Dublin, December 2, 2024 – The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative welcomes the newly elected T.D.s in Ireland. With the Labour & Social Democrat Parties making significant gains, the hope for Ireland to lead boldly on climate action and social progress remains.

While negotiations of coalitions are yet to come, this newly elected government holds the chance to rebuild trust and demonstrate that climate leadership can deliver for working-class people. By turning climate challenges into opportunities, the new government can harness the nation's renewable energy potential to create thousands of clean jobs, reduce energy costs, and shield Irish families from escalating climate impacts that deepen socioeconomic inequalities.

With Ireland legally bound to net-Zero emissions by no later than 2050, and to a 51% reduction in emissions by the end of this decade. Ireland must act fast to avoid risks of €8bn in fines for exceeding its carbon budget.

The commitments laid out across the Labour, Social Democrat & People Before Profit Parties offer a roadmap to transform Ireland into a global leader in climate action:

• Endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty: A critical move to phase out fossil fuel dependency globally and chart a course to a safe, sustainable and fair world where no community is left behind.

• Banning LNG and New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure: Ensuring Ireland’s energy transition aligns with international climate goals.

• Labour’s €9 Climate Public Transport Ticket: Making sustainable transportation accessible and affordable.

• Warmer Homes for All: Prioritizing energy efficiency upgrades to reduce bills and improve quality of life.

• Just Transition Commitments: Providing a Decent Job Guarantee to workers affected by the transition to a low-carbon economy, ensuring no one is left behind.

• Fossil Fuel Phase-Out: Establish a clear and legally binding timeline for the phase-out of oil and gas production and consumption in Ireland, aligned with Ireland’s climate obligations and the Paris Agreement.

• Fair Climate Finance: Commitment to deliver on Ireland's fair share of international climate finance.

Dearbhla Richardson, Irish Campaigner for the Fossil Fuel Treaty initiative, said: “Policies & commitments undertaken by many of our newly elected T.D.s position Ireland to tackle climate change while building economic resilience. At this pivotal moment, Irish citizens need leadership that prioritizes people over profits—delivering warmer homes, lower energy bills, and brighter futures. With Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael & Sinn Féin jointly scored for 5th place in UCD’s independent assessment of their parties climate action pledges; it is clear that when seeking substantive climate action, Social Democrats and Labour will need to hold the line on climate issues. This next government can prove that addressing climate change is not only a moral imperative but also an economic opportunity, setting a global benchmark for progressive climate action in Europe and across the world. We are inspired to see three Irish parties call for Ireland to join the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty in their election manifestos and remain hopeful that in the lifetime of this government, Ireland could join the growing bloc of states currently seeking a negotiating mandate.”