Reflecting the extremely difficult position in the public finances the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government will have a significant reduction in the finances available to it for capital spending over the next five years. In 2012, capital resources will be down to €861 million from €1.058 billion in 2011. Further reductions will … Read more
The Government has released the promised review of National Climate Policy. On foot of the policy set out in the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-12, Ireland is on course to meet its binding commitment for the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol in the compliance period 2008-12. However, beyond 2012, Ireland has clear and challenging greenhouse … Read more
The Government is to introduce a Household Charge of €100 to fund vital local services. The Household Charges are expected to raise in the region of €160 million, which will be used to directly support the continued delivery of services by local authorities. “In line with the EU/IMF agreement, the Government has approved the introduction … Read more
The Government has introduced a new, legally binding, low sulphur standard for coal used in the residential market. All bituminous coal placed on the market for residential use must now have a sulphur content of no more than 0.7%. Approximately half a million tonnes of bituminous coal was imported last year for use by Irish … Read more