Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We should absolutely lead by example and this is not limited to just one segment of government. We need to look at the power network, which is largely in Government control, and the arrangements for generating power will be dictated by the Government. That will deliver the 70% target, which is a massive change. It will require much infrastructural investment and change in the sort of things that people have to recognise are part of that. Renewable requires wind interconnection and many of the things we have found it difficult to deal with.

It will not be limited to local government. Every public body, be it in the health, the education or the transport systems, will have to recognise that it has a pivotal role, not just in decarbonising its own activities but in supporting communities to make these transitions. There will be a need for innovation, not just in local authorities but right across the public sector, to ensure that at CEO and top management level in every public body, it is recognised that one of its obligations is to see that we meet carbon budget obligations. We all know we need to meet fiscal budget obligations. The approach of carbon budgeting will introduce a shift in the way we think about our challenges. It is really important to emphasise that it is not just about finding new fiscal resources to change but about changing the way in which each and every Department prioritises its work, which will be reflected in the plan. We will recognise the challenge of Just Transition.

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