Climate Change Act Comes Under Council Scrutiny

Unionists have criticised a Stormont climate change spending for leaving a dangerous Co Down road in “dire straits”.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s (NMDDC) environment committee was presented with a ‘mitigation report’ to Daera on a pathway to net zero carbon.

However, the chamber heard criticism of the “crazy” Climate Change Act and its “unrealistic targets”.

Mournes councillor Henry Reilly said: “You know our position on this issue and we are becoming increasingly concerned about it the more we learn about it.

“Even recently DfI (Department for Infrastructure) announced £800k for a cycle path between Clough and Dundrum and whenever we enquired why the money was being spent on it rather than improving the A2 carriageway between Newcastle and Annalong, we are told that 10% of the DfI budget under the Climate Act must be spent on active transport.

“It just doesn’t make sense whenever we are in such dire straits on the roads.

“The DUP group on the council will be voting against it.”

A number of fatal road accidents have occured on the A2 road in recent times with NMDDC councillors earlier this month callling for a meeting with DfI Minister Liz Kimmins to address safety concerns.

The Climate Change Report looks to set targets for lowering greenhouse gas and carbon emissions.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's submission to Daera will now outline its commitment to meet climate change responsibilities according to national and regional levels.

Councillor Reilly added: ”In terms of climate change, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and a couple of other countries have said to the EU we’re not going to adhere to zero carbon emissions because of the damage it is having on our economies.

“So it is just crazy why we are following every dot and comma.”

Slieve Gullion councillor Daid Taylor added:”I know my own party are concerned with some of the targets being placed are unrealistic at this point.

“As a consequence of that I will certainly not be supporting this either.”

A majority vote supported the council response with 11 for and three against.