A Local People Before Profit representative has reacted with dismay to the news of plans for the construction of a new gas-fuelled power plant beside the existing Tynagh power station near Loughrea.
Adrian Curran said that in a time of environmental disaster from climate change, it beggars belief that consideration would be given to a fossil fuel power station which would increase emissions.
He said that the effects of climate change can be seen around the world from wildfires and droughts to devastating storms and floods.
“The government and local councils have to start taking this issue seriously and begin immediate action to reduce emissions and combat the effects of climate change,” he said.
“Such action must include a halt to construction of new fossil fuel power stations and phasing out existing ones to be replaced by renewable energy production.”
People Before Profit Galway has called on the government, Galway County Council and An Bord Pleanála to block the plans to construct a gas fuelled plant at Tynagh.
“Ireland also needs to reduce its electricity usage and waste,” added Adrian Curran.
“This will require tighter legislation to ensure that all newly constructed buildings are energy efficient as well as grants and supports to make existing buildings more efficient.
“People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith has a bill that will be voted on in the Dáil on the 6th October in relation to these issues.”
