A local councillor has called for Government “to do more” when it comes to helping rural counties like Monaghan tackle climate action. Sinn Fein’s Noel Keelan believes there are many issues which need to be addressed, not only in Co Monaghan but across the country.
According to Cllr Keelan, Government has been calling on local authorities to do so many things, yet hasn’t provided the resources to do that, such as charging points for electric vehicles.
As Chairperson of Monaghan County Council’s climate, action and environmental committee, Cllr Keelan said that whilst there are “huge challenges” ahead, it’s important for people to make “everyday” simple changes.
He added that it’s important for Government to work with farmers as opposed to against them in relation to climate action. "I don't think that national Government and in particular Minister Eamon Ryan doesn't understand how important the agriculture and farming industry is to rural Ireland," Cllr Keelan explained.
"The farming industry is the backbone of our county here in Monaghan. The farming community are not the problem but they can be the solution around climate action if they are properly resourced and if we work with them and not against them."
