Written answers

Tuesday, 21 November 2006

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Energy Conservation

9:00 am

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is prepared to implement any of the measures from the new 75 step programme to tackle energy inefficiency and increase energy awareness and conservation across the EU that was recently brought forward by the Energy Commissioner, Mr. Andris Piebalgs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38832/06]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Europe presented by the Commission sets out a very comprehensive range of proposed policies and measures aimed at realising at least 20% savings in EU energy consumption by 2020.

Its related objective is to provide EU citizens with the most energy efficient infrastructure, buildings, appliances, processes, transport and energy systems.

Energy efficiency has the potential to be the most effective and economical means of delivering on the challenge of reducing import dependence, reducing the energy demand and reducing CO2 emissions.

The Commission's ambitious Action Plan is to be welcomed in terms of its overall approach. The Plan sets out 10 priority actions for transport, built environment power generation, economic sectors and individual consumers. The actions are underpinned by a large programme of 57 measures which the Commission will progressively propose to Council and Parliament up to 2012.

The Council of Energy Ministers will discuss the Action Plan this week and I fully expect colleagues to share my view that this is a very welcome plan. Obviously the debate on the very many individual actions proposed in the plan will continue into the future. But the immediate requirement is to endorse the overall thrust of the plan and encourage the Commission to move ahead rapidly.

It is essential that we have effective co-ordination and synergies between National Energy Efficiency Action Plans and action at Community level. Member States need to retain room for manoeuvre depending on specific circumstances.

I recently launched the multi annual national energy efficiency campaign Power of One which is the umbrella for a comprehensive series of actions on energy efficiency to be rolled out over the next 12 months. Energy Efficiency is a cornerstone of Irish Energy policy as it is for European Energy Policy. I look forward to working in Europe and here at home to deliver the very considerable dividend which energy efficiency offers.

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