Call for urgent 'step-change' in climate transition investment
Measures Support An Calling Sound Energy Power Zero Is For Bodies To Wind To Ireland Transition Carbon Among Environmentally
The renewables industry and environmental groups have joined forces to call for an urgent ‘step-change’ in Government investment in addressing the biodiversity and climate crises.
Wind Energy Ireland and the Irish Solar Energy Association have joined with environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including Birdwatch Ireland and the Irish Wildlife Trust, to call for a range of targeted measures to support an environmentally-sound transition to a zero-carbon power system.
The groups believe that substantially-increased resources are needed at all levels of Government and in environmental NGOs to accelerate the energy transition, while also protecting nature.
They believe a lack of environmental capacity in State agencies is currently undermining renewables objectives and compliance with environmental law, while a lack of resources among NGOs means they are often prevented from substantially engaging in the planning and development process.
In a joint statement sent to Government ministers ahead of Budget 2024, the groups have called for an increase in funding for relevant departments and agencies and a fast-track recruitment process for key State bodies that are critical for delivering a zero-carbon electricity system and protecting and restoring nature.
They also called for the establishment of a dedicated climate and nature restoration fund from windfall corporation taxes to finance climate and nature infrastructural and capital investments, including nature-based solutions.
The statement sent to ministers also calls for the allocation of at least €7m in 2024 to help reach the target of fully protecting 10% of Ireland’s ocean and seas and at least €55m to support longer-term designation of marine protected areas and ongoing management until 2030.
Budget 2024 is an opportunity for the Government to invest resources in building the foundations of a net-zero energy future, according to Wind Energy Ireland director of external affairs Justin Moran.
"This means properly funding An Bord Pleanála, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, and key environmental stakeholders," it said.
In May 2019, Dáil Éireann declared a climate and biodiversity crisis, said Oonagh Duggan, head of advocacy with BirdWatch Ireland. "Yet warnings on the state of biodiversity in Ireland have grown starker; two thirds of Ireland’s bird species are threatened, and over 70% of our peatlands are in bad status.
"Biodiversity and climate are inextricably linked and the time to invest in nature for a sustainable future is now," she said.
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