Fianna Fáil representatives from the Midlands region will host a public meeting on climate change and the future of Ireland tonight, March 21, in Athlone Institute of Technology, with the meeting to be addressed by leading experts on climate change from the energy, transport and agriculture sectors.
Hosted by Longford Westmeath TD, Deputy Robert Troy, in conjunction with Eugene Murphy TD, Barry Cowen TD, Cllr. Joe Flaherty and Cllr. Peter Ormond, the meeting will focus on practical steps that people can take in their daily lives to combat climate change.
“Ireland’s poor performance in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI ) is indicative of the Government’s abject failure to take seriously the threat of climate change.
“Unlike our nearest neighbours or European counterparts, Ireland has scored ‘very low’ in the CCPI and we are not prepared for the challenges we will face in attempting to meet our international obligations to protect our planet.
“Climate change is real, and sticking our heads in the sand is no longer acceptable. This is not just something that affects people in far flung locations, it is having an impact here in Ireland and in the Midlands region with unusual weather patterns including drought, freak storms and heavier than normal weather,” Deputy Troy remarked.
The Deputy called on the Government to increase their exertions with regard to climate change.
“We need to step up our efforts to combat climate change and I believe the responsibility lies with the Government to lead by example. On a local level, people need to be educated as to the impact on their everyday lives and on what kind of planet they will be leaving behind for the future generations.
“By hosting this meeting and bringing experts to AIT, we hope to provide practical and useful information to people, from all across the Midlands, as to how they can play their part in tackling climate change.
“We hope to get good engagement on the issue and would encourage those who wish to better inform themselves on the impact of climate change to come along and listen to the experts and ask questions. Anyone wishing to register or get further information can email my office [email protected]”, Deputy Troy concluded.
