The one commodity that is absolutely essential for the progress of our nation and the well-being of every individual in this country, day in and day out, is energy. From powering our homes to fueling our industries, every aspect of our lives depends on a secure and reliable energy supply. That is why it is crucial for us to take control of our energy future and establish an independent green energy industry that is owned and operated by the nation. By investing in offshore and onshore solar and wind production, as well as cutting-edge research facilities, we can position Ireland as a leader in clean energy technology, admired not only in Europe but also worldwide. While this may not align with the current government’s ideology, it is imperative that we prioritize the interests of our nation and its citizens in order to achieve energy independence and stability. Failing to seize this opportunity would be a grave dereliction of duty. Therefore, I propose setting aside €10bn and establishing an independent body to initiate this vital work as a matter of urgency.
Moving on to a different topic, it is questionable whether manipulating speed limit signs can truly contribute to saving lives on our roads. If current speed limit signs are not being obeyed, it is unlikely that introducing new signs would make a significant difference. Instead of focusing solely on speed limits, we need to consider other factors that contribute to road accidents, such as drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs. Until we have the capability to equip all vehicles with speed limiters that control their speed according to the road they are traveling on, changing speed limit numbers will have little impact.
Moreover, allowing emotions to dictate our policies is not a wise approach. It is important to base our decisions on facts rather than sentimentality. For example, while Ireland does have a relatively low rate of fatal road accidents compared to other countries, this fact is often overlooked in media coverage. Similarly, in the healthcare sector, Ireland boasts high life expectancy rates and low unemployment figures, which are often ignored. It is unfortunate that the Irish media tends to ignore the adage that “hard cases make bad law” in its coverage of public policy.
Furthermore, it is unfair to blame farmers for climate change. It has been scientifically proven that fossil fuel burning is the main cause of climate change over the past two centuries. Although farming does contribute to emissions, it also plays a role in sequestering carbon through grasslands, bogs, forestry, and hedgerows. Irish dairy farming, in particular, has a low carbon footprint per liter of milk and the majority of Irish dairy farmers have embraced environmental sustainability programs on their farms. The remaining emissions in Ireland are primarily generated by sectors such as transport, power generation, and cement production. It is unjust to solely attribute blame to the farming community for issues such as loss of habitat, as other factors, such as industrial development, also play a significant role. Cooperation between farmers and wildlife groups has led to positive outcomes, such as the increase in numbers of certain species. Therefore, it is important to recognize the efforts made by farmers towards nature restoration and not demoralize them with unfounded and critical articles.
Lastly, the Church of Ireland must confront questions and allegations rather than avoiding them. Refusing to meet with Canon Ian Ellis, who raised concerns regarding the church’s responsibility in the Bethany mother and baby institution, reflects a pattern of avoiding accountability. Pulling back when faced with difficult questions is a common tactic employed by institutions. It is crucial for the church to address questions about how funds are allocated to bishops and to engage in dialogue when confronted with allegations. Transparency is essential, and members of the church should demand it from their leaders. It is time for the Church of Ireland to abandon its bunker mentality and embrace a more open and accountable approach.
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