Greens blame Govt for Irish emissions failure

The Green Party has attacked the Government over its ongoing failure to meet commitments on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.

Party spokesman Ciaran Cuffe said figures due to be published today would show Ireland was among the worst countries in Europe when it came to meeting commitments made in the Kyoto Protocol.

He said Ireland had committed itself to reducing emissions to a level 13% higher than those in existence in 1990.

However, Mr Cuffe said Ireland's emissions were currently 26% above 1990 levels, mainly due to transport-related pollution.

"It has resulted from inaction from this Government," he said. "You can't just go on building motorways left, right and centre and expect people to take public transport."