Energy use in Ireland dropped by 0.5%, according to figures from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

The report, Energy in Ireland 1990-2014, highlights how for the second year running Ireland's economic growth has been achieved with an overall reduction in energy use.

Transport remains the largest energy consuming sector at 42% , followed by residential at 23% and industry at 21%.

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Dr Brian Motherway, outgoing CEO of SEAI said: "This is welcome data ahead of the UN Conference on Climate Change (COP21) in Paris next week. The analysis shows us clearly where we are still too dependent on fossil fuel fuels and where we are becoming less so. It has been so positive to see economic recovery in Ireland, and it is hugely encouraging to see that this growth has been achieved with an overall reduction (albeit modest) in energy use, demonstrating the impact of energy efficiency actions across the economy."

(CD/MH)