Aggressive anti-climate measures to be rammed through Dáil
Aggressive anti-climate measures to be rammed through Dáil - The Labour Party
- Govt is making it clear that climate and environmental considerations are not a factor in its decision making
Labour’s climate spokesperson Ciarán Ahern TD has called out the anti-climate measures Government will attempt to ram through the Dáil this week.
As Europe experiences record temperatures, the Dáil will see bills that will undermine climate action with the removal of the passenger cap on Dublin Airport and plans for a floating LNG terminal to be discussed.
Deputy Ahern said:
“The failure of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and its Independent supporters to have a vision for our country that provides people with quality public services while protecting our environment beggars belief.
“In a week where temperatures are soaring across Europe, this Government seeks to ram through anti-climate measures through the removal of the passenger cap on Dublin Airport and the move to support an LNG terminal.
“Scrapping the passenger cap at Dublin Airport means more flights, more pollution and higher emissions at a time when Ireland is already dangerously off track on climate action.
“In doing so, it’s clear that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil intend to bow down to aviation billionaires with no plan put forward on how we square these increased emissions with our climate targets.
“We are told repeatedly that every sector must play its part, that households, farmers and communities must change how they live and work to cut emissions. Yet when it comes to aviation, Government is letting emissions rip. There is no carbon tax on jet fuel. International aviation emissions are not properly counted. This week, Government will plough ahead without any long-term thinking.
“The Labour Party is resolutely opposed to the development of a floating LNG terminal, we also oppose the importation of fracked gas and we are steadfast in our support for phasing out fossil fuel use. As recent months have proven, Ireland must seriously invest in the development of renewable energy infrastructure to drive down energy bills and to insulate Irish households and businesses from energy shocks.
“Developing an LNG terminal as a “strategic gas reserve” is simply not the way forward. It shows a lack of ambition and a lack of focus on creating a stronger, more sustainable Ireland.
“Under Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, Ireland is failing across the board when it comes to climate. This short-termism from Government is exactly what Fianna Fáil have done through their history – putting short term electoral considerations ahead of long term strategic planning.”