Figures show Irish exceed European levels of fuel imports

Experts in Ireland believe people need to take the issue of renewable energy seriously before it reaches a crisis point.

As fuel prices continue to rise and figures show that we import two-and-a-half times the European average in imported fuel, the public are being asked to engage in a discussion on the future of energy in Ireland.

A public event is taking place in Portlaoise this morning and guest speaker, architect and television producer Duncan Stewart, says that there are opportunities in Ireland for the production of local renewable energy fuels.

Duncan said: "Every individual in Ireland, we import €1,400 worth of energy every year, that's massive.

"So for any community in the country, like Portlaoise, there's massive opportunities in producing local, renewable energy fuels for heating, transport and power.

"So we really need to engage like other European countries and we need to take this seriously."