#836 Is Climate Policy Just Another Excuse to Tax Us?

In this episode, Niall speaks to businessman and commentator Paul Treyvaud after new figures revealed that the State collected a record €5.9 billion in environment related taxes during 2025.According to the Central Statistics Office, the amount collected increased by 7% in just one year, with ordinary households paying the largest share. Families contributed almost €3.5 billion, representing 59% of the entire environmental tax take.Energy taxes accounted for €3.9 billion, or almost two thirds of the total. These include taxes and levies connected to petrol, diesel, home heating fuels, electricity and carbon emissions. Carbon tax receipts alone increased by 10% to almost €1.2 billion, while the Public Service Obligation levy on electricity consumers rose sharply.A further €1.9 billion was collected through transport related taxes, including motor tax and Vehicle Registration Tax. By comparison, taxes directly associated with pollution and resources, including the plastic bag and landfill levies, raised just €30 million.Supporters argue that environmental taxes are necessary to reduce emissions, encourage people to make cleaner choices and help finance Ireland’s transition towards renewable energy. They say tackling climate change will inevitably cost money, but failing to act could carry an even greater economic and environmental cost.Critics argue that the system has become less about protecting the environment and more about generating revenue. They say families cannot simply stop heating their homes, driving to work or buying food, and that environmental charges imposed on farmers and businesses are often passed directly to customers through higher prices.Niall asks Paul whether these taxes are genuinely changing behaviour and reducing emissions, or whether green policies have become a convenient way for the Government to take billions from households without increasing income tax or VAT.Are environmental taxes a necessary investment in the future, or is Ireland’s €5.9 billion environmental tax bill simply another enormous rip off?Call the show and have your say.