Environment friendly

Government is investing €30 million in alternative energy projects and €112 million in environmental projects. Wind farms are finally in the pipeline. Energy saving measures in the pipeline are: free energy-saving bulbs for all families; refunds of 15.25 per cent on the purchase of bicycles; refunds of two-thirds of the cost of buying a solar water heater, up to a maximum of €460; refunds of half the cost of installing photovoltaic panels, up to €3,000; refunds of a third of the cost of roof insulation and double glazing in homes, up to €300, as well as funding for part of the cost of expert advice on energy use and of energy audits for industry.

Measures proposed in Budget 2009 continue to build upon the polluter pays principle, hence the introduction of taxes on the fluorescent "traditional" bulbs, plastic "carrier" bags as well as more expensive licences for older, larger and more powerful cars, and yachts, swimming pools, etc.

Even the utilities tariffs follow the same principle: the more one consumes and, therefore, pollutes the more one pays.

There is a lesson to be learnt from Budget 2009 - it is in everyone's interest to reduce harmful emissions.