Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) said today that "significant progress" has been made in the drive to reduce the environmental impact of energy production and greenhouse gas emissions.
The announcement was made in conjunction with the publication by SEI of its first annual report, which outlines key activities and progress made by the agency in its first eight months of operation.
Formed as an independent statutory authority in May 2002 under the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, SEI is charged with promoting and assisting the development of sustainable energy.
Over its five-year strategy, SEI will deliver programmes covering the built environment, industry, the public and commercial sectors, transport, consumers and renewable energy.
SEI also advises the Government on policies and measures aimed at stimulating sustainable energy actions by public bodies, the business sector, local communities and individual consumers.
"In its first eight months of operation, Sustainable Energy Ireland has already seen vigorous progress," Professor Frank Convery, Chairman SEI, said.
According to Professor Convery, the Public Sector Programme also achieved notable success, under which €12.7 million in Government funding has been made available to improve energy efficiency in non-commercial public sector buildings.