Ireland is 99% short of its carbon emissions targets set for 2020, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton has revealed.

Targets were set out to reduce carbon emissions by 20% below 2005 targets by 2020.

Labour Senator Kevin Humphreys has hit out at the Minister over the government strategy, describing it as a 'complete failure'.

-- Advertisement --

Senator Humphreys said: "The Minister has admitted that we are 99% short of our emissions targets set for 2020. This was admitted while announcing seven programmes in receipt of Climate Action Fund monies, which is welcome, but leave a feeling of 'too little, too late'.

"The Minister says that he wants Ireland to be a leader in climate change action, yet his government turned down the opportunity to lead on the issue in the last Budget when they refused to introduce a Carbon Tax.

"The reality is that this government talks a big talk on climate change, but when it comes down to delivering they have failed, yet again."

(CM/MH)