look forward to reform of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in order to drive CO2 reductions in the industrial sector more effectively."

(CD/MH)