The debate came as fuel protests took place across Northern Ireland
DUP deputy leader Michelle McIlveen has hit out at other MLAs after they opposed a motion from the party calling for a full cost-benefit analysis of net zero policies in all of Stormont’s departments.
The motion expressed “deep concern” that aspirational climate targets are impeding the delivery of high-quality public services and infrastructure across Northern Ireland after the High Court quashed the A5 Western Transport Corridor due to it conflicting with the yet-to-be-finalised Climate Action Plan. This has had major implications for other infrastructure projects, including the A4 Enniskillen bypass.
Among other concerns raised by the party were the current legal requirement for minimum spend on active travel which thet said “perversely acts as a barrier to vital investment in roads maintenance and repairs” and also aspects of the draft Climate Action Plan which they added “contains a range of proposals that are not quantified and would place additional burdens on farmers and households during a cost-of-living crisis.”
Speaking following the debate, Ms McIlveen said: “Today the Assembly had an opportunity to take a sensible and responsible step to calculate the cost of net zero for our budget. Instead of looking at affordability or grasping transparency, every other major party chose to turn a blind eye to the real costs being imposed on households, businesses and public services.
“Our motion simply asked that departments properly assess the costs and benefits of net zero policies. That is the minimum standard of good government, yet it was rejected.“The reality is that many of the proposals being advanced under the current Climate Action Plan are not fully quantified. Families and businesses are being asked to shoulder additional burdens without clarity on what those costs will be or what the return will be.“At a time when people are already facing a cost-of-living crisis, that is simply unacceptable.“We have already seen how rigid climate targets are impacting major infrastructure projects, including the A5 and A1. There is a growing risk that vital investment in roads and economic development will be delayed or deprioritised because of policies that have not been properly stress-tested.“Other parties may be content to pursue aspirational targets without asking hard questions, but the DUP will not. We will continue to stand up for a fair and balanced approach. One that protects our environment while also safeguarding public services and household finances.“The refusal of others to even examine the cost of their policies raises serious questions about whether their approach is driven by evidence or ideology.”
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