Energy agency to move to Louth

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is to move from Dublin city centre to Dundalk, Co Louth under the Government's decentralisation plan.

The national agency for promotion of renewable energy, will see 42 jobs decentralised which will see Dundalk become the national centre-point for the renewable energy revolution.

SEI's new headquarters will be a purpose-built ecological building on the Dundalk Institute of Technology.

This move will complement the Centre for Renewable Development, which is already on the campus.

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Dermot Ahern said today: "The Agency is charged with improving energy efficiency, advancing the deployment of renewable energy and reducing the environmental impact of energy production, particularly in respect of greenhouse gas emissions.

"I know that the local authorities, Chambers of Commerce and community groups in Louth will work closely with SEI and the Institute of Technology to ensure that Louth can lead the way in the renewable field," Ahern added.