Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Nix has just hit on the problem. There are tensions regardless of which way we go on this issue. If we want bigger urban density there are tensions over the height of the build, the number of units to the acre, etc. There are tensions also when we talk about climate change targets. As Deputy Stanley said, it will be extremely difficult to hit the 2020 targets.

I ask Mr. Nix to describe the Irish economy in 2030 because as national legislators we are looking at enforceability of whatever legislation will be brought forward. An Taisce has a very good record in trying to enforce development plans, and it has been in and out of An Bord Pleanála. Duncan Stewart mentioned this morning that the three peat-burning plants in the midlands should be mothballed immediately. I am not from that area but I imagine that would result in a sudden economic hit for those areas. We produce 10% of the world's baby formula. The factories that dry that milk, make the formula and package it would take a very severe economic hit in whatever areas in which they are based. In addition to that, we are in an economic crisis. It is almost a perfect storm in that we are just coming out of an economic crisis and entering a climate change crisis but we are trying to manage, maintain employment and make the transition as smooth as possible. Will Mr. Nix describe the economy he sees for 2030, which all of us will probably see?

On enforceability, the Bill will not be worth anything if it cannot be enforced through the courts. There are cases currently in the French courts in terms of enforcing its climate change Bills. Obviously, the friction among the economy and the climate is like two tectonic plates hitting off each other. Mr. Nix might enlighten me on those three aspects.