Statement from leader of the Green Party John Gormley introducing the Government’s Capital Review Programme. Location:  National Convention Centre in Dublin.  Minister Gormley says:

This Capital Review takes a strategic, long-term view of what we need to do now to get the maximum return on capital investment into the future for jobs and economic growth.  State infrastructure investment is not merely about sustaining building sector jobs, although these are of course welcome. It’s about a fundamental move to the create a more sustainable economic and social future. We will encourage the development of a smarter and greener economy with real, lasting jobs. This programme makes definitive commitments to investing in research and development and to targeted supports for foreign and indigenous enterprises. We are confident that these measures will contribute to the realignment of Irish economic life. The strategy recognises the natural limits imposed on us – most importantly by peak oil and climate change – and meets the fundamental challenge of moving to a greener, more sustainable future. (more…)

New EU rules on organic food labelling including the requirement to display the new EU organic logo, have come into force since 1 July, 2010. The so-called “Euro-Leaf” will now be obligatory on pre-packaged organic food products that have been produced in any of EU Member States and meet the necessary standards. Other private, regional or national logos will continue to appear alongside the EU label. The logo stays optional for non-packed and imported organic products. In addition to the logo, the new labelling rules also include the compulsory indications of place of farming of the products’ ingredients and code number of the body that had been in charge of the controls. Operators have a two-year transition period to comply with these new labeling rules. Another change is the introduction of EU rules for organic aquaculture for the first time. (more…)

The UN body on climate change, accused of ignoring critics and allowing glaring errors into its work, today declared a broader range of experts will write its next report on global warming.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change included more women and scientists from developing countries, but also selected authors with a wider range of backgrounds than previously – partly in response to recent criticism that earlier groups refused to address dissenting views. (more…)

Green Party Minister for Sustainable Transport Ciaran Cuffe has welcomed new statistics showing a large increase in people taking part in the Cycle to Work scheme. A survey carried out by www.bikescheme.ie shows:

• Cycle to Work Scheme participation has increased by 125% since 2009

• Bike shops report average of 43% of bike sales coming through scheme

• Just under half (49%) of bike scheme sales are coming from the public sector

• Over four fifths of bike shops report a positive effect on their business or cycling in the area (more…)

A controversial scheme to fill in 50 acres of Dublin Bay for a port expansion was rejected by planners today over environmental concerns.

An Bord Pleanala refused Dublin Port Company’s application on grounds the firm had not adequately established what long-term effect the scheme would have on the loss of wetland habitat or on bird species.

Part of the planned site fell within a proposed special protection area. (more…)

The world’s oceans are warming up and the rise is both significant and real, according to one of the most comprehensive studies into marine temperature data gathered over the past two decades.

Measuring the temperature of the oceans has not been easy, but the scientists behind the latest study believe there is now incontrovertible evidence to show that the top few hundred metres of the sea are warming – and that this temperature rise is consistent with man-made climate change. (more…)

The 15th Convergence Sustainable Living Festival takes place later this month.

The week long Convergence Festival features talks, conferences, workshops and world café discussions on how urban and rural communities can adapt and thrive in these uncertain times. Taking place mostly in the Greenhouse but other events are being held in the Lighthouse Cinema, Wood quay Venue and the Cloughjordan Ecovillage from the 26th of May to the 1st of June. (more…)

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan recently announced that he will shortly be introducing a Carbon Windfall Levy on electricity generators. The legislation will be introduced as part of the Biofuels Obligation Bill, currently going through final stages in the Oireachtas.

Under the Kyoto Carbon Trading provisions, electricity generators have been provided free carbon credits in preparation for full carbon-trading post-2012. Generators have been able to earn a monetary return on these credits, earning excess “windfall” profits at the expense of consumers. (more…)

The Government is to provide a €5,000 grant to incentivise the public to purchase electric cars.

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan said the grant would make electric vehicles comparable in price to conventional cars, but they would run at 20% of the cost.

The Government wants Ireland to become an effective test site for electric cars, with a goal of 10% of all vehicles running on electricity by 2020.
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Last year, the Government signed a strategic deal with Nissan Renault, and today Renault is showcasing its new electric vehicle, the Fluence.

The ESB has already committed to installing 1,500 charging points across the country before the end of next year.

via: rte.ie

No amount of budget management or banking reform on its own will get people back to work. History shows that only a new economy can pull people out of these types of financial crises. I have the fortunate position in Government at the very centre of the creation of this new economy.  It’s based on clean energy, digital technology and home-grown Irish creativity.

In energy, we have 3 economic opportunities which we are now delivering. (more…)