Ireland's over-dependence on supplies of oil poses a significant burden to the economy and a threat to future energy security, a major international report published today revealed.
The International Energy Agency's (IEA) Irish review analysed the energy challenges facing the country and outlined a number of alternatives to improve efficiency, including the importance of developing an all-Ireland energy market, due to come into force in November.
Though praising the Government's White Paper on Energy, the report called for an end to the country's over-reliance on oil and more use of renewable energy sources. It also found improvements in energy efficiency were possible but the Government needed to focus its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion, particularly in Dublin.
The publication has been widely welcomed, with business chiefs insisting the Government must address the country's high energy costs.
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan said the country must act with urgency to ensure it is placed on a sustainable energy path. "The global energy outlook has changed fundamentally and the challenges continue to grow," he said. "We must all act with resolve and urgency to get on a sustainable energy path if we are to tackle climate change and ensure economic and social growth based on secure, diverse and sustainable energy supply."
Today's report coincides with the announcement that the transition to the cross-border all-Ireland electricity market has begun.
"Ireland has seen tremendous economic growth in the last 15 years and its energy supply system has significantly contributed to enabling this growth," IEA director Claude Mandil said. "Dramatic increases in energy efficiency in power generation during the last 15 years have not been able to counteract the increasing emissions of greenhouse gases in Ireland and the Government will have to focus very strongly on addressing the rise of these emissions through further increases in efficiency."
Energy Policies of IEA Countries Ireland 2007 Reviewpraised the Government's Energy White Paper as the first comprehensive energy package in over 30 years.
A key component of the paper is the establishment of an-Ireland market for electricity which will be launched in the autumn. The transition to the market began today.
The Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) said the report highlighted the insufficient progress made by the state in addressing energy costs.