Ireland must rethink its policy on the use of biofuels amid concern the industry is contribution to world hunger, according to Cllr Michael O’Brien.
“Despite many promises the Government has refused to launch a consultation process on its Biofuels Obligation Plan,” Cllr O’Brien said this week. “There is no clear policy in relation to biofuels and yet the targets including 10 per cent by 2020 are still in place. Ireland is among the countries currently scrambling to increase its use of biofuels. This is despite the growing concern that this industry is responsible for damaging the land and lives of the poorest in the world.”
The Thomastown councillor’s comments come in the wake of claims by the International Monetary Fund that the increase in biofuel cultivation is responsible for some 30 per cent of global food price rises.
“Recent reports indicate it could be as high as 75 per cent,” Cllr O’Brien warned. “International expert advice is for a rethink on the promotion of biofuels, a ban, yet we have no clear policy from our Government.”
The Labour councillor said his party is calling for a moratorium of all first generation biofuels targets in light of growing concerns about the industry.
“At the moment it is impossible to extract this information on the percentage of imported biofuels and their place of origin needed to reach our targets,” he said. “It is these imported biofuels in particular that are contributing to the problem of escalating global food prices.
“Arising from the simplistic views put forward by the Greens during the last general election to get the farming vote, we now need the truth. A clear statement from the Government is needed on the problems that have emerged with regard to the fuel versus food controversy as well as the disputed environmental benefits of biofuels.
“It is in everybody’s interest to support the creation of an indigenous biofuels regime based on sustainable principles. Clearly that is not what is happening at the moment and a rethink is urgently needed setting out a clear policy.”
