Energy options and energy policy

Sir, – We are still one of the most energy-import dependent countries in the EU. Our energy policy is based on increasing levels of renewable energy, mainly wind, which would improve our energy security – when blowing – but would be dependent on increasing proportions of high-carbon natural gas support; offshore wind has still some way to go before contributing to the grid.

It is irresponsible to ignore the possibility or probability that we will miss our commitment to 70 per cent renewable electricity by 2030.

Delays in introducing enabling legislation for offshore wind and acquiring planning permissions, and our slow delivery of transmission infrastructure, make achievement of such aims dubious in the extreme.

There are two legal barriers to developing a nuclear power programme in Ireland: removal of these two legal barriers would not commit Ireland to using nuclear energy but it would enable a genuine public discussion making it a legal possibility. – Yours, etc,