Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the European Parliament's proposal for a target of 20% alternative energy of the total energy market by 2020; his views on adopting this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27866/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Within the electricity market a target is established to increase the amount of electricity consumed from renewable energy sources to 13.2% by 2010. This is regarded as a challenging target to achieve. Currently, we have 675 MW of renewable capacity connected to our system and to reach the 2010 target of 1,450 MW, we will have to more than double the present renewable capacity. Current industry build rate shows that the required level is achievable. The new fixed price feed in tariff support programme that I announced recently will further stimulate construction. The question of what higher target can be set and in what timeframe is one that requires further analysis and technical input, largely but not exclusively in terms of grid and associated economic issues.

In July my Northern counterpart, Angela Smith, MP, and I published a preliminary consultation paper on an all-island vision for renewable energy to the year 2020 and beyond. The consultation period recently ended and the response has been very encouraging. The aim is to develop a long-term strategy for renewable energy on the island as a whole.