The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has issued their latest report in which they call for the introduction of water charges, raised carbon taxes, and waste charges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions are among a total of 43 recommendations made by the OECD in their review of Ireland’s environmental performance over the last 10 years.
In its report, the OECD warned the Irish government that Ireland’s carbon emissions, waste generation, and agriculture-caused pollution all rose with strong economic growth prior to the pandemic, and will do so again unless serious action is taken to prevent it.
The OECD stated that Ireland runs the risk of not meeting its obligations to cut CO2 emissions by 51% by 2030 unless the link between growth and emissions is cut.
The OECD’s report detailed a decline in water quality in rivers and lakes as well as a lack of investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure. The report found that only 60% of the Irish population is connected to advanced wastewater treatment which happens to be the third-lowest level among OECD countries.
To combat diminishing water supply and sanitation, the OECD has called for the government to re-introduce the controversial water charges. Such charges are necessary, according to the report, to accelerate investment in better wastewater treatment infrastructure.
Waste management is another major issue, according to the OECD. The report details that the current levy on landfills should rise and a new levy should be introduced for the incineration of waste. The report also suggests that the exportation of reusable and recyclable waste should be considered.
The OECD makes reference to the existing push back by farming bodies to government targets to cut methane on farms but the OECD state that the targets should go ahead while fossil fuels and other environmentally harmful subsidies should be reduced.
Besides water charges, carbon taxes, and waste charges, the OECD placed significant focus on the decarbonisation of Ireland’s transport which is one of the country’s largest sources of carbon emissions. The report found that three-quarters of all journeys are completed by private car. The report recommended road charges in order to cut down on travel and encourage use of public transport. The report recommended that congestion charges should be introduced in larger cities such as Dublin.
The OECD strongly advised the government to act swiftly to “alleviate the growing pressures from intensification of agricultural practices, demographic development, urban sprawl and road traffic.”
Click here to read the full report.