Catherine Murphy Publishes Energy Security And Climate Change Bill; says Bill Forms ‘Essential Part’ of Ireland’s Growth and Recovery Strategy

Press Release | 22nd May 2012

The Kildare North Deputy criticises delay in promised Government legislation, blaming Labour’s “absolute failure” to prioritise Green recovery models since entering Government.

Catherine Murphy (Independent – Kildare North) today published her own Energy Security & Climate Change Bill, which she says “is badly overdue” legislation that “equips the State with the necessary tools to make Ireland far less dependent on expensive imported fossil fuels and helps encourage the development of our massive renewable energy potential.”
The Deputy expressed her hope to have the legislation tabled as soon as possible.
“In the midst of the current economic uncertainty, we can be reasonably sure of one thing – fuel costs are going to remain high for the foreseeable future. Ireland currently spends approximately €6bn importing fossil fuels. Such a spend makes little economic sense when we can generate that energy at home, from clean, dependable sources. Developing our enormous renewable potential would create a permanent indigenous industry, thousands of jobs, a product to export to large population centres in Britain and the Continent who are turning away from fossil fuel and nuclear, and ensure Ireland achieves its critical greenhouse gas reduction targets. Crucially, the bill requires Government to establish recurring national and sectoral plans aimed at achieving the targets specified in the bill, and sets up an independent Commission on Energy Security and Climate Change to monitor this progress.
“The current Government talks a lot about job-creation; and I support efforts to do so – yet it has consistently ignored one of the most promising areas for growth. Minister Phil Hogan, despite inheriting comprehensive legislation, thought it better to delay and redo consultations on climate law which have already been undertaken to some considerable degree. Renewable energy companies are increasingly looking to other countries for the kind of innovation and support they need to get started. We run a serious risk of losing our competitiveness in the area unless Government provides a clear framework for Ireland’s transition to a more energy-efficient, low carbon economy. This clarity is needed now.
“It’s due to these delays that I feel it my duty to provide that legislative framework in a constructive attempt to make serious progress. I call on all parties in the Dáil and outside to support this legislation and I welcome their input.”

Links

Energy Security and Climate Change Bill 2012 [PMB] – As Initiated

Energy Security and Climate Change Bill 2012 [PMB] – Explanatory Memorandum

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Posted by admin on May 22, 2012. Filed under Environment,homepage,In the Dáil,International Issues,Latest News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry