Green Party says Govt has 'head in sand' on emissions

Press Release: Environment 6 February 2007

Links to: All Press Releases 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Dún Laoghaire, Environment, Justice and Latest Press Releases

6 February 2007

Government has 'head in sand' on emissions

- Government's climate change policy is 'simply not working'

The Green Party says the Government's climate change policy is 'simply not working' following a leaked EPA report today which shows that Ireland's level of greenhouse gas emissions has risen by over a million tonnes in one year.

Green Party Leader Trevor Sargent TD said the report highlights key deficiencies in the Government's approach to reducing emissions and shows a lack of vision or leadership on tackling climate change.

Deputy Sargent said: "Ireland 's emissions are currently running at nearly double the increase allowed for under the Kyoto agreement. The 'business as usual' approach is not affordable and is simply not working. The Government must take its head out of the sand and advance policies that reduce Ireland's emissions at source. It should be implementing practical, efficient, green solutions that have long-term benefits. In Government, the Green Party will provide the leadership and innovative solutions that are necessary to meet this challenge."

Green Party Environment spokesperson, Ciarán Cuffe TD said: "The report highlights just how lightly the Government is taking the issue of climate change in Ireland. They have failed to grasp the fact that we cannot simply buy our way out of the problem. The Minister has designated €270 million to purchase carbon credits abroad and trots out the argument that a tonne of carbon credits purchased in India fulfils our obligations under the Kyoto protocol. This attitude fails to address core problems in reducing our emissions, a fact borne out by this report. It is a short-sighted, short term 'sticking plaster' solution to a gravely serious problem.

"The Green Party has called for a range of measures that will tackle the problem at source such as:

Reviewing the Building Regulations to increasing standards and produce new buildings that are better insulated and less expensive to heat;

Fast-tracking clean, efficient transport solutions such as the Luas and scaling back motorway projects.

Supporting renewable energy. By implementing more measures to promote wind turbines, bio-mass and other energy projects, carbon emissions can be reduced.

Providing clear leadership on planning. By prioritising a national spatial strategy that promotes investment in the regions and devolves power urban sprawl can be decreased. By investing in railways, long-distance car commutes that people are forced to take can be reduced."

Ciarán Cuffe is a TD for the Dún Laoghaire Dáil Constituency. Ciarán can be contacted at Dáil Éireann, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 or 96 Patrick Street, Dún Laoghaire Tel. 284 6060 or 618 3082, Fax 618 4341, Email Ciaran CiaranCuffe.com, or Text Ciaran on 087 265 2075.