Sinn Fein has expressed disappointment that the White Paper on Energy failed to announce an outright ban on fracking.

Deputy Michael Colreavy, spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, said if the government is serious about developing a carbon free economy based on clean renewables, then a ban on fracking is a requirement.

However, Mr Colreavy said he welcomed the launch of the White Paper, but has called for the agenda set out to be backed by action.

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Deputy Colreavy said: "For the past number of years, in my brief as Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, I have repeatedly highlighted the fact that the government did not have a strategy for energy.

"The ambitions that have been set out in the white paper are welcome but the government must take action to ensure that they are introduced.

"I welcome the Minister's commitment to community energy projects but there must be ability for these projects to be connected to the national grid.

"Similarly, those who produce micro-generation should be supported by the energy market, and the government must work to facilitate this.

"An assessment from SEAI that €35 billion over the next 35 years would be needed to bring all Irish homes up to a sufficient energy efficient level indicates that the government will have to work harder in resourcing the retrofitting of homes."

(CD/LM)