Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Almost a month ago, it was reported that we were to pay €12.5 million to Denmark and €37.5 million to Estonia for the statistical transfer of renewable energy sources. This €50 million was for 3,500 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity because we are missing our agreed target by between 3% and 4%. Our overall target was 16% and because of our inability to reach our targets, we are buying gigawatt hours on paper. Our target was previously 20% but had to be lowered because we were already significantly behind with renewable energy.

For me, this is a good example of our wasteful political policies. We are always reactive rather than being proactive.EU member states such as Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania and others are making millions from countries that are missing their targets yet we continue.

In an Irish Independent article of October 26 last, the Minister, Deputy Ryan, is reported to have said: "It's with real regret that we are not spending €50m to meet the target. Instead we are going to have to purchase those credits for not meeting it.” These targets were set ten years ago. It is not like we have not had time to put the renewable energy infrastructure in place. If only we were proactive and prioritised our capital spending. He went on to say, "It shows that these European directives, both on renewables and climate emissions, have real teeth. They do require us to act."

In her speech, the Minister of State said the forthcoming climate action plan next year will further step up our ambitions with the necessary actions to ensure the cross-Government effort required to implement and monitor it effectively. Denmark and Estonia can clap their hands and wait for that money to come.

Is it really surprising that we are being held accountable for meeting the climate action targets we agreed? I suppose it is not unusual that the Minister, Deputy Ryan, might be stumped by this, considering the Government has form in signing up to UN conventions, etc., and not bothering to adhere to all of the commitments.

Climate actions are serious. The school strikes last year put this firmly on the political agenda but what is lesser known is how financially costly the Government’s inaction is for the Exchequer. Interestingly, an article dated January 27, 2020 by GreenNews.iestated, “Lack of climate action will cost the state over €7 billion by the end of this year, the Green Party has said in the lead up to the general election.” What the Green Party says in the lead up to a general election, however, and what the Green Party does in Government seems to also be a case of missing targets.

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