A call has been issued for Sinn Féin's Microgeneration Bill to be brought before the Climate Action and Environment committee next week.

The Bill provides an alternative way for individuals and communities to produce and take ownership of climate action. It would allow citizens across the State to produce renewable energy for their own consumption and to then sell any excess energy back to the grid for others to use. 

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Despite cross-party support and backing from a number of climate action groups, the Bill has not progressed since its introduction in late 2017.

Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Climate Action, Brian Stanley TD has accused Fine Gael of trying to bury the Bill, which aims to "give power back to the people".

Deputy Stanley said: "Last month the Dáil announced a 'Climate Emergency'. Last weekend a clear message was sent by the public they demand radical climate action. 

"Yet, this government continues to hand out oil and gas drilling licences to companies. It continues to block climate action bills from left wing parties and it is further delaying our Microgeneration Bill. Fine Gael just doesn't get it. 

"We need urgent action on climate change. Credible alternatives have been provided, we need to progress them without delay."

(CM/MH)