The Green Party has condemned the Government over its environmental record following the revelation that Ireland has done the least of all EU countries to adhere to the Kyoto Agreement.
Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions in 2001 were more than double the amount allowed under the Kyoto Agreement according to figures released by the European Environmental Agency (EEA).
The Green MEP for Dublin, Ms Patricia McKenna said "this is yet another example of our government's lack of commitment to environmental protection. Their cavalier attitude to the Kyoto agreement risks landing the taxpayer with substantial fines in the years to come."
The Kyoto Protocol sets a deadline of 2008-2012 for industrialised signatories to make a reduction in greenhouse gases as compared to the levels that prevailed in 1990.
"Even major industrialised countries like Germany have succeeded in reducing their emissions by 18 per cent since 1990," she added.
Under the Kyoto Agreement Ireland is allowed to increase its emissions by 13 per cent from 1990 levels by 2008. However, according to the EEA, Ireland's emissions stood at 31 per cent higher that in 1990, more than double the allowed increase.
"If urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is not taken immediately then Ireland will be faced with two serious problems," added Ms McKenna.
"Not only will we be damaging the environment, but we will have to pay substantial fines in the form of emissions trading." Ms McKenna was referring to the mechanism whereby countries exceeding their Kyoto targets by 2012 will have to buy the right to pollute from countries which meet their targets. Emissions trading could cost Ireland €1.3 billion per year.