The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, today launched the Energy Policy Green Paper for Ireland, marking the beginning of a ten-week public consultation on the future shape of Ireland’s energy policy.
Ireland faces significant inter-related challenges in relation to climate change, energy sustainability, security, and competitiveness. These can be addressed by transforming Ireland’s economy from one based on a predominantly imported fossil fuel to a more indigenous low carbon economy centred on energy efficiency, renewable energy and smart networks.
The Government is determined to ensure that the needs of the citizens of Ireland are also at the core of this necessary transition. Energy infrastructure must benefit society as a whole and everybody should be able to afford to adequately heat and light their home. Giving consumers more control over their energy choices by providing them with options through efficiency programmes and promoting real and active competition will empower consumers to make decisions that can benefit them.
Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte T.D., today urged members of the public to engage in the public consultation process on our future energy policy before the deadline of 31st July 2014 saying:
“Any discussion on energy takes place within a complicated framework of competing and interconnected energy priorities but also across all sectors of the economy. It is timely to take stock and question the reasoning behind our energy policy approaches. The Energy Policy Green Paper recognises the complexity of the energy landscape and the importance of pursuing policies beyond competitiveness, sustainability and security of supply that recognise the significance of energy policy’s contribution to promoting economic recovery.
“A progressive energy agenda is needed. We are embarking on a new avenue of ending our energy island isolation, reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthening our leadership position in niche areas of energy technology expertise. It is therefore timely to take stock and question the reasoning behind our energy policy approaches, ensuring that we proceed on an evidence-based approach, in order to set a fresh example for meaningful energy policy discussion and on-going dialogue in shaping a new policy framework for the years to come.”
The Minister’s speech at the launch can be found at www.dcenr.gov.ie/greenpaperspeech and the Green Paper Consultation can be accessed www.dcenr.gov.ie/greenpaper.