Irish Unity is best defence to climate challenge – Lynn Boylan MEP

Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan today hosted a very successful conference in Dublin “examining the issue of climate change, its current and future impact on the island of Ireland and the merits of an all-Ireland strategy to meet this significant challenge.”

Sinn Fein spokesperson on Climate, Pa Daly TD, gave the opening address in which he said that, in preparing for Irish Unity, “it is essential that it is embedded in a just transition, powered by publicly owned renewable energy, connected by proper public transport and by a determination to fight the climate crisis … With the right political will, the cause of the environment can be the cause of Ireland.”

The packed ‘One Island, One Environment’ event, which was held by the Commission on the Future of Ireland, took place in the Ballymun Rediscovery Centre in Dublin. Among the groups taking part were Eco Justice Ireland; Bird Watch Ireland; Environmental Law; Cork Nature Work; and others.

The expert independent panel was chaired by Investigative Reporter & Environmental Columnist Shauna Corr and included Justin Moran – Director of external affairs with Wind Energy Ireland, Declan Owens – Environmental Lawyer & CEO of Ecojustice Ireland, Attracta Uí Bhroin – Manager & Law officer of Environmental Law Ireland and Seán Fearon – Ecological Economist & Post Doctoral Researcher. 

In her contribution, Aoife Finnegan MLA said: “A lot of the focus today was on the need for a net zero carbon environment and how Irish Unity can assist this. The climate threat is no respecter of borders & requires an all Ireland response.”

Speaking after the event, MEP Lynn Boylan said:

“I want to thank all of our panellists and those from the many environmental groups from all parts of the island who joined us today.

“The conference discussed the ongoing consequences of Brexit on climate; the potential for energy independence and real energy security; the contribution of renewable energy, including wind farms; the future of Lough Neagh; off-shore projects; the importance of public transport, including a rail system that meets the needs of consumers; and what an all island approach to biodiversity loss might look like. 

“There was a clear consensus that a united Ireland offers the best hope of successfully meeting the challenge of climate change, while providing opportunities to go further and faster in protecting the environment.

“The recent Storm Éowyn broke wind-speed records; forced the cancellation of flights and ferries; and within hours had cut power supplies to over one million households and businesses North and South.  Tens of thousands were also left without water as treatment plants lost power.

“Storm Éowyn was no respecter of borders. It exemplifies the need for a united Ireland with an all-island climate and environmental strategy, backed by thoughtful policies, that can act to minimise the threat arising from climate change. 

“All governments must play their part in tackling the climate crisis. The COP30 conference in November is an opportunity to prioritise a fairer approach to funding global climate change efforts, particularly those of low-income countries. They need financial support by the wealthier states to decarbonise. Greater investment is required in renewable energy and the transition away from fossil fuels. There is not a lot of time left.”