The Government has been slammed over its "lack of ambition" following the publication of the National Climate Mitigation Plan.

The Green Party hit out at the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten TD, after it was revealed Ireland is only one of two countries in Europe which will not meet its 2020 emissions reduction targets.

Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan said: "We are also going to miss our related renewable energy targets. These failures will cost Irish citizens a fortune in both fines and the missed economic opportunities as we fall behind other countries in the global transition to a new economic model.

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"Several other countries are starting to ramp up investment in the new alternatives, while our Government pleads for exemptions and special treatment from the EU, showing a complete lack of leadership and vision. Others are turning to solar power and offshore wind energy while the Irish Government keep burning coal and peat, as if climate change does not matter. The electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Ireland is totally inadequate and smart energy metering has been abandoned for the last six years. The retrofitting of buildings for energy efficiency, saving consumers money and making homes more comfortable to live in, is still half what it was when the Greens were in office.

"The Minister of Transport has taken no responsibility on the need for change. He has provided no real budget for walking and cycling infrastructure and seems to have no vision for the future of our public transport system."

(CD/LM)