Majority Supports Plans To Ban Future Offshore Oil And Gas Exploration In Irish Water

The majority of Dáil Éireann has supported plans to ban future offshore oil and gas exploration in Irish waters.

The Climate Emergency Measures Bill 2018, introduced by Bríd Smith TD, was recently debated in the Dáil, with the Green Party, Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, Labour, and Independents4Change all speaking in favour.

The Green Party hailed it as a "historic day" for environmentalism in Ireland.


Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan TD said: "This truly is a historic day for environmentalism in Ireland. The tide has turned on fossil fuels, and there is widespread political support now for a just transition to renewable power. If we are to keep global temperature rises below 1.5-2 degrees, avoiding climate chaos, then 80% of known fossil fuel reserves need to be left in the ground. By signing the Paris Agreement, Ireland committed to such a plan."

Green Party deputy Leader Catherine Martin TD said: "We're delighted that the Dáil will take this important step, and commit to ending fossil fuel exploration in Irish waters. For once, Ireland is living up to our Green image."

(CD/MH)