Five schools in Donegal are set to partake in an energy-saving pilot scheme rolled out by the Department of Climate Action.
However, despite the introduction to 17 schools around the country, Independent TD Thomas Pringle says that more investment is needed so that schools and public buildings can generate renewable energy, not just reduce it.
Speaking on Friday, Pringle said: “I’m delighted to see that five schools in Donegal will receive funding under this pilot project in an effort to reduce energy consumption.
“But I believe if the minister was serious about addressing climate change more funding should be provided to ensure schools can generate renewable energy to sell on the grid and provide much-needed funding.
“Schools are important institutions in our communities and have already fostered future leaders as the younger generation begin to take on campaigns calling for greater climate action.
“Students from schools across Ireland and across the globe have been partaking in climate strikes demanding that Governments act now on climate change.”
Pringle’s calls were echoed by councillor Sinead Maguire who said Fine Gael needs to speed up its response to climate change if the planet is to be protected for today’s school children.
“The government now needs to step up its own activity to stop climate change play Ireland’s role in safeguarding the planet,” Maguire said.
“We need to cut our polluting emissions in half by 2030 and to near zero by 2050, which means Irish emissions have to fall 6-7% year-on-year, every year, from now to 2050.
“Young people clearly understand the urgency of the need to take action now. The government needs to match their passion for change.”
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