Environment is key to economic success - EPA

Ireland's economy will suffer if environmental issues are not addressed, a conference was warned today.

The 160 delegates at the conference in Portlaoise were told that all Ireland's industries must work together if the country was to meet its international commitments on greenhouse and acidifying gases.

"The environment is everyone's business," said the EPA director Dr Mary Kelly.

The conference is discussing the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) third State of the Environment report. The EPA's report identified meeting emissions commitments, waste management and water quality as the three primary challenges facing Ireland.

The AA's Mr Conor Faughnan mounted a defence of the motoring public, claiming that private cars were being unfairly blamed for greenhouse gas emissions. "We won't get it right just by hammering private motorists and cars," he said.

He said the transport sector was paying 90 per cent of fossil fuel taxes, despite the fact heavy industry produces the majority of air pollutants.

He accused European governments, including Ireland, of using environmental taxes as money-spinners, saying fuel tax systems did nothing to limit demand or improve the environment.

He also called for tax incentives for alternative fuel production and environmentally friendly cars. "We could give incentives for the making of alternative fuels, the buying of environmentally friendly cars like the Toyota Prius, which uses electricity and fuel. We could give tax breaks and facilitate the purchase of vehicles like that."

Speakers from the Department of the Environment, the ESB, the IFA, IBEC and The Irish Timesare also addressing the conference.