Mary welcomes the judgement of the Supreme Court that the National Mitigation Plan fails to comply with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 because it does not set out how the decarbonising Irish Society will be achieved. Mary congratulates Friends of the Irish Environment for taking this important case which Mary was happy to support.
Ireland must cut CO2 emissions in half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 to ensure we protect our planet and our country from the most severe impacts of global warming.
Achieving these targets represent both a significant challenge and opportunity for Ireland. This transition presents Ireland with an opportunity to create thousands of well-paid green jobs, improve our environment, become a world leader in renewable energy and the digital economy. Our plan will make all of our homes warmer and healthier and our streets safer and nicer places to be. It will make our energy system clean, indigenous and secure.
Our new Government is committed to an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030, equivalent to a 51% reduction over the decade and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. A key aspect of delivering upon this commitment will be setting our 2050 target in law through the Climate Action Bill, which will be introduced in the Dáil within the first 100 days of government.
Mary looks forward to working with all stakeholders on the Climate Action Bill and supporting its approval in the Seanad.