Mid-West Leads The Way In Promoting Sustainable Energy Says Killeen

Speaking following a visit to the annual Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) Energy Show, Minister Killeen said that the region had played a leading role in the growth of the country’s thriving sustainable energy sector.

He indicated that those involved in the sector in Clare, North Tipperary and Limerick had consolidated such a contribution by attending and participating in this year’s Energy Show at Dublin’s RDS.

"Driven by Government policy, new planning and building regulations, today renewable energy technology has progressed from the status of desirable to essential", explained Minister Killeen.

He continued, "Householders, business owners and local authorities across the Midwest have, in many respects, set an example for other regions to follow in relation to embracing the potential of renewable energy technologies."

"All we need do is look at the work of the Limerick Clare Energy Agency and the Tipperary Energy Agency, which are supported by the Midwest’s local authorities, to realise how important it is for the region to embrace the potential of renewable energy. Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet has also played a pivotal role by upskilling and certifying Renewable Energy Installers, which has boosted consumer confidence in the standard of installations being provided", stated Minister Killeen.

The Minister said that the Midwest would again highlight the region’s considerable role in promoting sustainable energy when the County Clare Wood Energy Project hosts a National Seminar and Open Day next week.

He added, "There are a large number of private and publicly owned companies and organisations now specialising in promoting the use of renewable energy technologies. I was delighted to meet some of the region’s leading companies in this area at the Energy Show, including Timber Pro and Energy Automation Systems Ireland. I believe the success of such firms is indicative of the country’s increased energy demand, as well as changing values and lifestyles."

Commenting on the 2008 SEI Energy Show, Minister Killeen said, "The Energy Show is by now well established as Ireland’s biggest annual showcase for the sustainable energy sector. Anyone who walks around the exhibition hall will get a sense of the enormous growth and vibrancy in the sector."

He pointed towards a recent Government study showing that it is feasible for Ireland to generate 42% of its electricity supply from renewable resources by 2020.

"To meet the wider target of achieving 16% of our overall energy needs from renewable energy sources will require significant investment from both the Government and the private sector. Events like the Energy Show are integral to the sector achieving this growth", concluded Minister Killeen.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request