Energy savings of €750 million have been made by the 600 organisations that have participated in the Sustainable Energy Awards over the last decade.

"These organisations have made massive savings. Given that between them they employ 400,000 people, it is impossible to underestimate the importance of this achievement," said Dr Brian Motherway, Chief Executive of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), speaking at the final Awards ceremony in Dublin.

Kerry Local Authorities' fresh thinking has enabled them to innovate and consistently deliver real and tangible benefits to the people of Kerry. One of the projects that captures the essence of what Kerry has achieved is the Tralee biomass district heating system. The project which started as a means of delivering income to the local forestry sector, soon widened to see hundreds of homes made more comfortable and cheaper to run, while providing renewable heat to many community buildings. Kerry Local Authorities have achieved energy savings of €1million through their 185 projects implemented to date.

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Dr Brian Motherway added: "The tenth annual Sustainable Energy Awards show how serious Irish business has got about the energy agenda in recent years. We are also seeing great initiatives from small and large firms, from public bodies, and from many local communities. Ireland has achieved great things in this area, and the Awards recognise and reward the inspirational leaders that are making it happen."

(CD/MH)