Gormley to unveil Carbon Budget

Minister for the Environment John Gormley will unveil Ireland’s first Carbon Budget today.

The Government initiative will “carbon-proof” all decisions and policy made by the Cabinet in a bid to drive down climate change emissions.

In yesterday’s Budget, Minister for Finance Brian Cowen announced a number of measures inspired by Fianna Fáil’s Green Party coalition partners.

Mr Gormley will today outline details of the ecological impact of the budgetary decisions for the forthcoming year.

The Green Party is credited with influencing yesterday’s increase in motor tax and overhaul of the vehicle registration tax system to target CO2 emissions.