Sir, – What joy to read of Inis Mór's "energy independence" initiatives in Lorna Siggins's report ("Sun, seaweed, rubbish: the theme of the newest Aran Islands tour", September 6th). The people of the island got together and decided to use the island's own resources to begin to create a situation where the island will be "energy independent" by 2022. Insulating houses, harnessing the power of sun and wind, together with recycling, are combining to ensure goals of energy self-sufficiency will be met.
Among the backers of this initiative is the EU project Remote (Renewable Energy Training & Demonstration Network for Remote Communities).
Why can this not be done across the whole country? Jobs would be created and education and training services protected. There would be reductions in energy imports, energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Reductions in energy costs means more money in people’s pockets, which could result in more local spending, hence more local employment. More employment means more money in the government’s coffers, and less spending on unemployment services.
High stress levels and illnesses exacerbated by living in cold, damp environments caused by poor housing design and exorbitant energy costs would be reduced, resulting in savings in health services.
Another bonus would be a surge in the creative mind-set where citizens can use their energy, skills and imagination positively. This cannot happen when people are burdened with constant worry about increasing energy costs and health consequences. This increase in creative thinking would result in more jobs.
I know we have enormous levels of national debt. I also know that money can be found when the will is there.
All of the above would be a massive investment in our people and our own resources – a massive investment with an immense return.
Why can this not be done? – Yours, etc,
TRISH McHALE,
Ballyedmond,
Clonbern,
Co Galway.