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ARTICLE · 09 JANUARY 2026

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What's Another Year 2026 - Energy And Infrastructure

Arthur Cox
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Ireland's second carbon budget began on 1 January 2026 and runs until the end of 2030, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51% compared to 2018.

European UnionEnergy and Natural Resources
Arthur Cox
Arthur Cox
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Decarbonisation targets

Ireland's second carbon budget began on 1 January 2026 and runs until the end of 2030, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51% compared to 2018. While emissions in the energy sector in Ireland were at their lowest rate in 30 years, Ireland failed to achieve the targeted emissions reductions across all sectors during its first carbon budget. The excess will be carried over to the second carbon budget.

The Environmental Protection Agency indicates that, while emissions in the EU ETS sectors decreased by 49.7% since 2005, Ireland continues to miss targets under the Effort Sharing Regulation. While Ireland is on track for electricity decarbonisation targets under the Renewable Energy Directive, acceleration is needed in heating and transport to meet the overall renewable energy target.

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This article contains a general summary of developments and is not a complete or definitive statement of the law. Specific legal advice should be obtained where appropriate.

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