The charity stated that if revenue is raised from carbon taxes in Budget 2020 it must be ring-fenced for a Just Transition Fund and measures to protect low income households from energy price hikes.

“This contract demonstrates that it is becoming easier than ever before to cut carbon emissions from our public and private sector buildings.”

“It is the poor who suffer the worst impacts of the climate crisis.”

“I cannot overstate the depth of the impact that the loss of a major source of employment like Bord na Móna will have on a rural area which is weak with comparable alternatives.”

“This meeting comes a week after a bishops’ retreat in Knock focusing on Laudato Sí. It also comes as the Irish parliament voted to end climate damaging fossil fuel exploration."

“These divestment commitments represent an important step towards fulfilling the promise and the call of Laudato Si."

Politicians and theologians grapple with Laudato Si at the National Conference on Climate Change and the Environment in Balally.

As Churches we have often neglected our responsibilities for the protection of creation or have even distorted the true attitude towards the environment.

Three years would give people an opportunity to address Laudato Si’s recommendations in the local church in the first year, nationally in the second year and globally in the third year.