Fine Gael TD for Kildare South Martin Heydon has today (Monday) welcomed confirmation from Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte that he is commencing a review of National Energy Policy with the publication today of a Green Paper on National Energy Policy which will be available for Public Consultation.

“Our existing National Energy policy was published in 2007 and much has changed since then. I believe a national conversation on our future energy needs is now long overdue; this means examining all options in terms of renewables, including alternatives to wind energy, such as wave, biomass and solar energy.

“I raised this issue recently with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte TD. Minister Rabbitte in response confirmed that his department was working on a Green Paper which will take account of a number of issues, including competitiveness, security of supply and the potential to support growth and job creation.

“The green paper published today which deals with many of those issues is open for public consultation from members of the public until 31st July.The green paper can be viewed at www.dcenr.gov.ie/greenpaper and submissions on it can be sent toGreenPaper@dcenr.ie.

“At a time when local communities across the country are concerned about the impact of wind turbines, pylons and fracking, I believe this is the appropriate time to fully review our overall energy policy, decide how we are going to meet future demands and to adequately examine all of the alternative options in a calm and rational manner.I would therefore urge all interested groups and individuals to use this opportunity and make their views known.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Recent Parliamentary Question from Pat Rabbitte attached below:

Parliamentary Question For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 8th April, 2014.

To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects progress on his review of national energy policy; if public consultation will form part of that process; when that might be; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– Martin Heydon.

Ref No:16809/14

REPLY

The energy policy landscape has undergone considerable change since the Energy Policy White Paper was published in 2007. Having regard to this, my Department is currently preparing an Energy Policy Green Paper identifying issues that need to be considered in the development of Ireland’s energy policy to meet current and future challenges. Competitiveness, security of supply, and sustainability, as well as energy policy’s potential to support economic growth and job creation, will be the key objectives of the Green Paper which I expect to publish in the coming weeks.

The purpose of the Green Paper will be to stimulate debate on these key energy policy objectives and how they may be achieved. There will be a full public consultation process during which interested parties will be invited to submit their views, observations and suggestions on the shape of Ireland’s future energy policy which includes the question of securing a balanced and secure energy mix from a variety of sources. On completion of the public consultation process, all submissions received will be considered and policy options developed with a view to the publication of a new Energy Policy Framework in the form of a White Paper. The public consultation process will contribute significantly to the development of the White Paper which I expect to publish by the end of the year.