Hundreds of SME’s in Limerick/Clare risk being left in the dark

That is according to the Limerick Clare Energy Agency (LCEA), which today launched an Energy Management Certification project for SME’s in the Shannon area.

The pilot scheme, which is expected to be rolled out nationally, aims to assist participating SME’s that are concerned about the security of energy supplies and the environmental impact of energy emissions. Junior Environment and Energy Minister Tony Killeen, T.D., today presented twelve business owners with certificates in recognition of their participation in the project.

"Growing uncertainty over future supplies of imported fuel coupled with the annual 10-20% increase in domestic energy bills will eventually cripple the capability of SME’s to function unless remedial measures are taken. The situation is especially grave for the local economy considering SME’s collectively employ more than multinational companies", warned Mr. Pat Stephens, Director of the LCEA.

Commenting further on the energy crisis now facing SME’s in Clare and Limerick, Mr. Stephens said, "Enterprises that choose to ignore the importance of energy efficiency, security of energy supply and CO2 emissions are surrendering control of their business to energy companies in the Middle East and Russia. Such dependence on imported fossil fuels means that when an oil or gas supply nation closes a supply valve, they will be stifling the ability of Irish SME’s to operate. Ultimately, without energy there is no economy."

Mr. Stephens acknowledged that the Midwest Region’s large multinationals had put in place the necessary measures to ensure that they remain functional during any potential energy crisis. He added that SME’s needed to follow suit by securing an economic and efficient supply of energy.

"By 2030 the 27 EU countries will have to import 93% of the oil that they need. Furthermore, it seems likely that existing sources of oil will be unable to meet this growing demand. Without urgent and significant action on energy security and climate change, we in Clare and Limerick will feel the environment winds of change soon after the economic storm has done its worst. Participation in the SME Energy Management Certification Scheme is just one way that companies can avoid such an eventuality", concluded Mr. Stephens.

The scheme helps participating SME’s to identify the energy they need, what kind of energy they are using (electricity, oil, gas etc.) and how efficiently they are using it, whether their local and global competitors are more efficient at using energy to create work and wealth, and whether they can use indigenous energy resources to reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels.

The pilot project is being administered by the LCEA, in association with the National Standards Authority of Ireland. The local LEADER companies in Limerick and Clare including West Limerick Resources, Ballyhoura Development and Rural Resource Development Ltd, also support the scheme. It is anticipated that the scheme will be rolled out nationally following its successful delivery in Clare and Limerick.

Companies interested in joining the pilot project (FREE) should contact the Limerick Clare Energy Agency at 061-234296/info@lcea.ie or visit www.lcea.ie to download the energy management tools.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Mr. Patrick Stephens, Manager of the Limerick Clare Energy Agency is available for interview or further comment. He may be contacted at 061-234296/087-0508181
- For further please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- The LCEA, which was established in July 05 by co-investment from Limerick County Council and Clare County Council, is one of 16 other agencies that form an all-island association. However, the Agency is unique in that it was established entirely from local authority funding without any external assistance. The priorities for the LCEA for its first three years of operation include the promotion of an indigenous energy supply, the devising of a climate change strategy for Limerick and Clare, the establishment of a Fuel Poverty Programme for Limerick and Clare, advising local authority housing departments on energy efficiency, and securing an energy and emissions balance for both counties. The LCEA, also receives sponsorship from the University of Limerick, Rural Resource Development Limited in County Clare, West Limerick Resources Limited, and the County Limerick based Ballyhoura Development Ltd. The support of the sponsors enables the LCEA to conduct a number of important projects in both counties, as well as operating from a centre of excellence in the University of Limerick

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
media@dunphypr.com
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)