Electricity emissions in Ireland have decreased by 29 per cent over the past 15 years, according to figures compiled by the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA).

In a period where electricity generation increased from 21,024 GWh in 2001 to 25,069 GWh in 2015, CO2 emissions associated with the electricity generation fell from a peak of 16,883 kt CO2 in 2001 to 11,922 kt CO2 in 2015.

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Brendan Heneghan, Interim CEO at the IWEA said: "Global leaders have already placed great faith in renewable energy, including wind energy as a key component for protecting the environment while powering our economies and it is already paying great dividends."

"In large part thanks to renewable energy in Ireland, we have managed to reduce our overall CO2 emissions from the sector despite the substantial increase in our usage of electricity in recent years. It's important that these achievements are recognised at national level and that we continue to focus on decarbonising our electricity system through efficient and cost effective renewable energies."

(CD/LM)