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The Green Party has heavily criticised
the Minister for the Environment Dick Roche for refusing to support
the use of 'green' cement in the State's building projects. Green
Party Environment spokesperson Ciaran Cuffe TD says the move will
cost the taxpayer millions as Ireland struggles to reach Kyoto
agreement targets.
"‘Green' cement produces much less greenhouse gas emissions than
regular cement during manufacture. The more we exceed our emissions
quota, the more ordinary Irish taxpayers will have to pay fines
under the Kyoto agreement. Ireland is currently operating at twice
the increase in emissions allowed for under the Kyoto Treaty.
"Every time Dick Roche comes under pressure from big business to
back away from improving Ireland's environmental record he has
obliged. In the last year Wrigley's, Ikea, and now the Cement
Manufacturers Association have walked out of his offices with a
smile on their faces.
"This decision by Minister Roche make as little economic sense as it
makes environmental sense. Encouraging green cement would attract
more companies into that new and growing sector. Even the US
Government has taken the lead in specifying the use of materials
such as green cement in construction projects.
"In this instance Dick Roche had to balance the interests of Irish
taxpayers, our international obligations under Kyoto and the EU
Directive on green procurement against the interests of the Irish
cement industry. Minister Roche's decision has sided with commercial
interests over the national environmental and economic interest.
"This Government is clearly past its sell-by date. It has constantly
sided with industry rather than the tax-payer or consumer. It needs
to move aside so that new ideas and innovative thinking can be
applied to the challenges that we face," concluded Deputy Cuffe. |
