We are 2nd Year students from Scoil Ruain, Killenaule. Our project is called “Ireland 2050 – The Future We Choose. But really, it’s the future that, politicians, decision makers and you, voters, choose for us.   
We are writing to you because we care deeply about Ireland’s future — our future. We want you to take faster and stronger action on climate change, because the decisions made in the next few years will shape the lives, safety, and wellbeing of our generation and the generations that follow.  
Ireland has committed, in law, to becoming a climate‑neutral economy by 2050 under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021. The Government’s own Climate Action Plans also show how urgent and important this transition is. However, evidence from both the Environmental Protection Agency and independent analyses shows that Ireland is not currently on track to meet its 2030 targets, especially the goal of reducing national emissions by 51% by 2030.  
We know progress is possible. Ireland’s emissions fell by 6.8% in 2023, dropping below 1990 levels for the first time in over thirty years. And renewable energy has been growing strongly, providing 41% of electricity in 2024. These are positive signs — but they are not enough.   
Today’s young people will live with the consequences of the choices that you make now. For that reason, we demand that you accelerate action to protect our future. This is what we want you to do:

Spend the €14 billion Apple tax money on our future. Avoid the potential €26 billion in fines from the European Union.  
 
Energy  
Invest more in wind and solar energy. We have the opportunity to produce our own renewable energy and reduce the cost of energy everyone.  
 
Homes  
Support households to insulate their homes, to buy air to water heat pumps, and to put solar panels on their roofs. So that energy bills are reduced, carbon emissions are lower, and homes are be cozy and warm.  
 
Transport  
Invest in public transport. Invest in active transport. Reduce car dependency. Make walking and cycling to school and work safe for all. Reduce our transport emissions.  
 
Nature  
Restore and protect our native woodlands. Healthy forests support wildlife, clean our air, and strengthen our natural heritage.  
 
Food  
Back our farmers to grow more fruit, vegetables, and organic produce. Stronger local food systems mean healthier diets and resilient rural communities.  
 
Water  
Protect our rivers, lakes, and seas. Clean water is essential for nature, farming, tourism, and our own wellbeing. 
 
 
But we need leadership, urgency, and courage. We are asking you to act now. Not later. Not slowly. Now — for our future.  
Thank you for reading our petition and for your commitment to serving the people of Ireland.  
We are sharing our project with you. It includes a short story from 2050 detailing how Ireland could look if you act. It also includes our mockumentaries – Reeling in the Decades – for the 2020s, 2030s and 2040s. We hope they inspire you to take action. 🌍