Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

To meet our climate targets we need to support communities in developing and recognising their commitment to, and hope for, a sustainable future. This transition must be inclusive and democratic if it is to be successful and if policymakers and decision-makers are to bring the people with us.

This approach will not only deliver the transition; it will ensure that it is just.

My colleagues, Deputy O'Rourke and Senator Boylan, recently published a number of climate action proposals to support and encourage local communities. We want to see an increase in the resourcing of sustainable energy communities and the introduction of a new local energy action fund to ensure community groups are supported to reduce energy use and increase renewable energy production. We know that climate change, the economy and social inclusion are all interlinked. The establishment of a community wealth-building fund and a workers' co-operative development unit would support an economic model that is fair and more sustainable. We want to raise the target of community and locally owned renewable energy projects to at least 10% of Ireland's renewable capacity. We would also double the funding allocated to them. These are just some of the measures we hope the Government parties will support and advance in next year's budget.

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