Ireland's Energy Minister has opened public consultation on the design of the government’s Energy Demand Reduction Target Programme (EDRT), focused on promoting energy services by Irish energy companies and creating new jobs.

Eamon Ryan said the EDRT programme offers the potential to significantly reduce energy costs and related greenhouse gas emissions; create employment in the energy and construction sectors; and develop a market for energy services in Ireland.

Works undertaken as part of such programmes typically include the installation of energy efficiency products at reduced price or free of charge for households.

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This can include the upgrading of attic or cavity wall insulation.

Discounts on energy efficient products such as energy efficient appliances, equipment, heating boilers, solar water heaters and lighting are also offered to businesses.

Minister Ryan, recognising Ireland's 'ambitious target' of reducing our energy demand by at least one fifth in the next ten years, said a fundamental change in the energy sector is needed.

"This new programme presents an exciting challenge for our energy companies and will have an important role in our economic renewal," he said.

"Not only will it create new employment opportunities, but it will reduce our energy demand, and our energy spend.

"The role of industry and consumers will be crucial. I hope that all interested parties fully engage in the process and I look forward to the insightful and innovative responses that we will no doubt receive," added the minister.

(PR/KMcA)