Renewable energy target restated

The Government has restated its intention to have 15 per cent of Ireland's energy supply derived from renewable resources by 2010.

The commitment is contained in the National Development Plan, which was launched today by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Minister for Finance Brian Cowen.

The Government published a Green Paper on energy last October which proposed a series of reforms of the energy market, with a target of increasing renewable energy to 30 per cent by 2020.

Sustainable energy currently meets just over 4 per cent of the State's primary energy needs, while 59 per cent of our primary energy supply is derived from oil.

Transport is the main source of energy consumption in the State, accounting for 39 per cent of all fuels used.