Environmentalists to stage climate change protest in Dublin

Environmentalists are to stage a protest in Dublin today against what they say is the Government's inaction on climate change.

Stop Climate Chaos, which is organising today's event, has accused the Government of having an appalling record on pollution.

The group says €290m in taxpayers' money has already been put aside to cover greenhouse gas emissions.

"This figure could easily double before the end of the Kyoto period in 2012," said spokesperson Ciara Gaynor.

"And the money is coming from PAYE tax payments, so it's a stealth tax; there is no incentive for anyone to cut their pollution.

"This time last year the new Government committed to reducing Ireland's outsized carbon footprint by 3% a year. Now, it's time to deliver."

Supporters of the coalition of leading environmental, development, youth and faith groups will gather at the Martello Tower in Sandymount in Dublin to demand that the Government act on climate change.

Instead of placards, they will have umbrellas in their hands.

"We're going back to the beach to demand the Government put a clear, fair, price on carbon across the whole economy," said Gaynor.