Vol. 524 No. 4
10 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the extent and cost of energy imports in volume and monetary terms; her views on whether Ireland has the best clean energy resources in Europe; and the plans she has for the major development of these resources. [22531/00]
35 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on whether Ireland can avert the serious environmental consequences of exceeding agreed quota limits on greenhouse gas emissions by developing our vast clean energy resources. [22530/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 35 together.
According to the Central Statistics Office approximately 9.35 mtoe – millions of tonnes of oil equivalent – were imported into Ireland in 1999. The value of these imports amounted to £893 million.
In regard to renewable sources of energy, Ireland is endowed with a considerable resource and my aim is to create the circumstances that will facilitate the commercial exploitation of these resources so that they make a valuable contribution to meeting Ireland's electricity needs.
In September 1999, I set an increased target of 500 megawatts of renewable energy based electricity generating plant to be delivered by 2005. The target will double the contribution of renewable energy to electricity generated from 6% to 12% and the total avoided CO2 emissions will be in the order of 2.4 million tonnes, making a significant contribution towards meeting our greenhouse gas emissions limit.
My colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Dempsey, has overall responsibility for the implementation of policies to limit our greenhouse gas emissions. I understand the Minister will publish his strategy shortly.
Does the Minister of State accept we have the best clean energy resources in Europe, that it is appalling we are importing up to £1,000 million worth of energy products, that we need major environmental protection, which is possible provided we invest in renewable energy, that the job to date has been minuscule, that a much greater effort needs to be made and that there will be a return for us on all fronts if that effort is now made? Will the Minister encourage his Cabinet colleagues to support him in making a major effort in the development of renewable energy?
I agree with the Deputy that we have a huge renewable energy resource. That has been proven and is the result of a number of stud ies already conducted. I do not agree with the Deputy on the other matter. I emphasise that the Government has a fully-funded policy on energy efficiency and renewables. I look forward to driving forward that policy which is laid out in the Green Paper published in September 1999. That Green Paper was well received in all sectors of the energy area.
The Minister of State is fiddling with the problem and he does not even know it.
I know it inside out.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
