Sir, at this pivotal moment, Ireland confronts grave environmental challenges as underscored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s recent State of the Environment Report. It reveals that Ireland is environmentally underperforming and necessitates immediate, radical systemic alterations to thwart this downward spiral.
In my capacity as the chairman of An Taisce, the shortcomings of our response to the alarming dangers posed by climate change and biodiversity loss deeply unease me. The present strategy, only offering meagre, phased improvements, does not confront the core issues fueling these emergencies. Minor corrections cannot combat the swiftly increasing trials we battle. Although we’ve seen some bouts of progress, nature continues to deteriorate at an alarming pace, contamination is omnipresent and our announced reductions in emissions often hinge on disregarding land utilization impacts and the outsourcing of power production. This distorts the reality of our actual environmental footprint.
We solidly back the EPA’s demand for five vital steps to reverse the ebbing tide: Creating a national policy that harmonises actions across all sectors, enforcing existing legislation strictly, overhauling key economic domains, allocating significant funds for essential infrastructure, and prioritising environmental well-being for public health. These align perfectly with An Taisce’s unwavering campaign for profound, cross-sectoral commitment that acknowledges the symbiotic relationship between environmental wellness and societal health.
The recent fiscal measures announced in the 2025 Budget aimed at climate transition and water infrastructure improvement are appreciated, however, they are not sufficient. The Environmental Pillar values these endeavours but also points out overlooked chances to instate durable alternations in our taxation and welfare systems. Single-event plans such as the universal energy credit challenge long-term environmental sustainability and do not effectively combat energy poverty.
Other news titles on display include accusations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs likened to a horror movie plot, Ireland’s position surpassing the Springboks in rugby world rankings deemed absurd, the depiction of Chongqing – one of the world’s most populous cities – shedding light on US-China relations, and a movie quiz challenging knowledge on the number of James Bond films with ‘gold’ in their title.
Asserting that public involvement is the cause for delays in housing and green infrastructure initiatives is misguided. The significance of community engagement in making quality decisions is well acknowledged by our judiciary system. By constraining it, we are jeopardising our joint endeavours to restore the environment and shape a sustainable Ireland. “Who represents Earth?” is a significant question asked by Carl Sagan. In the Irish context, it is the populace that champions environmental causes. The robust involvement of half a million individuals in An Taisce’s initiatives is a testament to the community’s deep-rooted commitment to nature. Rather than excluding them, there’s a larger need to empower societies to act and hold authorities accountable.
As the general election nears, there’s an urgent requirement to expect more than mere platitudes about environmental sustainability from our potential leaders. We require leaders who not only make promises but also show authentic commitment to aligning our policies with environmental responsibilities. The preservation of our ecosystems, the purity of the air we breathe, the food we consume, and the future of our younger generations are all contingent on the choices we make today.
Kind regards,
STUART McCAUL,
Chair,
An Taisce,
Dublin 8.