Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 November 2025
456. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress in emission reduction targets in areas that are the responsibility of his Department; which measures are particularly successful and which measures are underperforming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67041/25]
View answerThe agriculture sector is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030. A 1.7% reduction in emissions was achieved by the sector in 2024, building on a 4.8% reduction in 2023, relative to 2022. This is the third year in a row that emissions reduced from the sector.
The Department of Climate, Energy and Environment are the competent authority for air quality. However, as agriculture accounts for virtually all ammonia emissions (>99%) my Department has implemented measures to reduce ammonia emissions over the last number of years. The EPA’s May 2025 report highlights that in 2023 Ireland was in compliance with EU Ammonia emission targets, but that more challenging targets come into effect in 2030.
Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) and use of inhibited urea are two of the main mitigation measures for reducing ammonia emissions and are also key in progressing towards our climate targets.
Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) has been rolled out as a mandatory measure in the Nitrates Regulations and LESS equipment is also available for grant aid through my Departments Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS). The most recent EPA Inventory report calculates 61% of slurry is now applied using LESS.
The volume of inhibited chemical Nitrogen fertilisers purchased by Irish farmers was increased by 18% in 2022/2023 and by 50% in 2023/2024. Under the Nitrates Regulations a restriction on the use of uninhibited urea in granular form came into effect in September this year.
Farmers are contributing to reducing the overall use of Nitrogen fertilisers through the Multi-Species Sward and Red Clover Silage Measures, and the Organic Farming Scheme. In the last five years (2021-2025), the number of farmers in the Organic Farming Scheme has increased to 5,500 farmers.
The recent trajectory on Green House Gas and Ammonia emissions is reflective of the commitments made by the agricultural sector towards meeting Ireland’s commitments as set out in the national climate and air quality plans.
