Sir, – How inspiring it was to see the recent young people’s nationwide strike at Government inaction on climate change. Minister for Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton welcomed the passion and enthusiasm among the young people, promising an all-of-Government climate plan to make Ireland a climate leader.
It might be more credible if more modest but more deliverable aims were adopted, but even then the omens are not good – witness the much-heralded, but as yet undelivered, nationwide smoky coal ban, currently in place in Dublin and larger urban areas. It is reported that the ban is subject to legal challenge ("Coal firms threaten legal action over plan to ban smoky fuel", March 25th) and the Minister is working to "finalise a legally robust plan".
Mary Harney is rightly revered for the mettle she showed, in the face of strong vested interests, to improve public health by introducing the ban in Dublin. Will Mr Bruton show similar mettle and pass the leader/laggard test set by the Taoiseach?
We will see, but you might have to hold your breath! – Yours, etc,
JOHN J O’GRADY,
Dublin 20.