Ireland will only reduce emissions by 29 per cent by 2030

Ireland will only reach reductions of 29 per cent by 2030.

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The state's environmental watchdog says Ireland is only on course to cut emissions by 29 per cent by 2030.

The EPA, says the agriculture, electricity and transport sectors are among the areas set to miss the mark.

Programme Director with the EPA, Mary Frances Rochford, says immediate steps are needed in the short term, if we're to achieve goals set for the end of the decade.

'To reach these 2030 targets requires implementing the policies that deliver these emissions reductions so that we can start making the savings sooner.' 

Friends of the Earth has described the EPA's Green House Gas Emissions report as the 'kick up the backside' the government needs.

Chief executive Oisin Coughlan says although today's report is bad news - real action from government could turn the situation around:

'We are at the moment on the track to overshoot by 13% for the first 5 years, now that's bad but its not un-achievable.'  

Campaigners are urging the government to make 'less polluting' options for transport and energy more affordable and accessible.