30/01/2025
I am pleased to announce my appointment as Sinn Féin spokesperson for Climate, Environment, Energy and Transport.
I am determined to pursue ambitious and progressive policies to achieve a truly just transition and to deliver a transport infrastructure that connects the whole island.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have shown us time and again that are only interested eco-austerity style climate action, in which punitive measures like the government’s regressive carbon tax punish ordinary people for doing things for which they have no alternative.
Instead, what we need is supply side investment in accessible and affordable schemes and in publicly owned renewable energy to drive down Ireland’s extortionate energy prices and to achieve energy independence. We must deliver this transition in way that benefits rather than burdens ordinary workers and families.
We also need a 21st century grid that is fit for purpose. The recent storm Éowyn laid bare the devastating consequences of Ireland’s infrastructural deficits caused by decades of bad planning and mismanagement by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. As of today, 6 days after the storm, 300 homes and businesses in Kerry remain without power. Shockingly, 4 of these homes have been told they will remain without power on the 4th of March – 5 weeks away.
We also need a fair deal for farmers. We must recognise the value of the vital ecosystems services they perform. Just like where people are being asked to switch to electricity it is essential that they are not being ripped off, farmers must be compensated for the heavy lifting they are being asked to perform.
Ireland also needs to get serious about addressing Ireland’s transport deficits. We must invest in diverse transport options – public transport, active travel, roads, maritime and aviation – we will enhance connectivity across urban and rural areas. We must tackle Ireland’s soaring transport emissions but this can only be achieved if we present viable, credible alternatives to people. You cannot tell people to switch to alternatives if the alternatives don’t exist.
