Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this opportunity to speak on the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015. The Bill is the result of two years' hard work, including in-depth public consultations on climate legislation. In this regard, I would like to praise the extensive consideration given by both the Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. The Bill will provide a statutory basis for the national objective of a transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. In so doing, it will give a solid statutory foundation to the institutional arrangements necessary to enable the State to pursue and achieve that objective.

I have seen at first hand the many benefits achieved from introducing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in the community. My home town of Dundalk has been progressive in this regard and the Dundalk 2020 project is a prime example of this. Dundalk set itself ambitious targets by 2020, including 20% of all heat produced by renewable energy; 20% of all electricity used by renewable energy; and 40% energy efficiency in selected buildings. By achieving these targets it was estimated that there would be a reduction of 10,000 tonnes in carbon dioxide. By the end of 2010, Dundalk 2020 had reached almost 60% of the ambitious targets set. This scheme was established by the SEAI in partnership with Louth County Council and is a perfect example of how sustainable energy communities can exist and thrive in modern Ireland.

The area covered by the project is 4 sq. km and has approximately 2,500 residents. Some 3,500 people are working in the area and over 5,800 people are studying there. As a direct result of the scheme, savings in excess of €500,000 per year are being achieved through energy efficiency measures and over 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide is avoided each year. Dundalk 2020 is perfect example of how innovative technologies, policies and practices can create sustainable energy communities that are of benefit to all.

Another such project in Dundalk is the Cox's Demesne Regeneration Scheme, which is a unique public private partnership between the local authority, SEAI and Electric Ireland. The project involved more than 600 homes and included energy efficient insulation, boiler installations, draught proofing and installation of heating controls, all at no cost to the residents. It achieved impressive results with the vast majority of houses improving their building energy ratings from an E2 to a C1. Such was the success of the project that it was short-listed for the Ace Awards, which is one of Europe's most prestigious events for recognising achievements in renewable and sustainable energy.

I would like to put on record my full support for the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill and I look forward to it being enacted.

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