Irish Examiner view: Fine of up to €26bn should prompt Ireland to act on climate

Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and Climate Change Advisory Council say Ireland has already foregone €500m in potential revenue by not meeting climate targets

EU fines that could cost Ireland as much as €26bn should spur us on to take action on climate change. iStock 

We have grown almost inured to sobering headlines by now, with every day laden with fresh threats and menaces.

However, a story this week heralded a truly stunning prospect — one in which Ireland might be on the hook for a bill which is greater to our entire annual health budget.