Govt announces 33% renewable energy target for 2020

The Government has published an ambitious new target to have one-third of Ireland's electricity supply coming from renewable sources by 2020.

The target is contained in a new policy paper on energy unveiled by Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Noel Dempsey today.

Elsewhere, the proposals also include the transfer of the National Grid to Eirgrid, a semi-state body independent of the ESB.

Mr Dempsey says the Government also plans to sell the output of the Aghada power plant to independent suppliers other than the ESB.

The minister says the changes should make electricity cheaper for consumers in the long run.