1. Do you agree that the world must urgently reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to prevent catastrophic global warming?
YES AND ALSO OTHER POLLUTANTS AND PARTICULATES.
2. Do you support the proposal that the EU should promise aggressive cuts in European emissions in order to achieve international agreement to measures to hold global warming below 2degC at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009?
I VOTED FOR THE 2% LIMIT IN THE CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE OF WHICH I WAS A MEMBER AND IN THE FULL PLENARY VOTE.
3. What will you seek to do to encourage transition to low-carbon lifestyles and economies in Ireland and Europe?
MY WORK INCLUDES FOSTERING BIOFUEL INITIATIVES, CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT BIOCHAR AND OTHER WAYS OF ENHANCING CARBON EMMISSION ABSORBTION, INVESTIGATING WAYS OF REDUCING AGRICULTURAL EMMISIONS AND WORKING ON MANY REPORTS AND AMENDMENTS TO HELP US REDUCE EMISSIONS. i HAVE ALSO PUBLISHED A COUPLE OF ARTICLES ON THE SUBJECT.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Toireasa Ferris - Responses to European election questions
Do you agree that the world must urgently reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to prevent catastrophic global warming? - YES
Do you support the proposal that the EU should promise aggressive cuts in European emissions in order to achieve international agreement to measures to hold global warming below 2 degrees at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2007? - YES
What will you seek to do to encourage transition to low-carbon lifestyles and economies in Ireland and Europe?
Sinn Fein has consistently supported immediate and radical action on climate change. As a member of the European Parliament's Special Committee on Climate Change, my colleague Bairbre De Brun MEP has played a positive role in shaping Europe's response to the climate crisis. Transition to a low-carbon economy will involve a complex mix of improving energy efficiency, developing alternative energy sources, and changing the way we plan our communities, produce our food, work, shop, and travel. A huge range of specific policy changes will be required to achieve this. The priority at this point must be to set the framework for the transition - by establishing legally binding targets for carbon reduction and investing in renewable energy and energy-saving technology. If we achieve this, entrepeneurs and social innovators alike will be encouraged to popularise the technologies and lifestyle changes that will be our bridge to a low-carbon future. At the same time, we must ensure that the financial burden of the transition will fall on those who can best afford it, not the most vulnerable.
Specifically, if elected to the European Parliament I will: (1) Support binding targets on renewable energy sources so that Ireland can transition to a new energy economy as rapidly as possible. (2) Support legislation at home in Ireland committing the government to cut carbon emissions by 3% annually(3) Support the Copenhagen Pledge on environmental justice for the developing world(4) Work with innovative Irish companies in the green technology and renewables field to help them access EU funds for research and development such as FP7(5) Highlight and support innovative projects for bringing us to a low-carbon future, such as the "Spirit of Ireland" group, the transition towns initiative, and Sustainable Clonakilty's drive to make Clonakilty Ireland's first energy-independent town.
Do you support the proposal that the EU should promise aggressive cuts in European emissions in order to achieve international agreement to measures to hold global warming below 2 degrees at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2007? - YES
What will you seek to do to encourage transition to low-carbon lifestyles and economies in Ireland and Europe?
Sinn Fein has consistently supported immediate and radical action on climate change. As a member of the European Parliament's Special Committee on Climate Change, my colleague Bairbre De Brun MEP has played a positive role in shaping Europe's response to the climate crisis. Transition to a low-carbon economy will involve a complex mix of improving energy efficiency, developing alternative energy sources, and changing the way we plan our communities, produce our food, work, shop, and travel. A huge range of specific policy changes will be required to achieve this. The priority at this point must be to set the framework for the transition - by establishing legally binding targets for carbon reduction and investing in renewable energy and energy-saving technology. If we achieve this, entrepeneurs and social innovators alike will be encouraged to popularise the technologies and lifestyle changes that will be our bridge to a low-carbon future. At the same time, we must ensure that the financial burden of the transition will fall on those who can best afford it, not the most vulnerable.
Specifically, if elected to the European Parliament I will: (1) Support binding targets on renewable energy sources so that Ireland can transition to a new energy economy as rapidly as possible. (2) Support legislation at home in Ireland committing the government to cut carbon emissions by 3% annually(3) Support the Copenhagen Pledge on environmental justice for the developing world(4) Work with innovative Irish companies in the green technology and renewables field to help them access EU funds for research and development such as FP7(5) Highlight and support innovative projects for bringing us to a low-carbon future, such as the "Spirit of Ireland" group, the transition towns initiative, and Sustainable Clonakilty's drive to make Clonakilty Ireland's first energy-independent town.
Brian Crowley - Response to European election questions
Thank you for your e-mail of 13th May last. I could not agree with you more. Addressing climate change is one of the key challenges of our times. It is an exciting time to be working in the European Parliament, where we are bringing in legislation on energy, climate change, and emissions. This is not an easy task, however. There are different points of view and different interest involved. For climate change policies to succeed we need to work together and all sectors of society and all countries, developing and developed.
I believe that we should push for ambitious climate change goals and emissions targets. However, it is not enough to throw out numbers and applaud ourselves for our ambition. We have to make sure that we have the structures in place to meet our goals. The EU is adopting a comprehensive approach, combining regulation, incentives and information and awareness. I believe that policy-makers have to work together with interest groups and communities to ensure that these messages are permeating through our community. To succeed, to achieve the ambitious goals we wish to set ourselves we have to change both mindsets and practices. This is a particular challenge at this time, when the economic crisis has diverted a certain amount of attention from climate change problems and from our goals of sustainability and efficiency to immediate financial and economic concerns. This is a real test for us as individuals and as policy-makers. We cannot afford to postpone addressing climate changes concerns, and environmental goals and targets cannot be policies for times of economic prosperity alone. Climate change concerns should be central in all policy planning.
Furthermore, I do not think that climate change goals and economic interest are in anyway mutually exclusive. In fact, quite the opposite. There is huge scope for job creation in green technology and in environmental research and development. In Ireland we owe a huge amount of our economic development over the past twenty years to the fact that we have an educated and technologically innovative and able workforce. I believe that future growth will be built on the same basis. The legislation that we are working on at a European level will necessitate developments in technology and techniques, and Ireland can be to the forefront in addressing this demand. I am very involved in getting funding for Irish research and development projects and in encouraging links between Irish companies and innovators and their European counterparts and will continue to support and encourage green innovation and job creation.
A transition to low carbon lifestyles needs incentive and pressure, and a coordinated approach. For example, in Ireland we have tied VRT to CO2 emissions and at an EU level we are introducing legislation that will fine car manufacturers for exceeding certain emissions levels. Therefore, we are providing incentive to consumers to buy more efficient cars and are fining manufacturers who make inefficient cars. We have to make sure that it makes sense to people to go low-carbon - morally, practically and economically. As you say in your letter, a low-carbon future is unavoidable. We have to work together to get that message across and to bring a smooth transition about sooner rather than later. Everyday consumers, business and policy-makers are making choices that are bringing us closer to a low carbon lifestyle.
Thank you again for taking the time to get in touch with me and I wish you and your organisation the best of luck.
I believe that we should push for ambitious climate change goals and emissions targets. However, it is not enough to throw out numbers and applaud ourselves for our ambition. We have to make sure that we have the structures in place to meet our goals. The EU is adopting a comprehensive approach, combining regulation, incentives and information and awareness. I believe that policy-makers have to work together with interest groups and communities to ensure that these messages are permeating through our community. To succeed, to achieve the ambitious goals we wish to set ourselves we have to change both mindsets and practices. This is a particular challenge at this time, when the economic crisis has diverted a certain amount of attention from climate change problems and from our goals of sustainability and efficiency to immediate financial and economic concerns. This is a real test for us as individuals and as policy-makers. We cannot afford to postpone addressing climate changes concerns, and environmental goals and targets cannot be policies for times of economic prosperity alone. Climate change concerns should be central in all policy planning.
Furthermore, I do not think that climate change goals and economic interest are in anyway mutually exclusive. In fact, quite the opposite. There is huge scope for job creation in green technology and in environmental research and development. In Ireland we owe a huge amount of our economic development over the past twenty years to the fact that we have an educated and technologically innovative and able workforce. I believe that future growth will be built on the same basis. The legislation that we are working on at a European level will necessitate developments in technology and techniques, and Ireland can be to the forefront in addressing this demand. I am very involved in getting funding for Irish research and development projects and in encouraging links between Irish companies and innovators and their European counterparts and will continue to support and encourage green innovation and job creation.
A transition to low carbon lifestyles needs incentive and pressure, and a coordinated approach. For example, in Ireland we have tied VRT to CO2 emissions and at an EU level we are introducing legislation that will fine car manufacturers for exceeding certain emissions levels. Therefore, we are providing incentive to consumers to buy more efficient cars and are fining manufacturers who make inefficient cars. We have to make sure that it makes sense to people to go low-carbon - morally, practically and economically. As you say in your letter, a low-carbon future is unavoidable. We have to work together to get that message across and to bring a smooth transition about sooner rather than later. Everyday consumers, business and policy-makers are making choices that are bringing us closer to a low carbon lifestyle.
Thank you again for taking the time to get in touch with me and I wish you and your organisation the best of luck.
Tony Sheary - Response to local election questions
Congratulations on your new group.
1 I believe both councils are being proactive in supporting such initiatives.
2 ...a i support both with this reservation...much care should be taken where wind energy pylons are placed.
b....I support both
c...Ihave long advocated the use of our underused railway station as a hub for all public transport including both private and state run services.It is most disheartening to see what amounts to a ghost train passing my back door morning and evening.
d...Ibelieve both councils are now much more aware of the need for energy saving initiatives in all three areas mentioned.
e...fully support
f...I am not very well up on this subject but i would support the principle if proven to be safe and financially viable.
1 I believe both councils are being proactive in supporting such initiatives.
2 ...a i support both with this reservation...much care should be taken where wind energy pylons are placed.
b....I support both
c...Ihave long advocated the use of our underused railway station as a hub for all public transport including both private and state run services.It is most disheartening to see what amounts to a ghost train passing my back door morning and evening.
d...Ibelieve both councils are now much more aware of the need for energy saving initiatives in all three areas mentioned.
e...fully support
f...I am not very well up on this subject but i would support the principle if proven to be safe and financially viable.
Michael O Meara - Response to local election questions
In answer to your questions:
1. Yes I agree that North tipperary County council should support initiatives to help our communities flourish for a low carbon future.
Adaptation to climate change is the only way forward and in partnership with state agengies and other interested group like yourselves, key issues can be identifed and communicated to each and every household in order to educate people and give each individual a sense of responsibility in changing their lifestyle to benefit the local environment.
2.
(a) Again I feel discussions with relevant local and national government authorities and interest groups should lead to a balanced debate on wind energy and bio fuels. The needs of the local environment should be paramount. It is important to be aware the indirect impact from adaptation strategies and measures such as the impact of constructing wind farms on and off shore, the growing of new bio- mass crops may have significant impacts on our landscapes and seascapes. Hard engineering schemes to prevent inland flooding can also impact negatively on the cultural and natural heritage of the land. However, an informed debate is what is needed.
(b) As a farmer myself I cannot overstate the importance of locally grown food being made available for purchase by the local community. Many small grocers and farmers markets are leading the way in stocking locally products goods, such as jams , butter, eggs, bread etc - its pity some of our larger supermarkets dont follow suite for example I cannot under stand that we can purchase in our supermarkets eggs that have traveled a couple of hunded miles and locally produced ones are not available.
(c) ( d) (e)(f) I agree in each of these initiatives being explored to assess their viability and return on investment for local government.
3. If I retain my seat I would welcome an opportunity to meet with yourselves and discuss initiaves and listen to ideas from yourself.
1. Yes I agree that North tipperary County council should support initiatives to help our communities flourish for a low carbon future.
Adaptation to climate change is the only way forward and in partnership with state agengies and other interested group like yourselves, key issues can be identifed and communicated to each and every household in order to educate people and give each individual a sense of responsibility in changing their lifestyle to benefit the local environment.
2.
(a) Again I feel discussions with relevant local and national government authorities and interest groups should lead to a balanced debate on wind energy and bio fuels. The needs of the local environment should be paramount. It is important to be aware the indirect impact from adaptation strategies and measures such as the impact of constructing wind farms on and off shore, the growing of new bio- mass crops may have significant impacts on our landscapes and seascapes. Hard engineering schemes to prevent inland flooding can also impact negatively on the cultural and natural heritage of the land. However, an informed debate is what is needed.
(b) As a farmer myself I cannot overstate the importance of locally grown food being made available for purchase by the local community. Many small grocers and farmers markets are leading the way in stocking locally products goods, such as jams , butter, eggs, bread etc - its pity some of our larger supermarkets dont follow suite for example I cannot under stand that we can purchase in our supermarkets eggs that have traveled a couple of hunded miles and locally produced ones are not available.
(c) ( d) (e)(f) I agree in each of these initiatives being explored to assess their viability and return on investment for local government.
3. If I retain my seat I would welcome an opportunity to meet with yourselves and discuss initiaves and listen to ideas from yourself.
Virginia O'Dowd - Response to local election questions
The answer to question 1 is Yes.
Q 2
a. In favour
b. a committed supporter of farmer’s markets and reducing carbon miles for food produce - sell local, buy local
c. chair of Nenagh Rail Partnership which campaigned to have commuter train from Nenagh to Limerick; succeeded in getting cycle lane on Dromin Road and started Nenagh Cycling Routes. Would like to see businesses on the outskirts of Nenagh supplying free bikes to staff if they have to come into town during work hours
d. In favour and should be standard in all house building
e. Agree
f. Agree. Council should encourage more ‘green’ waste recycling through brown bins. The council should encourage people to bring large amounts of garden waste to recycling centre, where there is a need for a shredder. This service should be free and council should use / sell compost derived from this. At present, large amounts of garden waste brought to council dump go straight to landfill. We need to look at methods to recover waste water.
3. I have long sought for the council to exempt solar panels from needing planning permission where these are to be installed on an existing dwelling. There is a case to be made for having small wind turbines installed in medium to large sized estates, which could then supply electricity / community heat and hot water. The visual impact would need to be considered but the council could sell spare capacity back into the national grid. We need to improve our recycling facilities.
Q 2
a. In favour
b. a committed supporter of farmer’s markets and reducing carbon miles for food produce - sell local, buy local
c. chair of Nenagh Rail Partnership which campaigned to have commuter train from Nenagh to Limerick; succeeded in getting cycle lane on Dromin Road and started Nenagh Cycling Routes. Would like to see businesses on the outskirts of Nenagh supplying free bikes to staff if they have to come into town during work hours
d. In favour and should be standard in all house building
e. Agree
f. Agree. Council should encourage more ‘green’ waste recycling through brown bins. The council should encourage people to bring large amounts of garden waste to recycling centre, where there is a need for a shredder. This service should be free and council should use / sell compost derived from this. At present, large amounts of garden waste brought to council dump go straight to landfill. We need to look at methods to recover waste water.
3. I have long sought for the council to exempt solar panels from needing planning permission where these are to be installed on an existing dwelling. There is a case to be made for having small wind turbines installed in medium to large sized estates, which could then supply electricity / community heat and hot water. The visual impact would need to be considered but the council could sell spare capacity back into the national grid. We need to improve our recycling facilities.
Tom Moylan - Response to local election questions
I would like to reply and support you in your efforts to address in whatever way possible your concerns and efforts to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases in order to combat global warming.
In answer to your queations please see below.
> 1. Do you agree that Nenagh Town Council/North Tipperary County
> Council should support initiatives to help our communities flourish in
> the coming low–carbon future?
Yes I do believe that both Nenagh Town Council and North Tipp Co. Co should such initiatives in our communities and not only support such initiatives but should also be a local leader in them as well.
> 2. What is your position on the following initiatives?
> a. wind energy and bio-fuels
I think more use needs to be made of wind energy and bio fuels especially off shore wind energy.
> b. locally grown food promotion/farmer’s markets
I would be a supporter of locally grown food especailly organic foods and of farmers markets
> c. improved public transport
Obviously we need improved public transport especially in the larger urban area's in order to encourage people to leave their cars at home and avail of public transport to commute to work.> > d. energy saving measures in public housing, public buildings and street lighting
I would encourage and support the local authority to use whatever energy saving maesures in all public housing and buildings where possible. I believe that both North Tipperary Co. Co and Nenagh Town Council are very concious of this and do use numerous energy savings measures where possible. For example numerous energy measures have been incorporated into the new civic offices in nenagh and also all local authority housing tenants are encouraged to use energy saving light bulbs etc. Also any new local authority housing being constructed would be incorporating energy saving measures in terms of insulation, use of high efficiency condensing boilers etc.
> e. reserved park & re-charge spaces for electric vehicles in towns and villages
This would be a policy that i would be opened to looking at but i would feel would need to be fully examined and promoted in order to be successful.
> f. energy and fertilisers from waste and reuse of grey water
I would need more information and would need to do more research on the above in order to make a comment but in terms of the farming community i would support the use of non artificial fertilisers where possible.
> 3. What specific initiatives will you support/take if you are elected?
I believe that all Local authorities need to lead the community and lead by example in taking initiatives in energy saving maesures no matter how small in order to encourage the community at large to follow suit. I would be interested in meeting up with you sometime in the future in order to discuss this issue in more detail.
In answer to your queations please see below.
> 1. Do you agree that Nenagh Town Council/North Tipperary County
> Council should support initiatives to help our communities flourish in
> the coming low–carbon future?
Yes I do believe that both Nenagh Town Council and North Tipp Co. Co should such initiatives in our communities and not only support such initiatives but should also be a local leader in them as well.
> 2. What is your position on the following initiatives?
> a. wind energy and bio-fuels
I think more use needs to be made of wind energy and bio fuels especially off shore wind energy.
> b. locally grown food promotion/farmer’s markets
I would be a supporter of locally grown food especailly organic foods and of farmers markets
> c. improved public transport
Obviously we need improved public transport especially in the larger urban area's in order to encourage people to leave their cars at home and avail of public transport to commute to work.> > d. energy saving measures in public housing, public buildings and street lighting
I would encourage and support the local authority to use whatever energy saving maesures in all public housing and buildings where possible. I believe that both North Tipperary Co. Co and Nenagh Town Council are very concious of this and do use numerous energy savings measures where possible. For example numerous energy measures have been incorporated into the new civic offices in nenagh and also all local authority housing tenants are encouraged to use energy saving light bulbs etc. Also any new local authority housing being constructed would be incorporating energy saving measures in terms of insulation, use of high efficiency condensing boilers etc.
> e. reserved park & re-charge spaces for electric vehicles in towns and villages
This would be a policy that i would be opened to looking at but i would feel would need to be fully examined and promoted in order to be successful.
> f. energy and fertilisers from waste and reuse of grey water
I would need more information and would need to do more research on the above in order to make a comment but in terms of the farming community i would support the use of non artificial fertilisers where possible.
> 3. What specific initiatives will you support/take if you are elected?
I believe that all Local authorities need to lead the community and lead by example in taking initiatives in energy saving maesures no matter how small in order to encourage the community at large to follow suit. I would be interested in meeting up with you sometime in the future in order to discuss this issue in more detail.
Noreen Kennedy - Response to local election questions
I have read your email with great interest, and although I do not claim to be an expert in these matters it is of great interest to me, firstly that we as a nation should not be doing any more harm to our environment and secondly that we should be using and producing our energy more efficiently and cleanly.
1. I would totally agree that Nenagh Town Council should support initiatives to help our communities flourish in the coming low-carbon future and go further and say that they should lead by example.
2. My position on the following initiatives are as follows:
A .wind energy and bio fuels:
I was astounded to realise that in 2009 there are only 113 approx. wind farms in Ireland with about 1,030+ turbines, this seems a pitiful number when it could be much greater and if it were then our reliance on fossil fuels would not be as desperate as it is. A recent report I read in one of the Sunday papers talked about the proposal to use natural costal valleys to provide hydro storage reservoirs, wind farms would then be used to pump sea-water into these reservoirs. The water could then be passed through turbines generating massive amounts of power. I realise that this would take a huge investment but surely this would lead to employment and the sale of the extra power to our European neighbours, Ireland could easily take the lead in this and repair some of the damage done to our economy. Think of the saving in fossil fuel imports, this is a win win situation. On bio fuels I am in favour but have reservations where materials used may also be food products and with many poorer countries and people starving I have trouble resolving some of these issues.
B .Local grown food promotion/farmers markets
Is there anything nicer than something home grown and fresh from the garden and what better way to promote any small town or village than promoting local produce in the eating houses and local shops. The farmers market should be situated centrally in the town to draw in the concerned shoppers, and should not be seen as a threat to rate paying business but rather an attraction to the town and an incentive to shoppers to visit the rest of town.
I would like to see the use of allotments become a part of our local scene and encourage more people to grow their own . This might be achieved by putting to good use suitable land that is not in use by the local authority.
C. Improved public transport,
How we get around is central to our way of life. I would like to see the establishment of local transport services and in particular daytime services for the elderly and more consideration and inclusion of disabled persons, such as wheelchair users, providing suitable cars and buses for these users. While improvements have been made for the provision of cyclists locally more can be done particularly with children in mind and the possibility of increasing the numbers using bikes to get to school. Another novel idea might be the provision of ‘walking buses’ for children to enable them to walk to school safely.
D. Energy saving measures in public housing, public buildings and street lighting. It goes without saying that all new local authority housing should include energy saving measures and to the highest possible standard. For public buildings the same should apply and where possible remedial works should be carried out when budget restraints allow. With street lighting again replacement of old fittings and installation of more efficient lighting should be dealt with as budget allows.
E. Reserved park & recharge spaces for electric vehicles in towns and villages. This initiative made me smile, the little history I remember from school includes a snippet on the first electric car, way back in the early 1830’s in Scotland a businessman called Robert Anderson designed the first crude electric car, the idea of reserving spaces for electric vehicles in downtown Nenagh would have seemed very far fetched then but it should be a consideration with any planning applications in the future we must move with the times.
F. Energy and fertilisers from waste and reuse of grey water. Sadly I have very little knowledge of this initiative but I will do some research on it. In principal it does appear a very good idea, but I will say nothing until I hear more….
If I am elected to the Nenagh Town Council, I would be particularly interested in the promotion of local home grown produce and all things under this heading. The provision of more local transport services particularly for the elderly and the disabled. The continued promotion of energy saving in public buildings, public housing and street lighting
1. I would totally agree that Nenagh Town Council should support initiatives to help our communities flourish in the coming low-carbon future and go further and say that they should lead by example.
2. My position on the following initiatives are as follows:
A .wind energy and bio fuels:
I was astounded to realise that in 2009 there are only 113 approx. wind farms in Ireland with about 1,030+ turbines, this seems a pitiful number when it could be much greater and if it were then our reliance on fossil fuels would not be as desperate as it is. A recent report I read in one of the Sunday papers talked about the proposal to use natural costal valleys to provide hydro storage reservoirs, wind farms would then be used to pump sea-water into these reservoirs. The water could then be passed through turbines generating massive amounts of power. I realise that this would take a huge investment but surely this would lead to employment and the sale of the extra power to our European neighbours, Ireland could easily take the lead in this and repair some of the damage done to our economy. Think of the saving in fossil fuel imports, this is a win win situation. On bio fuels I am in favour but have reservations where materials used may also be food products and with many poorer countries and people starving I have trouble resolving some of these issues.
B .Local grown food promotion/farmers markets
Is there anything nicer than something home grown and fresh from the garden and what better way to promote any small town or village than promoting local produce in the eating houses and local shops. The farmers market should be situated centrally in the town to draw in the concerned shoppers, and should not be seen as a threat to rate paying business but rather an attraction to the town and an incentive to shoppers to visit the rest of town.
I would like to see the use of allotments become a part of our local scene and encourage more people to grow their own . This might be achieved by putting to good use suitable land that is not in use by the local authority.
C. Improved public transport,
How we get around is central to our way of life. I would like to see the establishment of local transport services and in particular daytime services for the elderly and more consideration and inclusion of disabled persons, such as wheelchair users, providing suitable cars and buses for these users. While improvements have been made for the provision of cyclists locally more can be done particularly with children in mind and the possibility of increasing the numbers using bikes to get to school. Another novel idea might be the provision of ‘walking buses’ for children to enable them to walk to school safely.
D. Energy saving measures in public housing, public buildings and street lighting. It goes without saying that all new local authority housing should include energy saving measures and to the highest possible standard. For public buildings the same should apply and where possible remedial works should be carried out when budget restraints allow. With street lighting again replacement of old fittings and installation of more efficient lighting should be dealt with as budget allows.
E. Reserved park & recharge spaces for electric vehicles in towns and villages. This initiative made me smile, the little history I remember from school includes a snippet on the first electric car, way back in the early 1830’s in Scotland a businessman called Robert Anderson designed the first crude electric car, the idea of reserving spaces for electric vehicles in downtown Nenagh would have seemed very far fetched then but it should be a consideration with any planning applications in the future we must move with the times.
F. Energy and fertilisers from waste and reuse of grey water. Sadly I have very little knowledge of this initiative but I will do some research on it. In principal it does appear a very good idea, but I will say nothing until I hear more….
If I am elected to the Nenagh Town Council, I would be particularly interested in the promotion of local home grown produce and all things under this heading. The provision of more local transport services particularly for the elderly and the disabled. The continued promotion of energy saving in public buildings, public housing and street lighting
Jim Casey - Response to local election questions
In reply to your letter received today.
- Yes I fully agree that all initiatives be supported in lowering carbon levels.
- I have supported wind farms through planning & policy and support biofuels also.
- I was part of the group who set up Cloughjordan country market and very much support concept.
- I am on committee in North Tipperary to support upgrading of rail line.
- As Chairman of Tipperary Energy Agency and the Association of Energy Agencies of Ireland I obviously support energy saving measures at all levels including public buildings and street lighting.
- Have not thought about reserved car parking spaces in towns and villages but with proper planning could be arranged.
- I tables notice of motion recently requesting that water harvesting should be a condition of planning. Regrettably was not supported by my colleagues on Council. I will continue to try.
PS As Chairman of the Energy Agencyies of Ireland and a supporter of Cloughjordan Sustainable Project from the begining my commitment to your ideals is already proven.
Keep up the good work
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