Colm
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Colm McCarthy is a contributor to the Irish Farmers Journal.
Colm McCarthy on 20 Oct 2021
Colm McCarthy: targets are not policies
A super-intelligent race of aliens from a more advanced planet, should they be kind enough to colonise this one, would quickly conclude that 200 governments convening in Glasgow is 199 too many.
Colm McCarthy on 13 Oct 2021
Colm McCarthy: the big divide on nuclear energy
Newer technologies promise both easier cost control and smaller scale units better suited to the Irish grid.
Colm McCarthy on 06 Oct 2021
Colm McCarthy: what’s the solution to the future of fuel tax revenue?
In rural Ireland, and contrary to Minister Ryan’s view, the best strategy is to electrify the car fleet.
Colm McCarthy on 29 Sep 2021
Colm McCarthy: fossil fuel subsidy is in the firing line
At present, road diesel costs around €1.40/l while green diesel is around €0.84/l.
Colm McCarthy on 22 Sep 2021
Is rollout of fast-charging infrastructure the answer for rural Ireland?
The numbers are such that the emission benefit of the trend to electric cars is being offset by the changes to fleet composition.
Colm McCarthy on 15 Sep 2021
Environment Minister favours investment in rail over road
It is depressing that ministers continue to commit publicly to enormous capital projects before anyone has done the sums.
Colm McCarthy on 07 Sep 2021
Cryptocurrencies: a new fool's gold?
The price of bitcoin in dollars has shown incredible volatility, halving and doubling in short periods on several occasions along the way. Colm McCarthy writes.
Colm McCarthy on 01 Sep 2021
Colm McCarthy: agriculture in the firing line
Ireland takes the rap for its success in food export markets, but also for imported oil and coal.
Colm McCarthy on 26 Aug 2021
How far could the carbon tax go?
Rural dwellers should not get too nervous about their higher car reliance and annual mileage – urban motorists would likely end up paying the biggest share, the penalty for congestion.
Colm McCarthy on 18 Aug 2021
Colm McCarthy: a target is not a policy
The 7% per annum overall cut in Ireland’s emissions was always ambitious, even had there been a coherent energy policy framework.
Colm McCarthy on 10 Sep 2021
Brexit, climate and consumer trends key to future of farming
Agriculture has evolved throughout history, but Irish agriculture is in the firing line because emissions are accounted for at the point of production, not point of consumption, writes Colm McCarthy.
Colm McCarthy on 10 Aug 2021
Hard Brexit inflicts costs and extra form-filling
When push comes to shove, the United Kingdom is unlikely to exploit its new-found freedom to diverge dramatically from EU product standards, including standards for food products.