“It is imperative that an Executive is reformed to progress urgent actions and essential new policy requirements outlined in the report to ensure Northern Ireland can achieve the net zero legal target,” Eóin said.

"In the previous mandate, the Northern Ireland Assembly legislated for ambitious climate action targets, including the legal target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“Restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive is now too critical, as ministerial direction is essential to implement the required policies outlined in the CCC pathway, to drive decarbonisation at the pace required to keep the legislative targets within reaching distance. 

“The targets are extremely challenging, but without ministerial direction and a reformed Executive and Assembly, they are completely unachievable.”  

Commenting further on the near-term actions required to get on track to the targets proposed by the CCC, including deployment of new renewable electricity generation, the Upper Bann MLA said: “Alliance has proposed ambitious policies in the ‘Alliance Green New Deal’, which aim to simultaneously tackle the climate emergency and ease the cost-of-living crisis.

“The policies outlined in the 'Alliance Green New Deal' will maximise the use of renewables whilst improving energy security and keeping prices competitive, crucially supporting those suffering with the soaring cost of living.

“Restoring the institutions must be the priority if we are serious about tackling the climate emergency and recovering from rising inflation.”