EU holds firm over CO2 cuts

BRUSSELS will not back down on the tough pollution cuts it demands from Ireland, the Taoiseach admitted yesterday as he unveiled a €200 million green energy boost.

Bertie Ahern warned that people had not yet grasped the lifestyle changes needed to meet the 20% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020 imposed by the EU.

Ireland had hoped to pursue Brussels to rethink the scale of cuts demanded from us — the steepest in the community — over concern they may have been based on an inflated calculation of the size of our economy.

The Taoiseach indicated that was now unlikely, but he would insist on a level playing field for all member states.

Speaking at a sustainable energy summit in Dublin, Mr Ahern said the €200m for green energy projects over the next five years would create a “win/win” situation of improved competitiveness and environmental performance for the country.

The Taoiseach insisted the switch to environmentally-friendly power sources could boost jobs as nearly a quarter of a million people were employed in such industries in Germany.

Ireland needs a major change in attitude to combat its environmental pollution as at present more than 90% of fuel is imported, and greenhouse gas emissions are nearly twice the level they are supposed to be.

The Energy Forum was set-up to bring together the key players in the energy industry and a host of Cabinet ministers to discuss the implications a move towards sustainable energy would have for Ireland’s economy, job creation and inward investment.

Mr Ahern stressed that everyone would be affected by the drive to cut green house gas emissions.

“Our objective is an energy policy based on secure sources of supply, that promotes competitiveness, and is environmentally sustainable,” he said.

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan unveiled a study by Sustainable Energy Ireland on the benefits of energy efficiency to the economy. It found by meeting the 2020 national energy efficiency target, the economic benefits will outweigh the costs by nearly €300m per year.

Labour’s energy spokes-woman, Liz McManus, welcomed the forum’s objectives, but added caution over the Government’s commitment.

“The reality is that while the Taoiseach reiterates a commitment to provide €200m for energy-related Research and Development (R&D) over five years, the government allocation for 2008 is a pitiful €13.2m for this R&D,” she said.

A similar note of scepticism was voiced by Fine Gael energy spokesman, Simon Coveney.

“This time last year the National Climate Change Strategy and the Energy White Paper were launched with similar fanfare. One year on, the Fianna Fáil/Green Government has admitted in both cases that less than half of the deadlines are being met.”