The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a report detailing how the country exceeded its emissions budget by five million tonnes in 2018. The State is therefore likely to miss its EU 2020 climate commitment by over 90%.
Sinn Féin has condemned the government over the new information, with representative David Cullinane calling out Environment Minister Richard Bruton for his "spin and bluster" on the topic.
Deputy Cullinane said: "Sinn Féin has been saying for years that we need a paradigm shift in state investment in public transport.
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"Instead, Fine Gael is selling off the network and continues to neglect investment in new rail lines, particularly outside Dublin where they are most needed.
"The shift in agricultural policy in 2015 to encourage dairy and milk production has added to emissions.
"Afforestation is also missing its targets, and has been falling since 2016.
"The sole response by the government is to introduce a regressive carbon tax, even though the alternatives are simply not there.
"We understand it requires a systemic shift in public investment, one that Fine Gael is incapable of providing, as the EPA report shows."
Fianna Fáil TD Jack Chambers has also spoke out on the report, urging Minister Bruton to bring the Government's climate plan into line with recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action and deliver promised climate legislation this year.
"Recommended climate legislation and policies which Fine Gael committed to in the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action have not been delivered. How can we send a clear signal not only to younger generations and vulnerable communities but also to businesses and international investors if emissions hurtle upwards and real climate action is continuously put on the long finger?," concluded Deputy Chambers.
(CM/JG)
