While the economy showed modest growth in 2012, Ireland's energy use fell 4.6% according to the annual Energy in Ireland (2013) report published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

Almost one fifth of Irish electricity now comes from renewable sources, cutting around €300 million from Ireland's fossil fuel imports last year. Electricity generated from renewables has increased eightfold since 1990.

Launching the report, Chief Executive of SEAI Brian Motherway said: "The energy productivity of Ireland's economy has been improving steadily over recent years, with progress in all sectors. We are moving in the right direction, but there is no room for complacency. We still import 85% of our energy and this bill grew to €6.5 billion in 2012. This underlines the need to move from imported fossil fuels to indigenous renewables, and to achieve further efficiency gains.

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"The typical Irish home now emits 40% less CO2 than was the case 20 years ago. But we need to achieve even greater savings with further investment in energy upgrades, not only in our homes but in all buildings. Investing in energy efficiency, particularly in our buildings sector, can play an important role in our economic recovery by supporting jobs and strengthening business competitiveness."

(CD/MH)