A Green Party local election candidate in Clare insists the government’s new climate change plans need to be viewed as an opportunity, not just a challenge.
A leaked draft of the report, which is due to be published in the coming weeks, has caused some controversy after the Taoiseach revealed the cost of homes could rise as a result of the measures to be taken.
The Environment Minister Richard Bruton is set to publish the government’s latest plan to tackle climate change in the coming weeks.
But a leaked draft has revealed a number of the measures outlined in the report, including the banning of gas boilers, reforming the motor tax system and a ban on single use plastics.
Just last week, Ireland became the second country in the world to declare a climate emergency and Killaloe Green Party local election candidate Barry O’Donovan says changing our mindset is key.
Despite the concern emerging about a potential rise in the costs of buying and building a home, Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Johnny Flynn says it may be a case of short term pain for long term gain.
He also wants to see increased incentives rolled out to improve the energy rating of older homes too.
Cllr Flynn believes this would lead to savings in the thousands for homeowners over the lifetime of their mortgage.
