Sinn Féin spokesperson on Climate Action and the Environment, Darren O’Rourke TD, has said an all-island approach is the most effective way to address the interconnected challenges of energy security and climate change.
 
Commenting on a new jointly published report by IBEC and Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the Meath East TD said:
 
“Today’s report makes clear what Sinn Féin has been saying for decades – that a united approach is the most effective way to achieve progress on substantive issues.
 
“The reality is that the lack of coordination between North and South is hindering progress and challenges such as regulatory uncertainty, planning delays, skills shortages, supply chain constraints are only exacerbated by partition.
 
“A disjointed and uncoordinated approach risks policy makers working against each other and can result in unnecessary duplication of effort and investment, increased costs, mixed signals for consumers and investments, and furthermore, missed opportunities for emissions reductions.
 
“This is certainly not the way we will decarbonise most effectively and equitably.
 
“Rather, Ireland – North and South – could and should embrace new opportunities for collaboration and policy alignment on energy and climate action, and ultimately, work toward a united and unified approach.
 
“The transition towards net zero represents a momentous opportunity for our island, in which natural resources can be translated into national wealth in a new energy secure and independent Ireland.”