Labour calls for bold climate action to secure Ireland’s future

• Bring an end to the fossil fuel area in Ireland, meet our carbon budgets and seek emission reductions of circa 8% a year.
• Invest over €16bn of extra investment in climate action over the next five years including an additional €10bn for public transport projects.
• Commit €2.5bn to a National Retrofitting Fund for street-by-street energy efficiency upgrades and €1bn to drive offshore wind.
• Install solar panels and heat pumps through the Warmer Homes and Local Authority retrofitting scheme.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik has today launched Labour’s ambitious mission for climate action and a just transition, calling for the urgent use of state power to reduce our emissions and build a sustainable future for Ireland.

The policy outlines bold measures to phase out fossil fuels, transform our energy systems, and deliver a fair, people-centred, science-led approach to reducing emissions.

Speaking at the launch, Labour leader Ivana Bacik said:

“Tackling the climate crisis requires real leadership. Labour is committed to decarbonising every sector of the economy – not through greenwashing or offshoring emissions, but by driving change here at home. Under Labour, the Department of Climate Action and Environment will deliver a new, science-based strategy with legally binding carbon budgets.

“This means phasing out fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, and transforming our energy system to use less energy overall. Fairness will be at the heart of our approach, which is why Labour is calling for a legal moratorium on new data centres. These centres put disproportionate pressure on our electricity grid, and our priority must be delivering clean, affordable energy for Irish households.

“Labour’s plan also includes a national drive for energy efficient homes. We’re calling for the rollout of whole area retrofitting with street-by-street upgrades, the installation of solar panels and renewable hating systems under the Warmer Homes scheme and in local authority housing, and a heat pump revolution targeted at rural housings. We will bridge the affordability gap with zero interest loans, and use a national network of local community energy advisors to reach a target of over 50,000 retrofits a year.

“Labour’s plan will help households transition away from fossil fuels, making homes warmer, healthier, and more affordable to heat. Retrofitting is not just a climate solution – it’s a social solution that addresses energy poverty and supports job creation in the green economy.

Labour’s General Election candidate in Waterford, Sadhbh O’Neill, who helped develop the Party’s policies on climate emphasised the need for the next government to act and the importance of restoring Ireland’s natural environment:

“We have serious concerns about the three largest parties and their commitment to taking the radical action needed to reduce our emissions and meet our carbon budgets. Fianna Fáil’s manifesto, there is no commitment to meet our 2030 targets and neither Sinn Féin or Fine Gael even mention carbon budgets in their manifesto. Parties that fail to commit to staying within our legally-binding climate targets, are simply not serious about climate action.

“Labour has a plan to secure a just transition while transitioning to a sustainable energy system built on renewable sources.”

Cycling into a sustainable future, Shane Folan, Labour’s candidate for Dublin Bay North, outlined Labour’s vision for cycling and active travel:

“We need to rebuild Ireland’s cycling culture, and Labour has the tools to make it happen. Our cycling budget package includes reducing VAT on bikes and e-bikes, introducing a cargo and e-bike grant, and enhancing the Bike to Work scheme to include a Bike to School option. We’re also committed to expanding city bike schemes and delivering safe cycling infrastructure, with secure routes to schools, colleges, and crèches. These changes will dramatically increase the use of bicycles and transform how we travel.”

With 2024 poised to be the hottest year on record, Labour’s climate policy offers a just transition to meet Ireland’s ambitious climate targets. It’s time to use the power of the state to combat the climate crisis and secure a sustainable future for Ireland.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Labour’s Climate Manifesto: https://labour.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Labour-Climate-Action-and-a-Just-Transition-Manifesto-2024.pdf

Labour will seek over €16bn of extra investment in Climate Action over next five years. This will include:

• An additional €10bn over five years for public transport projects composed of €5bn from voted expenditure, €2.5bn from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund, and €2.5bn from the Apple windfall.
• A €2.5bn National Retrofitting Plan to drive street by street retrofitting and energy efficiency upgrades for apartment blocks and SMEs.
• €1bn for direct equity stakes in offshore wind development to speed up development.