Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 401: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the use of intelligent lighting as an energy saving device; and his views on whether it is incumbent on all public bodies to use them. [33361/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Intelligent lighting systems offer very significant potential for energy efficiency savings in buildings. Many new public buildings are including advanced lighting systems that encompass high-efficiency fittings and advanced controls. Retrofit solutions are also available and can sometimes offer attractive returns on investment, but are not always economically justified. I understand that it has been the practice of the Office of Public Works for many years to install such systems in its new buildings where economically practicable.

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has commenced its "Bright Ideas" national roadshow on lighting solutions for business, including public sector organisations. This event will be visiting 5 venues countrywide over the months of October and November. The roadshow is providing an educational and networking forum for the entire lighting supply chain, practical actionable advice on how to use lighting in an effective and efficient manner and case studies of local organisations who have worked with SEI to reduce their lighting energy consumption and manage their energy costs. SEI has also published the first three guides in a series of nine sector-specific, high-efficiency lighting guides for business.

Through these and other programmes, SEI is highlighting the energy savings and other benefits available from new advanced lighting systems. This complements the accelerated capital allowances for energy efficient equipment introduced in the Finance Act 2008 to encourage take-up by industry of more energy efficient equipment. Efficient lighting and lighting controls are included among the classes of eligible technology under the Accelerated Capital Allowances Scheme.