The Climate Action Plan ‘includes low-cost, high-benefit measures that will bring down emissions, create new jobs and protect communities across the constituency’.
So says Laois TD Charlie Flanagan following the publication of the government’s carbon cutting plan yesterday.
According to Deputy Flanagan, a range of actions which will pave the way for Ireland to meet the legally binding target of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050, are central in the plan.
Deputy Flanagan said: “As it currently stands, Ireland has the second largest greenhouse gas emissions per person in the EU.
“Climate change is a serious threat to families, businesses and communities across Laois and Offaly but the measures included in the Climate Action Plan provide us with an opportunity to create new jobs, bring down emissions and crucially protect our natural environment.
“We want reasonable and practical climate action that ensures the protection of jobs, farms and communities into the future.
“One of the most significant changes we’re going to see is the transition to up to 80% renewable electricity by 2030. Our electricity system is going to look radically different as we make fundamental changes over the coming years.
“We’re going to have less coal, gas and oil in homes and businesses across Laois and Offaly, and an increase in offshore wind on our coastlines, solar and other renewable energies.
“The funding the retrofitting of homes across Laois and Offaly to make them warmer and cheaper to heat is key to embedding changes within our energy system.
“Over 500,000 people will be helped to insulate their homes or change their heating systems, and approximately €300m will be spent in 2022 alone on supporting people to improve their home energy efficiency.
“New industries will be created in retrofitting and offshore wind. We’re going to see the rollout of a new National Retrofit Plan, and my colleague Minister Simon Harris has already begun work in growing the sector with the launch of four new retrofitting centres of excellence last year including Laois and Offaly ETB.
“Farmers are willing and able to play their part in climate action. They know the land better than anyone. They are part of the solution.
“This plan provides farmers with the certainty they need for the future, after what has been a challenging and uncertain period for many due to Brexit and reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.
Deputy Flanagan also said that the plan will see an investment transport.
He said: “This plan also includes serious investment in transport across Laois and Offaly.
“By 2030, there is going to be an additional 500,000 walking, cycling and public transport journeys per day.
“We need this plan to work for everyone though, and a crucial component is the widespread rollout of electric vehicles (EV) as well as investment in rural public transport.
“With a target of almost one million EVs by 2030, we’re going to have record numbers of electric cars on roads over the next few years.
“We want reasonable and practical climate action that ensures the protection of jobs, farms and communities into the future.
“There’s no doubt climate change is a huge challenge, but this plan presents significant progress to transitioning to a sustainable and cleaner way of living.”
Green Party Minister Pippa Hackett welcomed how land will be more carefully used.
She said: “The plan empowers farmers with a science-based approach to produce world-class food with a lower carbon footprint.
“We’re committing to less chemical nitrogen in farming with more targeted use of fertiliser, while maintaining the same level of grass growth through multi-species swards.
“Many farmers have wisely begun embracing this type of agriculture practice already. We will incentivise organic farming, forestry and energy production.
“A new forestry plan will be launched in 2023 and we will continue with bog restoration and the rewetting of organic soils.
“With Laois-Offaly ETB already designated as a Centre for Excellence in retrofitting training, the Minister also welcomed the demand identified in the plan for more workers to be trained.
“The building sector will have cut emissions by 44%-56% and that’s going to lead to a huge demand for skilled workers.
“There are increased targets for district heating and for standards in public buildings. There will be good jobs in the trades for many years to come.”
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