Time for the Government to match rhetoric with action say campaigners
The Environmental Pillar has welcomed the news that the Dáil will debate a draft law on Just Transition this evening (Thursday 4 December). According to the national network of environmental organisations, it is an opportune moment to discuss how we make sure climate action is fair as well as fast enough to contain climate breakdown.
The Bill, proposed by Jennifer Whitmore TD, would put the Just Transition Commission on a statutory footing, require Government to consider fairness in designing climate measures and define what Just Transition means in practice. Tonight’s Dáil session will debate the issues in general and decide whether to refer the Bill to Committee for further consideration.
Commenting, Oisín Coghlan, the Environmental Pillar’s representative on the Just Transition Commission said:
“This Dáil debate is very timely. It’s essential we start talking about how Government climate action can address people’s immediate material concerns. We know when Government takes the lead, climate action can mean warmer homes, with lower fuel bills and cleaner air.
“And only Government action can deliver plentiful public transport that is accessible and affordable. This kind of climate action improves people’s lives right now as well as reducing pollution and protecting us all from the threat of complete climate breakdown.
“But it’s time for Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister Darragh O’Brien to match their fine words at international meetings with real action at home.
“At the UN COP Micheál Martin criticised countries for not showing leadership but at home he says we must delay climate action if it’s controversial or divisive rather than using his position to persuade people of the immediate benefits of a Just Transition.
“Minister O’Brien at COP made Ireland one of 24 countries to back the Belém Declaration on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels led by Colombia. But back in Ireland he is not only planning a state-owned LNG gas reserve, he has lifted the ban on commercial LNG despite telling me at a meeting with the Environmental Pillar in July that he thought a commercial terminal would be against the climate law.
“Ireland won’t get away with being a ‘street angel, house devil’ on climate anymore, pledging support internationally but dodging or delaying action at home. People can see through that hypocrisy and it undermines confidence that Government can deliver on any of its commitments.
“For example, since he came home from the COP Minister O’Brien launched a transport plan that delays funding for public transport projects such as Dart+ South West and Luas Finglas that already have planning permission and are shovel ready. And yet the Government blames judicial reviews for infrastructure delays?
“If the Government is serious about closing the emissions gap it also needs to close the gap between its rhetoric and the reality of its policies. It can start by agreeing to progress this Just Transition Bill to Committee so we can ensure that urgent climate action brings immediate benefits to people’s quality of life.”
Ends.