European Union emissions of the greenhouse gases which cause climate change increased in 2003, however the latest statistics show Ireland's output fell.
Details from the European Environment Agency show that EU emissions increased by 1.5% in 2003, after having fallen in 2002.
The EEA said the rise was mainly caused by an increase in power production using coal and colder weather in the first quarter which led to an increased use of fossil fuels to heat homes and offices.
Yet Irish emissions fell by 2.6% over the same period, in part due to the closure of Ireland's only nitric acid plant and its associated ammonia production facility.
The EEA said other contributors including a drop in carbon dioxide in electricity generation, through the greater use of cleaner fuels, and continued decreases in associated agriculture emissions.
Today's statistics have been described as dismal and alarming by Greenhouse Ireland Action Network.
A spokesman said Ireland was the 6th worst performer in the EU regarding its failure to achieve set targets under the Kyoto Protocol.
