Call for 'ambitious' strategy for climate-neutral economy
In its first report, it says that the Just Transition Strategy must uplift communities and enhance lives by creating better jobs, warmer homes, cleaner air and a more resilient society.
The commission is an independent advisory body appointed by the Government, to focus on bringing new thinking and a constructive approach to helping the whole of Ireland move faster and fairly on climate change.
Its introductory report highlights that the concept of a "just transition" is not a new concept in Ireland, but until now it has largely been associated with the midlands and the shift away from peat-based industries.
It says that to move forward, the conversation and awareness levels must shift beyond the midlands, ensuring that just transition becomes a national priority for the whole of Ireland.
Ali Sheridan, Chair of the Just Transition Commission, said that just transition cannot be reduced solely to energy policy or even climate action.
"It requires a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities across different sectors, communities and groups, such as rural, farming, coastal, the midlands, people on low incomes, members of the Travelling community and other marginalised groups, among others," she said.
The report says that there is a need to integrate just transition into all public messaging and communication around climate action and to build on the National Dialogue on Climate Action programme in terms of accessibility, affordability, accountability, and use of findings.
The commission is calling for the establishment of indicators to support the monitoring and evaluation of Ireland's progress towards a just transition that accounts for those most affected or vulnerable to the transition.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
18 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
Letters: A reminder to Leaving Cert students – results are not the be all and end all
But remember, the people who love you today will love you on Friday and when your results come out and in the years to come. You did an amazing job to sit the exams. Remember, too, that while your education is very important, it is not the only thing that matters in life. Life is not just an academic or economic experience. This is only an exam. Nobody but you will ever remember your results – it's how you are as a person that really counts. Never forget that kindness is the only thing that matters in life. To be kind, you have to be kind to yourself first. Parents, never stop hugging your children and telling them how much you love them and how proud you are of them. Muiris Walsh, Ballymacarbry, Co Waterford Government needs to take action over worrying rise of racism levels in Ireland I wish to share my perspective as someone adopted from Romania by Irish parents 25 years ago and who has gone through the Irish school system and been part of Irish society since. Growing up, I was proud of my Irish identity and the opportunities I was fortunate to have. However, over time I have become increasingly concerned about the rising levels of racism in Ireland. While Ireland has long been known for its friendliness and hospitality, the reality today is that racism persists and, in some cases, has turned into outright hatred. I want to emphasise that I do not blame ordinary people for this; rather, I hold the Government responsible for failing to adequately address hate crimes and discrimination. Additionally, social media has played a significant role: its platforms often amplify division, spread misinformation and foster hostility under the guise of free speech. It is deeply troubling to see racist rhetoric becoming more mainstream, as it damages communities and individuals like myself. We have the power to challenge this trend, but it requires leadership from the Government and responsible regulation of social media platforms. Ireland's history of emigration and diversity should be a source of pride, and we must reaffirm our commitment to equality and inclusion for all. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to build a society that values and respects everyone, regardless of background. Ali Loughman, address with editor Trump and Putin cannot be trusted to bring about any peace deal for Ukraine Contrary to prevailing wisdom, Donald Trump is not Vladimir Putin's asset. He is the Russian leader's partner as regards the fate of Ukraine. The 'nothing burger' Anchorage summit was quickly followed by the 'nothing burger' meeting at the White House on Monday. Both non-events were designed for their propaganda value, bolstering Trump's appearance as an honest broker for peace while humanising Putin, whose nearly quarter-century of wars in Africa, Europe and the Middle East have caused untold misery to millions. This strategic partnership – the long heralded 'Russia Pivot' – would give Putin his war objectives: the permanent seizure of eastern oblasts that are essential to Ukraine's security and economy and the prevention of its integration into Nato and the EU. Trump can no more be trusted as the primary guarantor of this proposed peace deal than Putin can be trusted to abide by its terms. President Zelensky and Ukraine are advised to seize the initiative and call for multilateral negotiations in a European capital with bona fide allied nations. Say no to any further negotiations at the White House and under the sole auspices of Trump. The US-Russia axis would bring Europe under the greater influence of Trump and Putin, long a goal of both men. Eric Radack, Santa Fe, New Mexico Rewarding Russia won't bring peace, it will only invite further aggression Your editorial suggests Donald Trump's peace plan for Ukraine exposes the danger of Europe being treated as a mere spectator while Washington and Moscow redraw the map ('Europe must not be supplicants in new Russo-US world order,' August 19). What is being dressed up as diplomacy is in fact capitulation: the aggressor is rewarded, the victim coerced and Nato diluted into vagueness. But the implications stretch farther still. Dictators who trample their citizens' rights do not respect international borders, nor do they honour treaties. To reward Vladimir Putin in Ukraine is not to end war but to invite it elsewhere. Europe's leaders must resist the temptation to settle for Trump's 'deal'. The lesson of history is that peace bought at the expense of freedom is neither durable nor safe. To accept this carve-up would be to abandon not just Ukraine, but the very principles on which post-war order was built. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh Dublin city is a great spot to visit, with lots of activity and excitement for all ages As a regular visitor to Dublin city centre, I would like to share some of my enjoyable experiences. There is a wealth of activities to enjoy. A visit to any of the many excellent bookshops, coffee shops, restaurants or hotels is always welcome. The city is full of excitement and activity. Music-lovers can visit any of our music schools and while away an hour noodling on the piano. A visit to a museum and a coffee in Bewley's is a must. So for an enjoyable day out, why not hop on a bus or train and visit Dublin city centre. I promise you, you will not be disappointed.
Irish Times
11 hours ago
- Irish Times
Protesters call on Central Bank not to renew Israel bonds
Protesters have urged the Central Bank of Ireland not to proceed with the approval for the sale of Israel bonds in advance of an upcoming renewal date. About 100 demonstrators gathered outside the Central Bank in Dublin on Tuesday to demand an end to the authority's role in approving Israel bonds for sale in the EU, for the Government to include services in the Occupied Territories Bill and to pass that legislation. The bank is the designated authority in relation to the sale of Israel bonds in the EU, and has determined the securities meet the standards of the union's prospectus regulations. Israel bonds have been advertised as supporting the country's economy and, more recently, websites promoting the securities emphasise their role in supporting Israel's military operations in Gaza. READ MORE Protesters and Opposition parties have called for legislation that would give Ireland the power to refuse the sale of Israeli 'war bonds' over human rights concerns. They say the bonds are intended to fund the war in Gaza, while Ireland has an obligation under the Genocide Convention to use all means likely to have a deterrent effect on those suspected of preparing genocide. The Central Bank has said regulations require it to approve prospectuses that meet standards of completeness, consistency and comprehensibility. The Israel bond prospectus is up for renewal on September 2nd. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance has recommended that the bank carry out an immediate review before renewing approval of the bonds. David Landy of Jews for Palestine and Academics for Palestine outside the Central Bank in Dublin. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire Meanwhile, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has launched legal proceedings against the Central Bank over claims that investors in Israeli bonds could be legally complicit in genocide in Gaza. It is alleged that the Central Bank's failure to ban the marketing, distribution and sale of Israel bonds exposes investors to risks that have not been disclosed to them. [ Lobby other EU countries to allow Irish Central Bank to drop Israeli war bonds, TDs recommend Opens in new window ] Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign chairwoman Zoe Lawlor said: 'The Government has to end the direct involvement of the Central Bank in apartheid Israel's sale of genocide-funding bonds. 'The Central Bank is an organ of this State, and its complicity in genocide makes Ireland complicit.' David Landy of Jews for Palestine, and Academics for Palestine, said: 'We are asking the Central Bank to do the absolute minimum required of it under law – to end the sale of Israeli war bonds, to finally end this direct Irish participation in Israeli genocide.' Sinn Féin's foreign affairs spokesman said the Irish Government 'must use every lever at its disposal' to show leadership on Gaza. Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said: 'Clearly, ending the facilitation of Israeli war bonds is one of those.' He added: 'The people of Gaza and of Palestine need us to act.'
Irish Times
13 hours ago
- Irish Times
Tony Holohan's reluctance to admit mistakes sits badly with the national mood
Prof Tony Holohan's withdrawal from the presidential race is a mercy – not just for him, but for the rest of us. We are spared the bear-baiting with the cervical-cancer controversy and the pandemic, the performative outrage and vile social media that would have plunged all concerned into a sewer stripped of nuance and context. That Covid still scratches the national psyche hardly helps. A recent five-year anniversary Mass for a Kildare man who died during lockdown morphed into the warm, crowded service denied to his family in 2020. His favourite music was sung and the same eulogies given by his adult children five years ago at his lonely graveside were delivered to a packed congregation. What was surprising for a five-year memorial was how immediate and raw it felt. READ MORE It was an experience hardly unique to Ireland, but it is Holohan's burden to be forever associated with it. That his wife Emer was also buried under the harshest Covid rules would not have spared him from the vitriol. Inevitably, some were salivating at the idea of using his appearances as Covid inquisitions. Which raises the question – again – of why people put their heads above the presidential parapet. Holohan must have felt he had done the state some service. He had answered the call for a calm, firm, trustworthy medical leader to guide Ireland through an unprecedented public health crisis, while attending to his dying wife – all of which surely made him the very definition of a president. But no leader survives those multiple levels of hell without making mistakes – and Holohan's reluctance to admit to any mistakes sits badly with the mood of the times. Issues can be argued – as he did in his memoir – but few will listen. They don't want to hear ifs or buts or blame being ascribed elsewhere, even if it belongs there. They want to hear humility and unconditional admissions: 'Yes, I made a mistake.' Ill-wishers will grab it as vindication of course – 'Hah, told you he had blood on his hands.' But unlike other hapless hopefuls, Holohan would have known all the questions about to be catapulted at him. His USP would have been that of someone intimately familiar with the ferocity, filthy betrayals and short-termism of politics without being an actual politician. Even before his withdrawal, the weekend's media was distinguished by the startling number of pundits trotting out several of those same points as reasons Bertie Ahern should proceed with confidence. He has the experience, the likability and the peace process in his arms, they say. He has been interrogated to the max. No question on earth would surprise the one who – to quote the revered Blackadder – is as cunning as a fox who's just been appointed professor of cunning at Oxford University. And time, as we know, can soften even the sharpest memories. It's 17 years since he was taoiseach, 13 since he resigned from Fianna Fáil following the Mahon tribunal finding that he failed to account truthfully for payments of IR£165,000 made to accounts connected to him. Anyone seeking signs of contrition might catch a 2018 Deutsche Welle 'Conflict Zone' interview which sees him happily answering questions about the peace negotiations – until asked about the tribunal. 'Did you clear your name?' the interviewer asks. 'Yes, I did. I'm quite happy I cleared my name', he answers. But that wasn't 'truthful', the interviewer says. 'The tribunal gave its views … and I gave my evidence. I was very happy with my evidence', he replies, as if it were all just a matter of opinion. He ends it by getting up and leaving. 'A first on dwZone,' as DW's Twitter link described it. Since then, Micheál Martin – who sought to kick Ahern out of the party before he resigned – has consulted him about issues around the Northern Ireland protocol, acknowledging his 'invaluable insights' and range of contacts. When reminded of that threatened expulsion a few years ago, Martin said: 'It's 10 years on, I'm conscious of the contribution he has made to peace in the country. He made a very significant contribution.' Leo Varadkar , who in the Dáil once described Ahern's claims of wins on the horses as 'a defence for drug dealers and pimps', had also ratcheted down his tone by 2023, saying the remarks were made 'at a particular point in time and if you look at the totality of Bertie Ahern's career, you know, let's not forget that he was one of the architects of the Good Friday Agreement … I don't think anyone can diminish the role that he played'. Just a month ago, Ahern was at 5 per cent in an Irish Times/IpsosB&A presidency poll. Last Sunday he was up at 14 per cent, tying for third place with Mary Lou McDonald in a Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll. Which brings us back to the old question: is there an optimum time for society to say, enough punishment, all that was at a particular point in time, look at the balance of his life? How many years? Does it matter if the offender has never acknowledged they did wrong in the first place? As one professor leaves the stage, the professor of cunning hovers, batting his eyelashes, saying nothing, waiting, smiling and waiting.
