Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

I second the amendment. I join with my colleague, Senator Coffey, in welcoming the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, for his maiden speech in the Seanad.

It is clear from the thrust of the two previous contributions, and from all reasonable debate on this area, that in future there must be a push for increased use of geothermal energy in housing and on a larger scale in power stations. There should be an increase in grants to entice developers in the construction industry to use the greener home scheme as much as possible in new projects. The Government must provide a combination of grants and tax allowances in an imaginative package to incentivise developers to go down the road of using geothermal energy in new housing schemes. I am proud that some of the largest developers in the country are from my county and operate there and in Dublin. I hope they will take on board this approach. This would also incentivise other people and get the public involved and help to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.

The Italian transport service has tested and validated the use of solar panels on trains. I urge the Minister to examine this possibility here. It appears solar panels can work well and this technology could be used here on the Luas and in other rail systems to conserve energy. This approach could have great potential.

A push is required for more re-use of waste from the construction industry. Waste materials should be re-used when old houses are being demolished or refurbished. A study was carried out in Wales which showed such an approach could be successful. Building rubble can be used for roadways and a variety of other uses. I urge the Minister to examine this option, perhaps in a committee.

It is likely that the environment committee of the EU is about to introduce legislation to cap carbon emissions from cars. It appears it will adopt a similar system to our vehicle registration tax system which would, in effect, mean it will not be possible to use cars above a certain power. We must examine this area.

The major issue which I would urge the Minister to examine is the re-introduction of a national railway network. I accept this is a national debate rather than a parochial one but I wish to use an example from my area as I know it best. I refer to the possibility of the establishment of a Navan to Dublin rail link. There is already a commercial line from Kingscourt to Navan and one could provide park and ride facilities in Navan. This would allow people to travel also from the commuter belt of Cavan and north Meath to Navan and from there to Dublin by rail. The rail system should be extended all over the country as it is a critical mode of transport. The public does not see enough of a commitment to rail services by the Government. This issue is so important it should be more high profile in the Government's objectives.

We have an abundance of wind as a resource in Ireland. Generating electricity from wind results in no CO2 emissions and can thus make a valuable contribution to meeting our requirements under the Kyoto Protocol. The Minister spoke at the opening of the Bindoo wind farm at the Mountain Lodge near Cootehill in County Cavan, the area where I was reared. This was one of the most pleasant exercises we had enjoyed in a long time. The wind farm is marvellous in terms of what it will contribute to the grid in terms of renewable energy. It is also marvellous in a secondary way. The delight of the local farming community that day was palpable in terms of the income it will provide to small farmers, the farming community in general and other landowners in this area. I welcome this income, especially given the difficulties in the cattle trade and so on. It is important that this be done.

I share the concern that grants are not adequate for the introduction of solar panels and the use of wood chip burners to provide geothermal options in houses. I note the Minister has recently reduced the grants, the argument being, as I understand it, that these technologies generate their own activity and no longer need to be supported. I argue that to achieve a proper culture with regard to the use of such technologies and to achieve proper change, the premature reduction of the grants should be reconsidered. Those who take the alternative route need an incentive. This would make good economic sense in the long run and is worthy of serious consideration.

Increased use should be made of small wind turbines for private houses and communities of houses. Yesterday, on the invitation of a friend and in preparation for this debate, I visited some of the old flax and corn mills dotted throughout counties Cavan and Monaghan. These traditional mills were powered by water and it seems a reasonable supposition that they could now power alternators and generate electricity. The Minister should investigate this suggestion, which I commend to the attention of a future committee. We must think outside the box in this regard. Water is a natural, God-given resource so why not use it? I cannot believe such a project would not be sustainable.

I commend the amendment to the House. It underlines the gravity of the threat of carbon emissions and the lack of emphasis on renewables.