The latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that Ireland will only achieve a 29% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 if all sectors take action on promised measures. This falls 22% short of the target of a 51% reduction.
Labour leader Ivana Bacik TD hit out at the government and called for urgent action on the climate crisis.
Deputy Bacik said: "There can be no further delay, as the EPA itself said, Ireland must implement effective policies and measures as quickly as possible. Everything we do needs to be considered through the lens of climate.
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"The very fact that the publication and scrutiny of Ireland's fiscal and carbon budgets are not aligned is troubling. We should scrutinise Budget 2024 in the context of our vital climate action targets to ensure that they were aligned.
"It is abundantly clear that there is no clarity of purpose within Government when it comes to climate and biodiversity. We saw that this week during statements on Nature Restoration Law and Irish Agriculture.
"Facing up to the climate crisis and filling the infrastructural gaps needed to house Ireland's growing population requires a cohesive approach. Those on Government benches would want to accept that reality sooner rather than later if they are to make a dent in either of those challenges.
"This morning's report is yet another reminder that climate progress demands a whole of government approach. We need to be both ambitious and practical. Government needs to catch the low hanging fruit in areas like retrofitting and public transport, while also implementing strong carbon budgets to inspire both systemic and individual behaviour change to protect our planet. The kicking of the can on climate has to stop."
