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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 […]

The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) must clarify the process of securing traditional seaweed harvesting rights before any further commercial licences are granted, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore and the party’s Galway West by-election candidate Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich. Speaking after the issue of traditional seaweed harvesting rights was raised at today’s Oireachtas Fisheries […]

It is madness that the Government refuses to adopt solar energy on a large scale to protect consumers from price shocks in the energy market, according to Social Democrats energy spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “Wholesale energy prices are up 19% in just a month as war raged in the Middle East, yet the […]

The considerable potential of solar panels to reduce Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels – and bring down energy bills for households and businesses – continues to be a blind spot for this Government, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on energy, said: “Simon Harris revealed over the […]

The Minister for the Marine must work with traditional seaweed harvesters in Conamara to ensure that their rights – and the ecology of the coastline – are protected, according to the Social Democrats’ Galway West by-election candidate Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich. Míde made her comments as she welcomed Jennifer Whitmore TD – the party’s spokesperson on […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has accused the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) of being asleep at the wheel for failing to complete an investigation into suspected price gouging by energy companies. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on energy, said: “Soaring energy prices are feeding into the wider cost-of-living crisis and fuelling […]

The Government’s inability to provide a clear timeline for the delivery of the 2026 Climate Action Plan is putting Ireland on a road to financial and environmental ruin, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s environment spokesperson, said: “The Climate Action Plan is crucial in setting out all the […]