Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 3

Written Answers. - Energy Generation and Conservation.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

5 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he will have the energy proposals in the National Development Plan 1994-1999 reconsidered in favour of energy conservation measures and renewable energy options, particularly since the budget allocations to energy conservation fell from £2.28 million in 1981 to £300,000 in 1992 and State funding for Regional Development and Demonstration projects involving renewable technologies fell from £310,000 in 1981 to zero in 1989, at which level it has remained.

Michael Noonan

Question:

90 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications whether the Government has set objectives on the proportion of energy to be generated from renewable energy sources; and if he will give the Government's policy in this area.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 90 together.

The National Development Plan specifically identifies the need to ensure that energy is consumed as efficiently as possible as a primary objective of Irish energy policy. In pursuit of this objective, it is proposed to provide considerably increased funding over the life of the plan for a series of efficiency measures which will focus directly on boosting the efficiency of energy use by the consumer. These measures, including the establishment of an Irish Energy Centre, will expand on and considerably strengthen the existing National Energy Conservation Programme.

The Government is also committed to the promotion of appropriate alternative energy sources and has recently set 75 MW as the target for electricity generation to be obtained from additional alternative energy sources before 1997. My Department, in consultation with the ESB, is developing a competitive scheme to ensure that such supplies are available before 1997 from independent producers. Details of the scheme will be announced early next year.