Sir, - While agreeing that the ratification at the Bonn summit of the Koyoto Protocol is a major achievement (Editoral, July 24th), the success of the deal can only be measured by the success of its implementation.
Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions are already 20per cent above 1990 levels and are set to increase to 37 per cent by 2010 (Department of Environment figures).
A massive road-building programme (twice as much as that being invested in public transport), a planning system that allows sprawling car dependent development and a Finance Minister who remains opposed to green taxes on fossil fuels, leaves little room for optimism that Ireland will meet its commitments. Perhaps when these issues are tackled the Irish Government can, as you suggest, look their children in the eye. - Yours, etc.,
David Maher, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.