60% of people want to delay meeting EU climate targets amid energy crisis

A government minister says Ireland should be doubling down on climate measures rather than easing them during the cost of living crisis.

The annual Ireland and the EU poll has found 3 in 5 people here think European countries should be allowed to delay meeting their EU environmental targets to deal with the problems in the energy sector.

86% of people surveyed said they were concerned that the cost of living crisis is harming the EU economy.

Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne says while he can understand the reasons behind wanting to pull back, the best way forward is to reach the targets.