Carbon emission cutbacks a huge challenge

THIS country faces a huge challenge, if it is to meet the targeted carbon emission reduction, according to Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan.

Yesterday, the minister reacted to projections from the Economic and Social Research Institute which suggest Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions will have risen by nearly 5% in 2007.

Mr Ryan said his reaction was not to dispute the underlying fundamental analysis, but the true figures will only be known later this year. He described the projected figures as a real challenge, but one the Government is determined to meet by creating jobs in the new eco-tech sector.