Ireland’s Climate Spending: Is the Government Doing Enough?
By Chiara Alfieri
With the General Election in Ireland approaching, it is time to analyse how well the current government has delivered on its promises on Climate and Environment expenditure.
The government has indeed committed to a wide range of climate action measures? But are they enough?
Galway Pulse spoke to climate scientist and geography professor at the University of Galway Gordon Bromley, that highlighted both positive intentions and unmet challenges.
“As a climate scientist I see that the problem is drastic,” he said about climate change.
“Maybe money are being put forward toward climate change but I don’t see any meaningful plan.”
Several documents published by the current government show with clarity both favourable and unfavourable climate and environmental expenditure for the current year 2024.
Budget 2024 and Climate Action Plan
The 2024 Budget allocated over €2 billion in climate-related investments. In doing so, the government’s plan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhance biodiversity, and adapt in the best way possible to climate impacts.
The sum, which has never been so high, is promising and shows Ireland’s growing commitment to reducing its emissions by 51% by 2030, as outlined in the Climate Action Plan.
Some of the projects envisioned also included consistent funding for offshore wind projects, the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure, and support for climate research.
The Climate Related Spending 2024 Report released earlier this year by the House of Oireachtas noted how spending was expected to reach €1.54 billion by the end of 2024.
Public Transport Infrastructure
The report also highlights how, while Ireland has seen an increase in electric vehicles sales, the public transport sector has not received adequate investment.
Transport emissions, which account for roughly 20% of national emissions, still remain one of Ireland’s biggest challenges.
“This country has a very poor approach to public transport and I think that it’s going to be one of the main sticking points for any real impact in reducing traffic related emissions,” said Bromley about the urgent need to better invest funds in infrastructure.
The climate expert also realises the extent of the change needed to achieve real change.
“To have more buses would be great but it can’t happen unless you go massive scale public transport.”
Bromley recognises also the steps being taken by the government towards a more sustainable way of life, and refers to the policy on oil and gas drilling.
“That’s a commitment that says: here’s money that we’re not going to make but it’s carbon that’s not going to the sky.”
Looking Ahead: 2025 Budget
The government announced with the 2025 Budget that it plans to allocate €2.3 billion in the coming up year, with a €200 million increase from 2024.
A significant amount is expected to be directed towards accelerating the deployment of renewable energies, such as offshore wind and solar project, as well as further funding towards public transport infrastructure.
In this regard, the professor expresses his hope to see real changes in the coming years that will lead Ireland to reach the country’s 2030 targets.
Finally, he adds that more funds should be allocated to invest in educating young people to understand climate change, as well as in scientific research.
“This university has a huge body of expertise in these areas and it should be used to be invited to the discussion like a big think tank,” he stated.
“I think that would be a really strong show of doing something and investing in this science that is not just tied to some form of profit.”
