Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has found energy use in Ireland rose by almost 1 per cent in 2006 with CO 2emissions up by less than half a per cent.
In a second report, SEI found the country's transport sector is the fastest-growing area for energy emissions, with a 7.2 per cent growth in energy consumption.
Road freight accounted for most of the growth in transport energy use since 1990, increasing by 255 per cent, while private cars accounted for 119 per cent over the same period.
SEI Chief executive David Taylor said the growth of transport related CO 2emissions was a clear concern.
"Embracing green sustainable energy is fundamental to Ireland's economic development," he said. "It should also be noted Ireland is dependent on the international automotive industry to deliver energy efficiency gains through technological advancements," he said.
Consumers should also be making well informed transport use and purchases, he said.
The reports highlighted gains made in industry in Ireland which, while increasing emissions by 0.6 per cent, had recorded an overall reduction in emissions by 15 per cent since 1995.
The residential sector also made gains with a decrease in energy use of 1.2 per cent during 2006. Mr Taylor noted renewable energy being used in people's homes increased by 12 per cent, a trend attributed to the Greener Home Scheme.
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan said the statistics showed reductions in energy-related carbon emissions were possible.
"Transport, however, remains an increasing area of energy use. Even without the spectre of climate change, we will have to alter how we travel and how we fuel travel," he said.