Concerns have been raised over the government's "lack of action" on climate change.

Sinn Fein Senator Máire Devine also hit out after it was revealed that the government is going to have to pay heavy fines for missing Ireland's EU2020 commitments.

She made the announcement after Minister for Climate Action, Denis Naughten, announced the increase of air quality monitoring stations across Ireland.

Mrs Devine said: "I welcome the proposed increase of air monitoring in Ireland. However, I am confused as to why the Minister Naughten is so open to the public having the data to scrutinise the consistently worsening air quality when his government have done so little to improve it.

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"The government's apathy to climate change is also impacting on our health. The World Health Organisation argued that air pollution will reverse all significant advances in public health from the last 50 years. I have recently met with experts from University of Limerick who study healthy spaces, and air quality is a core element of well-being towns.

"The Taoiseach stated that there have been increased investment in public transport in reaction to criticisms of his climate inaction, but this is simply not enough. Binding specific sectoral targets for emissions reduction are needed. We also urgently need a wide portfolio of renewable energy sources; including biogas, biomass, offshore wind, solar and support for the emerging technologies of wave and tidal."

(CD/LM)