Michelle O’Neill’s climate law comments exposed as empty words – McIlveen
DUP Deputy Leader Michelle McIlveen MLA has said a response from DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has exposed the emptiness of Michelle O’Neill’s recent comments suggesting Sinn Fein would amend Northern Ireland’s climate laws to facilitate major road projects.
Ms McIlveen said: “Just two weeks ago Michelle O’Neill told the Irish News that Sinn Fein would amend climate legislation if necessary to allow new roads to be built. It appeared to signal a significant change in position.
"However, when I asked the Agriculture and Environment Minister what discussions he had held with Executive colleagues about amending the Climate Change Act since February 2024, his answer was clear: he has had none.
"That raises obvious questions. Either Michelle O’Neill was making commitments without discussing them with the Minister responsible for climate legislation, or this was simply political kite flying designed to deflect growing concerns about the impact of climate laws on infrastructure delivery.
"Sinn Fein championed climate legislation containing unrealistic and unattainable targets. Those targets have created significant challenges for major infrastructure projects.
"If the First Minister is serious about changing the law, she needs to explain why no discussions have taken place with Executive colleagues.
"People are entitled to know whether this was a genuine policy commitment or simply another headline which cannot be delivered.”