Energy and communications to bear cuts of 32% each

THERE were no stand-out announcements at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources this year — but the amount being spent by the department on the energy and communications sectors will fall by 32% apiece.

* Up to €2.1 million is to be shaved off the department’s spending next year as individual energy grant schemes finish up and overall renewable energy subsidies are reduced.

This figures will soar to €5.6m in 2013-2014 as a planned Pay-As-You-Save Scheme for Better Energy is introduced rather than a grants-based scheme.