Minister for the Environment John Gormley today pledged that the Government will continue to invest in green issues despite the tough economic environment.
Speaking today at the fourth annual Environment Ireland conference, the Green Party leader said it was even more important to look at environmental challenges at a time of economic difficulty.
“It is often said that during a time of economic downturn we can’t afford the green agenda, but I think during this downturn we have to make the investment because it will result in a transformation of the country,” he said.
“You have to look at the example of the pharmaceutical industry where over the years we’ve gained a huge reputation in terms of the calibre of our graduates, and it has resulted in more jobs and more innovation.”
The Minister said Ireland should now be looking to become a leader in the green technology sector to create new jobs and attract investment.
“If the world is to tackle climate change, then green technological innovation in transport, agriculture and energy is absolutely essential,” he said. “Such technological innovation provides one of the single greatest international market opportunities there is at present.”
The Environment Ireland conference, organised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is examining how best Ireland will handle environmental challenges and commitments facing it.
Welcoming Mr Gormley's pledge, Dr Mary Kelly, EPA director general, said: “There is a worry that we would go back on some choices made in the past and ignore the environment."
The two-day conference at Croke Park, themed Achieving a Sustainable Ireland,will see delegates examining issues such as climate change, clean air and water resources.
PA