FF to focus on achieving a balanced and secure energy mix – Moynihan
Published on: 12 April 2015
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Michael Moynihan TD has said Ireland’s current energy policy is driving up consumer prices, making our economy uncompetitive and failing to tap into the opportunities presented by community energy projects.
Deputy Moynihan was commenting ahead of the launch of Fianna Fáil’s latest policy document on energy. The party is set to unveil its proposals tomorrow.
“Moving towards a carbon neutral environment is a long term goal that must be targeted to ensure future generations will be in a position to be energy self-sufficient” said Deputy Moynihan.
“Ireland is still excessively dependent on energy importation to power homes and businesses. This is a precarious position that we find ourselves in given the changing energy environment globally.
“Ireland is obligated to meet the EU target of 16% for all energy to be generated from renewable sources by 2020. Concrete steps must to be taken now to allow us to attain this target. It is also important that Ireland does not become over reliant on any one particular energy source. We must diversify where possible to achieve overall energy security.
“The policy paper that Fianna Fáil is unveiling next week focuses on the following key areas:
• Ensuring a balanced and secure energy mix
• Investment in retrofitting homes and businesses
• Reforming and empowering the Commission for Energy Regulation to reduce prices
• Planning infrastructure with community consensus
• Examining the expansion of biomass
“Our policy seeks to outline the actions necessary to put Ireland’s energy supply on a more balanced and cost effective footing while also ensuring that community concerns are address with regard to strategic infrastructure projects.
“Now is the time for communities to work together with the aim of securing our future prosperity and progress for decades to come. We must tackle what is one of the greatest challenges of our generation” said Deputy Moynihan.