Strong leadership needed on climate change

IRELAND is in an ideal situation to lead the way into the next 50 years, as we have a thriving economy, that would allow us to invest now, for the future.

The Stern report showed that the hugely preferred option is to invest now, and thereby even gain financial benefits into the future. If we don’t, we are doomed to a third world economy.

No leadership is coming from the Government; paltry grants for a few solar panels and a pledge to invest about €7 million in renewables are not what is required. And telling us we can make a difference by recycling our bottles, providing we pay for it, is not enough.

There is an abiding belief that, for example, when it comes to decisions about the Mallow sugar factory and the seemingly obvious decision to convert it into a bioethanol plant, then vested property interests are going to prevail — and assets which were paid for by the taxpayer will be handed to profit-driven speculators. If this is allowed to happen, this Government will be remembered for it.

There is an onus of responsibility on the Government to protect this country into the future and the most pressing need of the next 50 years is a stable supply of energy. To this end, it has completely shut off the debate about nuclear power. I don’t know whether it is a good idea or not but I would like to know what our choices are — and one choice that should not exist is the squandering of vast sums of taxpayers’ money on buying carbon credits.

Fortunately, there is an election coming up, and it is time this Government realised it must shape up and supply proper leadership. If it is not prepared to make the hard decisions that need to be made then let’s find people who are.

Miles Cattell

Slieverue

Riverstick

Co Cork