Energy efficiency measures by public bodies reduced energy spend by €120 million last year, according to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Annual Report 2015.

The public sector is approximately halfway towards its 33% energy efficiency target for 2020, against a backdrop of increasing demand for public services as the economy recovers.

The report includes annual returns from 281 public bodies with an energy spend of €600m, which represents 87% of total public sector energy spend.

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Alex White TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources said: "I want to congratulate the public sector bodies and staff who have worked to get us to this important milestone of being halfway to our 2020 energy efficiency target. Their efforts mean we are saving money, cutting harmful emissions and making our public sector more efficient. With less than five years to go there is still a lot to do, but I am confident that our ambitious 33% target can be met. The forthcoming Public Sector Energy Efficiency Action Plan will give added impetus to this important work."

Mr William Walsh, interim CEO of SEAI said: "The report shows clear evidence of positive momentum and the savings possible. SEAI is working with all public bodies to meet the challenges ahead, making sure the public sector is a genuine exemplar."

(CD/LM)