The European Commission has launched infringement proceedings against Ireland, along with 12 other EU member states, for failing to establish national penalty regimes under the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation.
This directive mandates the gradual blending of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with conventional jet fuel at EU airports.
The Commission took action because Ireland and other states missed deadlines to outline specific rules and penalties for fuel suppliers, aircraft operators, and airports that fail to meet the SAF blending mandates. Under the ReFuelEU rules, the SAF blending mandate is set at 2pc, rising to 6pc by 2030 and 70pc by 2050.
Ireland was sent a letter of formal notice and has been given a period of two months to respond and address these shortcomings before the EU regulator considers further legal steps.
Almost half of EU states have been warned over lack of aviation fuel penalty regimes.
