A new Government-sponsored body to spearhead the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions was unveiled in Dublin today by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Ahern.
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Sustainable Energy Ireland also published its five-year strategy document aimed at improving energy efficiency and the development of alternative renewable energy sources.
Over the next five years, Sustainable Energy Ireland will be granted €223 million, which is being funded from the National Development Plan.
Mr David Taylor has been appointed chief executive of Sustainable Energy Ireland, and Prof Frank Convery from the Environmental Institute, UCD, has been appointed chairman.
Mr Taylor outlined the work programme and strategy for the authority. "Ireland faces a major challenge in trying to meet our commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. The recent summit in Johannesburg only highlights further the need to achieve consensus and a wider commitment to creating sustainable development for all".
The Government's National Climate Change Strategy identifies a 15.4 million tonnes target reduction in annual carbon dioxide emissions for 2008-2012. Over two-thirds of this is scheduled to be delivered by actions in the energy supply or energy-use sectors.