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

I thank the Environmental Protection Agency for the fine work it has done in the context of its report on the condition of our environment. I take some encouragement from the progress being made on greenhouse gas emissions. However, the report shows broadly that we have a huge amount of ground to make up. At a time when Covid dominates and many of us are re-evaluating our priorities, it is crucial that the Government also re-evaluate its priorities in this regard. I would like it to be essential in the new national economic plan that is to be published shortly that we secure a major commitment to State infrastructure for offshore development, waste infrastructure, which is deficient in Ireland, and water infrastructure, which needs to be developed. I draw the Taoiseach's attention to slippage in respect of some of the actions in the climate action plan, particularly regarding the maritime Bill, wind regulations and the rolling out of electric vehicle chargers. It is understandable that there has been a delay because of Covid-19 but we need to get these back on track.

See this speech in context