COALITION 2030 PRESS RELEASE APRIL 21 2026

Poverty (SDG1) is on the rise in Ireland. Affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) sees Ireland ranked 11th amongst our peers in the EU-14, and our share of renewable energy is well below the EU average. The cost of petrol, diesel, and marked gas oil (“green diesel”) has soared as a result of the war in the Gulf Region and its impacts on supplies out of the Strait of Hormuz. Energy security, peace and policy objectives are directly connected to food security and food production in Ireland. 

Addressing fuel costs concerns should be led by more than market forces or the actions of a few states. Our concern  is that this Government’s response is a short term, knee jerk reaction with little regard to future proofing such changes.  The recent uncertainties and global tensions have highlighted the need for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and shift towards sustainable renewable energy and greater energy security. This should underpin all of the Government’s policy reaction both short and long-term.

We need action to frame improvements around Ireland’s commitment under the Sustainable Development Goals. We call on the Government to work with social partners on how best to allay fears with long-term commitments and how to speed up the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy affordably and ensure a just transition to ensure that those families and communities that are most impacted are supported as we move to a low carbon future. 

Coalition 2030 has issued “A Call to Action for Future Generations”  which highlights the need for a Future Generations Commissioner for Ireland. Such a move would demonstrate a commitment to  oversee and safeguard cross-Government action to work towards a fair and sustainable future for our current and future citizens.