Archived press release

Comment on the draft Programme for Government

25 October 2007

Environmentalists have slammed the draft Programme for Government and the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland as a 20th Century answer to a 21st Century problem. John Woods, Northern Ireland Director of Friends of the Earth said:
 
"Peter Robinson has announced a staggering £3billion of investment in new roads and a mere £724million on public transport over the next 10 years. As we confront the reality of climate change, the Northern Ireland Executive has chosen to devote less than 20 per cent of its transport spend to sustainable transport and over 80 per cent to encouraging the use of the private car."
 
The Programme for Government states "we are determined to play our part in addressing...climate change" and commits itself to reducing Northern Ireland's carbon footprint.

Mr Woods commented:
 
"The plan to expand the motorway and dual carriageway network will directly undermine the Executive's commitment to cut carbon dioxide emissions. It also undermines the Executive's commitment to improving our economy. As the rest of the UK and Europe prepares itself for a low carbon future, our political leaders seem to think that high dependence on fossil fuels is a sensible way forward. In fact the smart money is on new environmental technologies and sustainable industries like renewable energy and public transport. The Executive is backing a loser and we will all suffer as a result."

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland
7 Donegall Street Place
BELFAST
BT1 2FN
Tel: 028 9023 3488
Fax: 028 9024 7556
Email: foe-ni@foe.co.uk.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust