The Government is being urged to carry out an early review of its capital spending plan to help Ireland meet its energy efficiency targets.

Speaking at the Dublin launch of the 2016 Better Energy Communities grant scheme, Energy Minister Alex White said better-than-expected public finances will allow the Government to review its capital plan earlier than the proposed 2017. He said large-scale capital investment was essential in energy efficiency, renewable energy and green transport.

It is understood the Better Energy Communities grant scheme will distribute €20 million to community-based energy efficiency projects this year.

-- Advertisement --

Minister White said: "We need, as a country, to recommit ourselves to a scale of investment necessary to make our low-carbon ambition a reality. The Government's capital spending plan, published last September, demonstrates that we are alive to the challenge. But, while significant, it will not be enough to address the entire range of medium to long-term social, economic and environmental priorities that require substantial investment. I very much agree with my colleague Brendan Howlin, when he said that our better-than-expected public finances will allow us to review the capital plan earlier than 2017.

"I am part of a political tradition that champions long-term capital investment as a core element of public policy: One that needs to be valued – as much as current spending and tax breaks – by politicians, businesses, commentators and citizens. If we are returned as part of the next coalition Government, Labour will prioritise capital investment in a broad range of areas. This will include Better Energy Communities and other programmes that will help us meet the challenge of global warming, which requires large-scale investment in energy efficiency, renewables, and green transport."

(CD/LM)