Rise in low-emission slurry spreading puts Ireland on track for ammonia target
Ireland has met its EU emissions reduction targets for all five major air pollutants, the latest EPA assessment has shown.
These include ammonia, non-methane volatile organic compounds, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter, all of which can impact air quality, health and the environment. Agriculture accounts for over 99% of ammonia emissions in Ireland and has previously been in non-compliance with EU targets.
A decrease of 4% in ammonia emissions in 2023 was driven by an 18% reduction in nitrogen fertiliser use and increased use of low-emission slurry spreading (LESS). This brings ammonia into compliance with the EU Emission Reduction target.
Ammonia emissions decreased by 4% in 2023, which was put down to the increased use of low-emission slurry spreading on farms as well as a reduction in nitrogen fertiliser use.
While the move away from fossil fuel use in power generation and residential heating has been key in driving down emissions in three of the five key air pollutants: sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Eimear Cotter, director of the EPA's Office of Evidence and Assessment, said the reductions would have "multiple benefits" for air quality, human health and ecosystems.
"It shows that implementation of policies and measures delivers results in terms of reducing air pollutants. In particular, there is a welcome reduction in ammonia emissions in 2023, reflecting the impact and benefits of the on-farm adoption of a range of good farming practices driven and supported by national policies," she said.
'The use of low-emission slurry spreading on farms avoided the release of 7,000t of ammonia to the atmosphere. In addition, reduced fertiliser use contributed to reductions in ammonia emissions. Acceleration and widespread implementation of such practices are needed to keep Ireland on the pathway to better air quality and ongoing compliance with EU 2030 targets.'
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