EnergyIreland is in a unique position globally with regard to renewable energy resources, an advantage which must be exploited to its maximum potential. We are in a very unique geographical position, at the leading edge of Europe and the first to receive the warming Gulf Stream wind which blows across the Atlantic and keeps Europe warm. These strong and steady winds, which can be found nowhere else on earth, provide us with a source of power which is easy to take advantage of and offers the potential for complete energy independence, a position we could move towards over the next ten years.
Using readily available sites and locations, there is enough of a steady wind over Ireland to provide over 5GW of power (source Sustainable Energy Ireland), with the possiblity of extending that to 8GW using only land based resources. If you extend that to offshore and deep water wind, we can in fact become major energy exporters to Western Europe.
How much will all this cost? Approximately as much as we'd spend in seven years of energy imports right now (which aren't getting any cheaper), and thats including several Turlough Hill type projects to ensure security of supply, along with two HVDC lines to the continent in order to sell energy and import energy as needed. In addition, in the process, we will set up our core domestic industry in building and exporting wind turbines, service and maintenance, although the intial buildout will be from imported turbines.
By focusing on existing technology and setting up manufacturing facilities to compete on the global market, with domestic demand as the initial cushion to ensure a market in the early years, as well as ironing out problems, we can not only be exporting energy, but the means to produce energy, with continued research and development into other maritime technologies such as wave, tidal, and deep water winds. Denmark has over 30,000 people employed in its wind industry at the moment, and exports in the multi-billions every year, and they can't keep up with demand.
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OTHER POLICY AREAS |
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Recovery
Economic and social recovery must be the first steps to be taken before any others, consolidation of our position and ensuring a sustainable standard of living.
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Energy
Ireland is in a unique position globally with regard to renewable energy resources, an advantage which must be exploited to its maximum potential.
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Agriculture
While agriculture in Ireland is facing unique challenges with CAP and GATT reform, it also has unique opportunities in the changing face of global agriculture.
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Growth
Ireland has natural advantages in our location and political situation, which must be taken advantage of fully in order to encourage sustainable growth, the central focus of any growth policy.
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Culture and Society
Irish culture is widely acknowledged as one of the oldest and most fascinating in the world.
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Europe
Our associations and agreements with Europe must focus on the mutual benefit of both parties.
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Health and Education
The Health and Education systems are two of the most important sectors in any society, and Ireland is no different.
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Political Reform
In order to move away from a focus on local issues, and move towards a national system, changes to the electoral system are recommended.
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Foreign Policy
Our position in the world and our relations with other countries have never been more important.
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Defence
To meet the changing needs and requirements of the twenty first century, the Defence forces of the Republic of Ireland will have a broader and more relevant mandate.
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Forestry
Trees are one of the great renewable and aesthetic resources we have available to us in Ireland.
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Housing
The property market is undergoing a correctional phase at the moment.
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Technology
Technology plays a central role in the vision for the future of the country, allowing us to use our resources to the best advantage for ourselves and future generations.
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Irish language
The Irish language is a valuable resource for ourselves and for our children, and the protection and support of this important part of our culture is an important priority.
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Partnership Rights
This is a broad and complex issue, and should be dealt with in different ways on different levels.
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Transport Policy
Our Transport Policy, supporting people and the environment.
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Pensions
As with many countries today, Ireland is facing great difficulties in future paying pensions to a longer lived and healthier senior citizens group, especially since the national pension fund was spent to bail out Anglo Irish Bank.
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Justice
The Justice system is one of the most vital areas of any society.
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Children and Family
Our policies on child benefit and the role of the family in society.
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Northern Ireland
Our policy on Northern Ireland.
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Environmental Policy
These are the Environmental policy proposals for Amhrán Nua.
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OPTIONS |
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