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Green measures in the FG stimulus plan
Fine Gael launched its economic stimulus plan yesterday, an investment programme the party says will create 100,000 jobs within five years. Funds for the programme would be borrowed by semi-state bodies with the aim of delivering commercial returns - and thus not appear on the government's balance sheet.
The plan includes a number of interesting 'green' proposals, including:
The development of ten bioethanol and biodiesel plants nationwide by a new agency, BioEnergy Ireland, created from the merger of Bord na Mona and Coilte
The planting of 20,000 hectares of trees annually to provide raw materials for the plants
Smart meters to be installed in every home by 2013
The ESB to lose control of medium and low voltage power lines to a new company, Smartgrid, that would invest €3.3bn more in electricity infrastructure.
50 per cent of electricity to be produced by renewables by 2020 (as opposed to the current government target of 40 per cent by 2030)
Upgrading all septic tanks by 2015
The Irish Times covers the proposals here. Full details can be found on the Fine Gael website here. While some of the proposals look impressive, it's obviously much easier to make lofty promises from the comfort of opposition benches.
Last modified on Saturday, 04 April 2009 11:22