Iarnród Éireann Climate Action Plan
Iarnród Éireann’s corporate Climate Action Plan 2023 to 2030 lays out the pathway to the company achieving emissions reductions of 51% by 2030.
The ambitious plan will be delivered while rail services are expanded, with passenger journeys of 80 million per annum targeted by 2030, up from a pre-COVID high of 50.1 million journeys, and a doubling of rail freight volumes anticipated.
The 51% emissions reduction will be achieved through:
- Reduced reliance on diesel through alternative fuels on existing fleets
- Transitioning to electric-powered fleet
- Green energy generation and corporate purchasing power agreements
- Fleet and building works to reduce energy consumption
Iarnród Éireann’s 2018 baseline combined Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions amounted to 144,400 tonnes of CO2.
These emissions account for approximately 1% of the total national transport emissions (SEAI).
Where do Iarnród Éireann’s emissions come from?
In 2022, diesel fuel consumed through rail and road operations accounted for 85% of the company’s overall emissions. Reducing its reliance on diesel fuel is critical to our decarbonisation pathway.
To meet our public sector target of 51% reduction in emissions by 2030, Iarnród Éireann must reduce its combined annual Scope 1 and 2 emissions to circa 70,800 tonnes, while growing the passenger and rail freight businesses at the same time. This in turn supports the overall national reduction in transport emissions.
Read full details of Iarnród Éireann’s Climate Action Plan.