The Green Economy
A key pillar of economic policy will be to implement a Green New Deal to move away from fossil-fuel based energy production through investment in renewable energy and increased energy efficiency to reduce demand, wastage and costs.
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We will put in place new public procurement procedures and guidelines to ensure that green criteria are at the centre of all state procurement.
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We will revise our Capital Investment Programme to take into account new budget realities and the need to deliver a Smart Economy and to meet our mandatory climate change emissions reduction targets.
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We will prioritise research and technologies that offer strong development opportunities in the area of water management, leaks, measurement, metres etc.
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We will extend our system of Accelerated Capital Allowances to develop the Green Economy into areas such as renewables, waste disposal and water usage.
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We will work with the ESB and international motor companies to see a deployment of some 6,000 electric vehicles over the next three years.
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We will implement the GRID 25 electricity grid plan to ensure we deliver on our ambitious renewable energy targets.
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We will present a plan for a high voltage off-shore electricity grid as part of the wider European electricity ‘Supergrid’ so that in the future we can become an energy-exporting nation.
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We will select a “Smart Town” test site of at least 1,000 homes for energy companies to test new smart grid and other energy efficient applications.
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We will transfer foreshore licensing to the Department of the Environment and integrate it with the planning system to assist the development of our ocean energy resources.
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We will introduce new energy demand reduction targets for energy utilities, thus allowing the customer to “save as they pay” through energy efficient measures.
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We will facilitate the establishment of energy research and technology centres by international institutions in Ireland.
