Taxpayers to cough up €150million as Government to fail to meet 2020 greenhouse gas emissions targets
The Government’s failure to meet its 2020 greenhouse gas emissions targets will cost the taxpayer up to €150 million, it has been revealed. The disclosure has led to the Sinn Fein accusing Fine Gael of persisting with failed policies which have led to the huge payments for carbon credits.
The minister responsible for climate action and the environment, Richard Bruton confirmed that the likely to cost the State to buy carbon credits will be up to €150 million. Had this country met its 2020 greenhouse gas emissions targets this cash could have been used for the health service or for housing.He claimed that the Government are punishing families for their own failure to move away from fossil fuels and target polluters in industry. He said: “It has been clear to anyone looking at Ireland’s carbon emissions that, not only would we fail to meet our targets, we would fail to reach those targets by a long way indeed. “Fine Gael seem content to fritter away the taxpayers’ money for their own incompetence. The failure of Fine Gael to take climate change and Ireland’s role seriously will cost the taxpayer potentially €150 million. “Rather than focus on the polluters such as industry and large multinationals, the Government will force a punitive carbon tax onto the Irish people. That will not solve climate change, that will only push struggling families closer to the brink. “Aggressive fossil fuel divestment and a move to clean, renewable energy must be the first course of action for the Irish government, not buying carbon credits and effectively burning money. “Just like with the Children’s Hospital, Broadband, and now climate change, Fine Gael seem to believe that there is a bottomless pit of money available to spare their blushes. I’m sure the Irish taxpayer would disagree.” Speaking at a conference on making Ireland a leader in climate action, Richard Bruton admitted Ireland is likely to have to purchase carbon credits for 16 million tonnes of carbon emissions. He also said that the Finance Department has instructed all Government departments and agencies making decisions about long-term planning and infrastructure developments to factor in a carbon tax which is now of €20 per tonne, but could be up to €265 per tonne by 2050. But the Green Party’s candidate in the European Elections and Dublin City Councillor Ciaran Cuffe said Fine Gael has made little or no effort to meet the targets. He said: “This news does not come as a surprise. It is a damning indictment of failed Government policies that are continuing. “More urban sprawl and motorways will continue to drive up Ireland’s emissions. We need to change track and invest in proper planning, and sustainable transportation. “Let’s electrify our urban bus fleet; provide safe cycling routes and make it easier for all to choose low-carbon living. “We need to bring our public housing up to an A-energy rating. This will tackle fuel poverty leave people with money in their pockets, and reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions.” Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8Cancel Play now How to follow the Irish Mirror on social media You can like our main Facebook page here. Our Irish Mirror Sports Page - which brings you all your Irish and UK sports news - can be found here.The Irish Mirror Twitter account is @IrishMirror while our sports page is @MirrorSportIE.
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