Written answers

Tuesday, 30 May 2006

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Energy Conservation

8:00 pm

Photo of Gerard MurphyGerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to encourage energy conservation; if he has in mind the identification of specific targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20704/06]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to introduce new measures on energy conservation, directly or in conjunction with the relevant Ministerial colleagues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20705/06]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 342: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to encourage energy conservation; if he had in mind the identification of specific targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20829/06]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 343: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to introduce new measures on energy conservation, directly or in conjunction with the relevant Ministerial colleagues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20830/06]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 75, 113, 342 and 343 together.

The Government is giving high priority to energy efficiency as a key national imperative right across industry, SMEs, agriculture, transport, the construction sector and the public sector as well as individual energy consumers. Energy efficiency and demand management strategies have a critical contribution to make to sustainable energy objectives. Reducing the high percentage of wasted energy is a crucial part of the global EU and Irish energy challenge. I fully endorse the EU Commission's priority focus on energy efficiency as articulated in the Green Paper and as reflected in existing and new Directives. There is a clear potential to save 20% of energy consumption across the EU by 2020.

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive comes into effect next year. It sets minimum energy performance requirements for new buildings and major renovations and the introduction of energy performance ratings for buildings. Renewable energy options must be considered for new large scale public or private buildings. I am keen in that context to ensure that the Government's decentralisation building programme is an exemplar in terms of energy efficiency and renewable energy usage and we are continuing to liaise with OPW in support of this objective.

The EU Directive on energy end-use efficiency and energy services, sets indicative targets for Member States to improve energy efficiency by 1% each year over 9 years, from 2008. I intend to set the bar high in terms of national energy efficiency goals. A number of initiatives are being developed to underpin delivery of ambitious efficiency targets. I will be launching a national energy efficiency campaign later this year. The multi annual campaign will target individual energy consumers, businesses, the public sector and transport. The campaign will aim to change behaviour and achieve demonstrable reductions through awareness of the costs and environmental impacts of inefficient energy use.

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), has just launched a new energy agreements programme, targeted at some of the country's biggest industrial energy users. This new programme will build on progress to date through the Large Industry Energy Network by requiring and supporting firms to work towards certification to the new Irish Standard on Energy Management.

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