Support for Renewable Energy Sector will reap important economic benefits

Fine Gael Sligo/Leitrim Senator, Michael Comiskey, has today (Thursday) welcomed an extension of the REFIT 2 Scheme which gives investors until 2017 to assist in achieving renewable energy targets. The previous deadline had been 2015. REFIT is the primary scheme supporting Ireland’s legally binding energy commitments.

“These amendments announced by the Minister for Communications, Energy and National Resources, Pat Rabbitte TD, create a positive incentive for investors in the renewable energy sector and will be of benefit in achieving our green energy targets, particularly in the wind energy sector.

“Wind energy offers potential for investment, job creation and energy security. As many countries contemplate being unable to meet future energy demands, Ireland is in a position to examine the potential of exporting green energy.

“The recent Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and the United Kingdom may be the first step towards harnessing this potential and creating a real economic opportunity.

“As the cost of fossil fuels continues to rise, wind is an important alternative for domestic energy supply and may represent a significant portion of the export sector in the future.

The West of Ireland is particularly suited as it boasts the highest wind speed in Europe. The development of a renewable energy infrastructure would offer important job creation at a local level at the construction phase.

“It is important that the impact of new energy resources upon the environment, the landscape and amenities is taken into consideration for future energy strategies. The potential economic benefits which may be reaped together with the need to meet future energy demands must be balanced with the need to protect the environment.

“Any planning measures must however be realistic and recognise the increasing need to develop renewable sources of energy to supply homes and industry for the long term.

“The changes to REFIT 2 will create certainty for those considering investment in the renewable energy sector. I would like to thank Minister Rabbitte and the work of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for the continued support of the renewable energy sector.”