Lack of environmental vision “hallmark of government” – Ní Riada

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada has said it is deeply worrying that Ireland has again been ranked as the worst country in Europe on the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI).

The Ireland South MEP was speaking as the index revealed Ireland was the lowest ranked country in Europe and one of the 12 lowest ranked countries in the world.

“Not only is this CCPI ranking deeply humiliating for Ireland, especially as the United Nations Climate Change Conference continues to meet this week, but the Government’s sluggish approach to climate change action will have short and long term consequences for the entire country,” she said.

“In the immediate future we are facing huge fines as we are way off course when it comes to meeting our 2020 EU emissions and renewable energy targets.

“However, the more worrying consequence is, of course, the damage we are doing to our environment. These targets are not set arbitrarily. They are the minimum we need to be doing in order to limit the effects we are having on our planet as we veer dangerously close to the point of no return.

“The fact this is the second year in a row we have been ranked the worst in Europe is indicative of this Government’s lack of long term thinking and vision when it comes to climate change, although lack of vision has been the hallmark of this government.

“We need to see urgent and genuine moves from this Government on developing renewable energy resources and meeting our climate change requirements.

“Ireland is a small country but we are as obliged as any other to play our part in protecting our planet.”