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The Government cannot continue to ignore repeated warnings about the heavy demand that data centres are placing on Ireland’s energy systems, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on energy, said: “A UN report on the environmental impact of artificial intelligence has described Ireland as a live cautionary […]

Electric Ireland’s announcement of imminent price increases for its electricity and gas customers will come as a further blow to struggling households across the country, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s energy spokesperson, said: “Electric Ireland customers are set to be hit with price increases of 8 per […]

There must be full accountability – and consequences – after it was revealed that diesel from an Irish Rail fuel facility has been leaking into the River Liffey for over a year, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s environment spokesperson, said: “This week, the Journal reported that the […]

The Government cannot continue to ignore the untapped potential of solar power to mitigate against ever-rising fuel and energy prices, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s energy spokesperson, made her comments following the publication of the Wholesale Price Index for April 2026 by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). […]

A Government Bill to regulate puppy farms will be worthless unless it includes a cap on the number of breeding females that can be kept on site at any one time, as well as a ban on surgical artificial insemination, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s agriculture spokesperson, […]

The Government must act urgently to stop renewable energy being wasted and instead use it to reduce household energy bills, according to Social Democrats energy spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore, who will introduce new legislation to address the issue. Deputy Whitmore said: “I will be introducing a Bill at the nearest opportunity to put in place a […]

It is scandalous that more than half a billion euro raised for climate action measures through a fuel tax has been left unspent when it could have been used for the rollout of a nationwide solar panel installation programme, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate, […]

The Government’s sudden interest in nuclear energy is a distraction tactic to mask their huge failures in developing this country’s biggest natural resource – off-shore wind. That’s according to Social Democrats energy spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “As an island nation, we should be a world leader in off-shore wind and a net exporter […]

With Ireland now confirmed as having the highest electricity prices in the EU, Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called on the Government to act immediately to tackle soaring energy costs. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s energy spokesperson, said: “This energy crisis is with us now and getting worse by the day. Help cannot […]

A new report lays bare Ireland’s dismal record on nature restoration and the failure of successive governments to protect our environment, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s environment spokesperson, said: “The report from the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration reveals that 90 per cent of our protected […]