Govt Slammed Over Failure To Tackle Climate Emissions

Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government over its failure to tackle climate emissions in Ireland.

Spokesperson on Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Timmy Dooley called for "real, credible action that will bring about the emissions reductions that we need".

Deputy Dooley was commenting as the Government published its National Mitigation Strategy.

He said: "I raised these concerns before when the Draft Mitigation Plan was published, and I am disappointed to see that the Government has failed to respond and act.

"Worryingly, the plan fails to see the opportunities that climate change presents to us. For example, measures to green our transport system have huge knock-on benefits for our citizens. Towns and cities that are easy to walk and cycle around are happy, healthy communities, not to mention that electric transport does not produce the same poisonous fumes as diesel and petrol vehicles do.


"The Taoiseach's own record as Minister for Transport is very disappointing. During his speech upon his nomination as Taoiseach, Mr Varadkar said 'I am determined that the Government should show new ambition when it comes to tackling climate change by setting out a roadmap to a low carbon economy'.

"This is a lofty ambition, and one that if said by someone else, might give us hope, but the Taoiseach has unfortunately a habit of saying all the right things, but generally failing to deliver on his words.

"Ireland is falling behind the rest of the world when it comes to greening our transport sector. Currently, there are about 2,000 electric cars in Ireland compared to about 150,000 in Norway.

"Why is the Government not committing to improving our electric vehicle charging infrastructure?"

(CD/MH)