By:
Christina Finn - TheJournal.ie
Costa Rica, Belize and France have already implemented similar measures to end oil activity in their waters.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS lost a vote on proposed legislation which would place a ban on fossil fuel exploration off the Irish coast.
The Bill secured the support of 78 TDs, with 48 voting against it. It will now proceed to Committee Stage in the Oireachtas, despite the government’s opposition.
Solidarity-People Before Profit’s Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) Climate Emergency Measures Bill aims to stop the issuing of any new licences for the exploration of fossil fuels.
Costa Rica, Belize and France have already implemented similar measures.
The Bill sets out that the government must:
- Ensure regard is had to national and global environmental considerations when issuing licences, undertakings and leases under the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960
These considerations include:
- The annual average global temperature, the monthly mean level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
With the support of the Green Party, Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, Labour, and Independents 4 Change (and pop superstar Cher who tweeted her support) it passed, meaning Ireland is now on the path to become the fourth country in the world to implement a ban on the exploration of fossil fuels.
Posted Date:
8 February 2018