Climate Plan Will Hit People In Pocket – Dooley

Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD fears the government’s Climate Action Plan will hit people hard in the pocket.

Despite the Environment Minister’s assurances that the plan is both “sensible and fair”, Timmy Dooley isn’t convinced people won’t take a significant hit in their finances.

Meanwhile, there’s been mixed reaction to the postponement of a declaration of a climate emergency in Clare.

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There’s been mixed reactions across the country to the government’s Climate Action Plan, which aims to tackle Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The ambitious plan has 180 recommendations, including retrofitting homes and massively expanding electric car use over the coming decade.

But plans to quadruple carbon tax levels by 2030 will see costs increase, for transport and heating homes.

Environment Minister Richard Bruton says for the plan to work, accountability and responsibility is key.

The Climate Change Advisory Council is to meet today to consider the effect climate-change will have on the state’s finances.

But Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley, who is his party’s environment spokesperson, is concerned that it’s going to hit people in the pocket.

Here in Clare, the first meeting of the new term of Clare County Council has heard calls from several councillors to declare a climate emergency.

That has been postponed until September, to allow for the county’s Climate Change Strategy to be completed.

Kilkee Fianna Fáil Councillor Cillian Murphy says by officially declaring an emergency, it will begin to impact on local policy-making.

The call for emergency status follows a number of demonstrations by concerned school-goers here, who have been striking for climate change.

Katie Duson and Kate Harty are among a group of students who also addressed the local authority on the matter.

The Colaiste Muire, Ennis students feel declaring an emergency now and backing it up with action after is the best way forward.