Ireland needs to drive the renewable energy agenda forward, Waterford delegates told at Roadshow on Energy and Economy

Ireland needs to “start a serious debate about nuclear and move on from Christy Moore and Carnsore”, delegates at the European Commission Representation in Ireland’s Roadshow on Energy and the Economy heard today (13/10/22).

Economist Jim Power was addressing delegates alongside Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune and South East Energy Agency CEO Paddy Phelan at the citizen dialogue event which took place at the South East Technological University, Waterford.

Addressing an audience of students, energy professionals, civil society and members of the local community, Mr Power said: “Energy is one of the most fundamental challenges facing Ireland at the moment, and along with housing should be regarded as one of the greatest threats to Ireland’s competitiveness and future economic well-being.

“We have got to drive the renewable energy agenda forward and not be dictated by nimbyism. We also need to start a serious debate about nuclear and move on from Christy Moore and Carnsore.”

Speaking at the event, Ireland South MEP Deidre Clune outlined that the EU must move quickly to curb the dramatic rise of heating and electricity prices as we enter the winter months.

“This European Commission Roadshow event comes at a crucial time when urgent action is required, as the energy crisis is already putting huge strain on families and businesses.

“Russia’s continued disruption of energy supplies has led to unprecedented energy costs, however in the last two weeks we have seen EU leaders reach a political agreement on a regulation on an emergency intervention to address high electricity prices.

“I now want to see a swift adoption of concrete measures to stabilise the European energy market. These should include price caps, the decoupling of electricity prices from natural gas and continued investment in renewable energy infrastructure.”

South East Energy Agency CEO Paddy Phelan spoke about potential energy resources at a regional level, such as BioEnergy, to compliment the planned renewable electricity targets.
 
He said: “Building on the Fit for 55 package of proposals and completing the actions on energy security of supply and storage, the main strands of action under the plan are saving energy by promoting energy efficiency and enhancing preparedness; diversifying energy supplies; quickly substituting fossil fuels by accelerating Europe's clean energy transition and smartly combining investments and reforms.”

The event was organised by the European Commission Representation in Ireland with the support of European Movement Ireland and moderated by the Representation’s Head of Communications, Tim Hayes. It forms part of a series of roadshow events that are being organised around the country focused on the impact of energy in the economy in the context of the EU’s REPowerEU plan.

The event can be watched back on our Youtube channel (scroll forward 12 minutes for start).