Ireland to forge ahead in sustainable energy drive
The island of Ireland is at the forefront of the European debate on the development of sustainable energy, ministers from both sides of the border claimed today.
Noel Dempsey, Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and his Northern Ireland counterpart Angela Smith launched a joint preliminary consultation paper setting out proposals for a ‘2020 Vision’ for the integration of renewable energy within the all-island energy market.
The ministers agreed on the need to respond collectively to the common economic and environmental challenges facing the island of Ireland and called for an open debate on how to plan for sustainable energy supplies through to 2020 and beyond.
They insisted their action places Ireland and Northern Ireland at the forefront of the European debate on the development of sustainable energy markets.
Minister Dempsey said: “The development and harnessing of our indigenous energy resources on a shared basis will maximise efficiencies. It is a shared practical step to complement the substantial body of ongoing work in both energy markets.
“I look forward to substantial and innovative responses to this consultation.”
Angela Smith said: “Noel Dempsey and I are determined to maximise the use of renewable energy resources and technologies available to the island of Ireland in a way that promotes economic growth, delivers electricity and heat to homes efficiently and also protects the environment.
“There is a real urgency about this work as sustainability is at the heart of our energy policy.”
