An ambitious plan to establish the Mid West of Ireland as a region of excellence and expertise in the area of energy efficiency will be unveiled later this week.

Junior Environment and Energy Minister Tony Killeen will launch Ireland's first Regional Climate Strategy at the Mid West Regional Authority’s (MWRA) annual conference in Adare, County Limerick next week.

"In response to international concern about climate change and the Government's recent carbon budget, the Mid West Regional Authority has decided to produce a strategy designed to enhance the Mid West’s energy, environmental and economic sustainability," stated Liam Conneally, Director of the MWRA.

He also indicated the 'Mid West Climate Change Strategy' has been developed as a working document ensuring the sustainability of the region’s energy needs, while playing a substantial role in supporting the Government in achieving Ireland's Kyoto commitments.

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He explained the Mid West was well placed to exploit its substantial renewable energy resources of wind, wave, wood and energy crops.

"Much is already being done to establish the Mid West as a centre of excellence for the development and delivery of renewable energy technologies, and energy efficient buildings. The future development of this Region as a region of excellence and expertise in the energy area will bring opportunities for communities, entrepreneurs and third level graduates," added Mr Conneally.

Commenting ahead of this week's Strategy launch, Limerick City Councillor Lilly Wallace, Cathaoirleach of the MWRA, stated: "The document recognises the considerable challenges posed by global climate change and Ireland's heavy dependency upon imported fossil fuels."

She continued: "In the Mid West every individual must do their part to reduce the Region's overall dependence on fossil fuels, as well as reducing CO2 emissions by 5 tonnes per person. The economic and environmental costs of doing nothing are far too great. Carbon costs alone for the Mid West are calculated to be €62.2m by 2010, and €94.5m by 2020."

(JM)