Ireland is becoming more dependent on imported fossil fuels for its energy despite efforts to develop alter natives, according to the Minister of State for Public Enterprise, Mr Joe Jacob. Speaking at the inauguration of the Galway Energy Agency on Friday, Mr Jacob said over 66 per cent of our primary energy needs came from imported fossil fuels. This was rising in line with increased energy demands due to the strong economic growth.
It underlined the importance of developing indigenous energy sources, including renewable ones such as wind and solar energy, he said.
"There are several strategic reasons for promoting the use of clean and renewable forms of energy. The 1970s taught us a hard lesson on the problems that can result from an over-dependency on imported fossil fuels."
Concerns about the future "security" of fossil fuel supply, as well as environmental considerations, highlighted the need for promoting renewable energy. "If we are serious about sustainable development, we must accept that in the long term renewable and clean forms of energy are the only fuels whose continued use we can sustain."
Earlier in the week Mr Jacob launched the third Energy Challenge in Ballyconnell, Co Cavan. Energy Challenge is a cross-Border initiative organised jointly by the Department and its Northern Ireland equivalent which aims to support a wide range of energy efficiency projects.
These include district heating systems, wind energy, hydro power, biomass, solar power and energy from waste. Its budget for 1997 is £300,000.
The event was one of many timed to coincide with Energy Awareness Week. For the first time, there was a North-South dimension to the week. The Department of Economic Development in the North was represented on the committee which co-ordinated the activities.