Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Just transition is about giving people a choice and alternatives to move to options when the EU is looking to bring in zero emissions by 2050. The alternatives are not happening. Thirty per cent of Ireland's gas needs to come from the Corrib gas field, our own indigenous source, which will be depleted by the end of the decade. I fully support any plan to develop large-scale offshore wind generation projects. Such massive projects can offer Ireland real potential but they require proper planning and will take billions of euro to develop. Currently, it is as if nothing is happening. Scotland has steamed ahead but, again, there are no alternatives here. Meanwhile, we will have to look to Barryroe as a realistic alternative while we wait for another alternative. The Government should bring the people along with it to get buy-in. It should give them alternatives, not ultimatums. Why are we not looking at bioenergy and the conversion of biofuels, that is, the burning of biomass, including trees, crops, food waste and agricultural residue? Biodigesters should be installed in order that gas can be trapped and sold on the grid.

We have said it since the very start. I am all for a better, greener environment, but the Government has to provide alternatives. The Government's alternatives are all ten years and longer out for people to make a just transition. We have asked the Government for a just transition. It has given us no alternatives, just ultimatums. If the Government works with the people, they will work with the Government for a better future for all. However, the Government has to have the alternatives before giving the ultimatums. It has no alternatives.

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