Measuring distance to the SDG targets – Ireland
Based on 126 available indicators allowing a coverage of 99 of the 169 SDG targets, Ireland has currently achieved 10 of the 2030 targets, and many of the remaining distances to targets are small (Figure 2.29). For example, Ireland has already achieved the targets relating to water stress, GDP productivity, and CO2 intensity (targets 6.4, 8.2 and 9.4). However, some challenges remain; Ireland is still very far (i.e. more than 3 standardised distances away) from meeting 2% of the targets. These include tobacco consumption, and participation in lifelong learning (targets 3.a and 4.3).
The Measuring Distance to the SDG Targets Study is intended as an analytical tool to assist countries in identifying strengths and weaknesses across the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda, and as such differs in nature from Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) or other reporting processes. To ensure international comparability, indicators used in the Study are based on the UN Global List of Indicators on SDGs and are sourced from the UN SDG Database and OECD databases. VNRs typically use national indicators that reflect national circumstances and can be more up-to-date.
Figure 2.30, Panel A shows that Ireland is on average closest to reaching goals on Poverty Eradication, Energy, Climate and Cities (goals 1, 7, 13 and 11). Ireland is further away from achieving goals on Food, Education, Gender Equality and Reducing Inequality (goals 2, 4, 5 and 10). Relative to the OECD average, Ireland outperforms on goals such as Poverty Eradication, Gender Equality, Climate and Institutions (goals 1, 5, 13 and 16). It is relatively further away on Education and Biodiversity (goals 4 and 15). However, considerable effort by the international statistical community will be key to fill the data gaps and allow a more accurate assessment (see Figure 2.30, Panel B). For example, if missing data were available on Sustainable Production, Climate, Oceans and Cities (goals 12, 14, 13 and 11), Ireland’s performance on Planet and Prosperity could change from current assessments.