Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are talking about COP27. There are certain pieces we welcome in regard to loss and damage, which is the idea of compensation or reparation for those parts of the world that are already paying a huge price for the fact the world is on fire and for our failure as a global community to deal with issues relating to emissions. We all accept there has been an insufficient amount of movement, even in terms of the promises, never mind delivery, as regards moving away from fossil fuels. Some may not have been wedded to that idea for climate reasons, but the war in Ukraine proves to us why we must ensure we make the journey to renewables.

Everyone has said it at this stage: we could be the renewables superpower or the offshore wind superpower, but we know we are behind where we need to be on the basis of our planning infrastructure that is not fit for purpose. We must bring an end to the Attorney General's review and see what pieces can be addressed. At this point, we know we do not have ports that are fit to deliver the sort of infrastructure we will need.

We just have to do all this better and faster. We have absolutely no choice. In that regard, the Government needs to show the ins and outs of how we are going to deliver the wins as regards solar energy, farming and anaerobic digestion, and green hydrogen across the board; whatever is needed. We have seen some wins in respect of public transport, some of which relates to financial incentives and the idea of reducing fares, but, as I said, it needs to be faster and better.

The Minister of State will not die of shock when I raise the issue of district heating systems and, in particular, communal heating systems such as that in Carlinn Hall. Last week, the feasibility study into geothermal began. We need to change the heat source for these heating systems, whether to woodchip or geothermal. In any event, we need a grant scheme that will pay for this and sort out the matter. We also need a short-term mitigation plan to get people through the winter because they are dealing with ridiculous bills.

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