8% drop in emissions between 2018 and 2023

Emissions of CO2 in Cork city were down in 2023 compared to levels recorded in 2018.

A Baseline Emissions Inventory for 2023, published by Cork City Council on 22 October found that total emissions in 2023 were 968.5 thousand tonnes of CO2 equivalent compared to 987 thousand tonnes in 2018.

The report said that the results were significant as they had been achieved during a period of relative population growth. The proportion of emissions in 2023 were similar to those in 2018.

Homes accounted for the largest proportion of emissions, at 37%, followed by transport (30%), and commercial and industrial activities (19%).

Cork City Council's own emissions fell by 18% in the same period. The council has committed to a 51% drop in its own emissions by 2030.

However, per capita emissions fell by approximately 8% between 2018 and 2023, which the report said reflected an increase in the share of renewable energy in Ireland's electricity supply.

David Joyce, Director of Service, Emergency Management and Climate Action said: "The findings show that while emissions in the city have remained broadly stable, despite population and economic growth, there is a substantial challenge ahead, particularly in the residential and transport sectors.

"Climate action is everyone's business. Success will depend on strong partnerships between local government, communities, businesses, national agencies and individual citizens," he said.

Cork has committed to an 80% reduction in emissions by 2030.

The report examined future emission scenarios up to 2030. The projections indicate that the city is not on course to reach its target of 80%.

The report recommends further actions capable of accelerating emissions reductions in the areas of housing, transport, and energy. This includes increasing the energy efficiency of the city's housing stock, which is below the national average.

It also said that more compact growth in the city core, a significant shift towards active travel and increased use of public transport would reduce transport emissions, with further reductions achievable through the uptake of electric vehicles.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council said: "The findings offer a realistic but hopeful message. Maintaining emissions at 2018 levels while the city continues to grow demonstrates that progress is possible. However, to achieve the steep emissions reductions required by 2030 every sector of society must take faster and broader action.

"A successful climate transition for the city will depend not only on policy and investment, but on the participation of residents, communities, businesses, and institutions working together to build a cleaner, healthier and more resilient city," they said.