Mapping GHG emissions and climate policy in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland

John Fitzgerald (), Jules Linden () and Cathal O'Donoghue ()
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John Fitzgerald: Department of Economics, Trinity College Dublin
Jules Linden: Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER)
Cathal O'Donoghue: Department of Economics, National University of Ireland Galway

Economic Papers from Trinity College Dublin, Economics Department

Abstract: This paper studies Greenhouse Gas Emission trajectories, climate governance, and climate policy on the island of Ireland. Comparing Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, it shows that the structure of emissions, and therefore the challenge to decarbonise, is highly similar North and South, but climate governance and policy maturity differ substantially. The RoI has a more developed and comprehensive set of climate policies and NI lags significantly behind the RoI. Yet, both jurisdictions are failing to meet their climate targets and advisory councils across NI and the RoI recommend similar actions to advance towards the targets. There is, therefore, a case to improve cooperation on climate policy on the island and to seek out synergies. NI can accelerate the development of its own climate policy mix through policy learning and both the RoI and NI can benefit from developing the common infrastructure and knowledge required to achieve swifter emission reductions. Crucial areas of collaboration include further interconnection of the two electricity grids on the island, shared research on cattle breeding and feed additives, a common biomethane market, the development of common or standardised EV charging infrastructure and of common retrofitting and heat pump standards and skill recognition. The paper also discusses significant challenges to achieving effective climate policy cooperation across north and south.

Keywords: Climate change; greenhouse gas emissions; environmental policy; Island of Ireland (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q20 Q40 Q50 Q54 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 45 pages
Date: 2026-07
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