29/07/2009

Push Energy Improvements, Says MEP

Northern Ireland MEP Bairbre de Brún has called on the Stormont Executive to set energy efficiency measures among its top priorities, as the new Swedish EU Presidency moves the issue up the political agenda.

Sweden, which took over the EU Presidency last month, hosted an informal meeting of energy and environment ministers in Åre, Sweden, last week, with energy efficiency high on the agenda.

Ms de Brún (pictured here) said: "Energy efficiency can help businesses through the economic crisis by lowering costs; can help less well off families out of fuel poverty and a shift to an energy-efficient economy can help economic growth.

"The Executive must use the resources and help available through the EU Task Force to put our economy on an energy-efficient path," said the Sinn Féin politician.

"Europe is clearly showing that climate-friendly policies such as energy efficiency and renewable energy can help economic growth and the Executive and Assembly must not be left behind."

The MEP added: "It is time to step up a gear in our engagement with Europe on this issue and to put energy efficiency and renewable energy at the heart of the Executive’s planning in the time ahead."

"If we fail to move we will end up importing solutions from others," she warned.

(PR/BMcC)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

15 June 2009
Potential For 'Green' Jobs, Says De Brun
The green economy should be at the heart of government programmes, according to Sinn Féin's Bairbre de Brún, who said energy efficiency schemes could create much-needed jobs for the ailing construction sector. The newly re-elected MEP (pictured) appeared before the Climate Change Inquiry held by the Assembly Environment Committee last week.
20 November 2002
NI homes save £82m due to energy efficiency
Warmer homes, lower bills and a healthier environment have resulted from a focus on Home Energy Efficiency in Northern Ireland.
24 September 2024
Additional £2.5m Announced For NI Sustainable Energy Programme
An additional £2.5m funding package has been announced for the NI Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP). NISEP is a series of energy efficiency schemes with 80% of funding targeted at low-income households delivered by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of the Utility Regulator. This additional £2.
20 January 2022
NIE Networks Announce 110 Jobs Connected To New Energy Strategy
Northern Ireland's new Path to Net Zero energy strategy will lead to more affordable energy and create jobs, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced. As Minister Lyons launched a 22-point Action Plan for the Path to Net Zero Energy, NIE Networks announced 110 new jobs aligned to the strategy.
16 February 2023
Lack Of Executive Impacting Cost-Of-Living Response
The DUP's ongoing boycott of the Executive is undermining the ability of government to tackle the cost of living and meet climate change targets, Alliance Climate and Energy spokesperson Eóin Tennyson MLA has said.