Irish newspapers reviewing 2004 are smugly satisfied at the fact that for the fourth year in a row the Celtic Tiger has the fastest growing economy in Europe and in terms of per capita GNP has overtaken the UK and Germany. They are however more reticent about the fact that Ireland has the highest rate of industrial pollution in the EU and the 5th highest in the world. Ireland is still blessed with vast energy reserves-not oil but grass. Well, actually 'Turf' or peat-combustible material from the bogs which still cover a significant proportion of the Emerald Isle. This is cut out, dried and processed into briquettes or used in its raw state for fueling powerstations and domestic hearths. Lucky Ould Sod-Piskieland is self sufficient in fuel and happy about it. But Peat is a very major pollutant and a significant contributor to global warming and not many people seem to mind down South whilst going after the American's for their environmental malpractices at the same time.
Huttonian is an accessory after the fact. Our cottage sitting room is warmed by the snuggest of peat fires; enchanting smell, efficient in terms of fuel usage and with a warm glow which lingers all night, long after the flames have disappeared. Pure self indulgence but I suppose we should desist for the greater good and put the dried flowers back in the hearth and turn up the central heating-oh dear that is oil fired. A dilemma. A suitable Resolution for 2005? Probably not.
