Patrick D. Harte
Ceist:42 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for Energy the new initiatives he has planned for 1990 in the area of energy conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Vol. 400 No. 9
42 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for Energy the new initiatives he has planned for 1990 in the area of energy conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department's energy conservation programme was modified last year with an increased emphasis on the measurement of savings and replicating results on as widespread a basis as possible. This revised programme continues in the current year.
The environment action programme introduced earlier this year by the Government identified the need for action to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide which account for a significant proportion of greenhouse gases. In this context energy conservation is considered to be the most effective short-term contribution the developed world can make towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Additional resources this year amounting to £500,000 were allocated to launch a major energy conservation programme in addition to the activities which are currently under way.