Ireland's dependency on imported energy rose to 90 per cent last year, according to Sustainable Energy Ireland.

Addressing the organisation's Energy Show, the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey, said he was giving a "high priority to energy efficacy strategies" across all sectors including industry, small business, agriculture, transport and consumers.

He added that the key to reducing energy demand was adopting efficiency measures.

An energy-saving system that could cut the Department's energy costs by more than 20 per cent is to be installed in its offices in Adelaide Road, Dublin, according to the Minister.

Dublin-based PGS will install the system during the next couple of weeks and the units would "pinpoint energy losses and inefficiencies and optimise the consumption of gas, oil or electricity", Mr Dempsey said in a statement.

The system could cut energy costs by 22 per cent and pay for itself within 24 months, PGS managing director Desmond Reilly said.

Mr Dempsey said he was looking for "innovative ways" the Government can save energy and reduce energy costs while maintaining competitiveness.

PGS installs energy saving units in residential homes, offices and manufacturing facilities.