EU gives final decision on Ireland's National Allocation Plan

The European Commission has announced a final decision on Ireland's National Allocation Plan for the Kyoto Protocol commitment period 2008-2012.

The Plan, which was prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency, provides the framework for participation by over 100 Irish installations in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. Under the Plan, each installation in the Scheme will have its carbon dioxide emissions capped for the five-year period.

In accordance with the Commission decision, the annual emissions for the trading sector are to be capped at 22.3 million tonnes - which is slightly lower than the 22.6 million tonnes originally proposed by Ireland.

"The Commission has now decided the share of national emission reductions that larger industries have to bear. The Government's priority, now, is to ensure that the necessary reductions are also made across the entire economy in all sectors - especially transport" - Minister Gormley said.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions by 3% per year, on average, through a range of measures including the introduction of a carbon tax and the establishment of a high-level Commission to oversee progress on Ireland's transition to a low-carbon society.

In progressing that transition, the commitment on implementation of all aspects of Transport 21 - so that the use of public transport becomes a real option for more and more people - is an absolute priority.