Ireland is set to miss its 2020 and 2030 climate change targets, according to the Climate Change Advisory Council.

In its Annual Review 2018, the independent advisory body revealed greenhouse gas emissions increased again in 2016 and projections of emissions to 2035 show the country is some way off addressing climate change and decarbonising its economy by 2050.

Chair of the Council, Professor John FitzGerald, said: "Instead of achieving the required 1 million tonne per annum reduction in carbon dioxide emissions consistent with the National Policy Position, Ireland is currently increasing emissions at a rate of 2 million tonnes per year.

"We need immediate and urgent action to put us back onto a pathway to achieve transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient and sustainable economy and society."

The Council is recommending an initial increase in the carbon tax to €30 per tonne in Budget 2019 as an essential component of achieving low-carbon transition. In addition, the body recommends that Ireland work with other European countries to introduce a regional carbon price floor in the electricity sector to support decarbonisation.

Professor FitzGerald continued: "The Council believes that the current level of the carbon tax in Ireland and the price of carbon in the EU Emissions Trading System are insufficient to achieve our climate target targets and objectives.

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"We have an opportunity to address Ireland's reliance on fossil fuels in our economy, and encourage innovation and change of behaviour in businesses and households towards greener and more efficient energy solutions.

"Council recommends that any increase in carbon taxation should be accompanied by measures to address any negative impacts of carbon taxation on poorer households."

In a statement, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten, said he acknowledges and shares the Council's frustration with the lack of progress towards Ireland's climate change targets for 2020.

"In this respect, the latest projections of greenhouse gas emissions, published by the EPA in May 2018, are deeply disappointing," he said.

"The recent pace of economic growth, and the consequent increases in emissions from the agriculture and transport sectors in particular, have contributed significantly to these projections. The projected shortfall to our targets is further exacerbated by both the constrained investment capacity over the past decade due to the economic crisis, and the extremely challenging nature of the target itself.

"The Government is doing everything it can to ensure that we, at an absolute minimum, meet our 2030 target."

Sinn Féin's Spokesperson on Climate Action, Brian Stanley TD, said the Council's report yet again showcases the Government's lack of direction on climate change.

"We will not reach our 2020 targets in terms of increasing our renewable energy, and decreasing our emissions for which the State will face fines," he said.

"Report after report makes this very clear. We need a clear plan which the government have not developed. Prof FitzGerald of the Advisory Council said 'the problem is there isn't a policy framework.

"Policy needs to specify the renewable energy alternatives to fossil fuels that can be created on this island. This will encompass a broad portfolio of renewable energy sources; sources like offshore wind, solar, and biogas.

"The Minister in his Statement acknowledges the 'lack of progress' to our 2020 targets. If this government is going to show it is taking climate change seriously, what needed is a clear plan, and it is needed now."

(LM/MH)