Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)

Earlier this year most people living in the counties now affected by serious flooding would have paid little attention to a person talking about climate change. However, in recent months the effects of flooding have made people realise that change is happening. I disagree vehemently with Deputy Tuffy who suggested climate change had little, if anything, to do with the flooding in many parts of the country. As for the flooding and the climate change with which it definitely is associated, people may state this climatic cycle has only lasted for 200 years. This raises the question of what will happen in parts of County Galway during the next 200 years. The Stern report was produced in the context of the introduction of legislation in the United Kingdom on climate change. It included one extremely important and striking statement to the effect that the cost of inaction was far greater than the cost of taking action now. While this comment was made in a British context, it appears as though the Government and various Ministers have ignored such statements and warnings. The Government would do well to take on board the point that investment is necessary now. In Ireland reports are produced and then ignored.

As for the flooding in County Galway, I note that €1.2 million was spent on the famous Peach report. Every possible aspect of the environment in the south County Galway area, including the physical, social and wildlife environments, was investigated in great detail. A cost-benefit analysis stated these were unimportant issues which would not affect justifying the expenditure involved. Ten years later, massive flooding occurred again. The cost of this flooding to the Government is an indication of the truth in that statement. Galway was promised funds by various Deputies coming up to elections for action to alleviate the problem of flooding there. However, it was forgotten soon afterwards.

The ESB frustrates and stifles connectivity to the national grid for many potential wind energy producers which could increase the percentage of renewable energy used in the country. The situation with regard to Gate 3 national grid connectivity projects is a classic example of how the ESB stifles these producers. With the ESB and Airtricity in control, those wanting to invest in the provision of wind energy are forced to wait indefinitely until it suits these two players to allow them on the national grid. I hope the Government will change the criteria under which the ESB allows connections to the national grid in the interest of climate change. The opportunities in other areas of renewable energy production should not be postponed because of a repetition of such actions.

Diversification in agriculture, such as the growing of bio-fuel crops, can also assist in reducing the effects of climate change. Miscantis, for example, has huge potential as this country has very favourable growing conditions for it. However, if we had 1,000 hectares of it tomorrow, we would not have the capacity to process it to our advantage. Likewise, some years ago there was a run on rapeseed oil but Ireland had no capacity to process it to its advantage to reduce carbon emissions. With a negative attitude in Government thinking, we will continue to lose out in time and opportunities in these areas.

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