FG €18bn plan for green energy

MORE than 100,000 jobs could be created via a huge €18bn investment in green energy and broadband, Fine Gael last night claimed.

Party leader Enda Kenny said the four-year plan would reposition the economy for the 21st century by fully overhauling the commercial semi-state sector.

“This plan will invest €18bn in making our broadband network among the top five in the world, in turning us into a net energy exporter by 2030, with 50% of our energy coming from renewable sources by 2020, and in overhauling our water networks and infrastructure so that we have a system that is fit for the 21st century, not the 19th,” said Mr Kenny.

Energy spokesman and Cork TD Simon Coveney said the New ERA document represents the single greatest transformation of the economy in more than 50 years. “We intend swapping old state companies for new ones that can position our economy for the competitiveness challenges of the 21st century. There is no longer a need for the state to own and run Bord Gáis, ESB International and ESB Power Gen & Supply.

“Fine Gael will divest the state of these assets when the market and other conditions are appropriate and use the funds raised to reinvest in new 21st century infrastructure,” he said.

The plan envisages an investment of over €4bn in the upgrade of water services under one company and a similar investment in retrofitting homes to become more energy efficient.

Mr Coveney said the money was needed to heal Ireland’s “broken” sectors.