Spirit of Ireland - Proposals deserve assessment

IN THESE desperate times any group that suggests that it could create thousands of jobs, slash our energy imports by €30 billion over a decade, slash our carbon footprint and create the potential to earn €50bn in energy exports over 10 years runs the risk of being accused of dangerous flights of fancy.

The reality is, however, that we have allowed ourselves, in the past, be seduced by election manifestos far more outrageous and irresponsible than anything promised this week by the Spirit of Ireland group.

This is a voluntary group outside of politics and describes itself as a “team of very experienced engineers, academics, architects, geologists, construction, consultants, legal and finance professionals have been working intensively on initial design and costing of hydro storage reservoirs and the power networks necessary to connect these to the national grid”.

There is a huge sense of possibility around these proposals, each one a potential solution to a pressing problem. None of us know how realistic they are but they are so attractive as to deserve a full assessment and response at the highest level.

Yesterday European Commissioner and former finance minister Charlie McCreevy called for an end to punch-and-judy politics, saying our situation is far too grave for tribal point scoring. He is right and, in that light, proposals from whatever source must be fully considered.

Our political system has to a very large degree failed us and if it ignores imaginative and optimistic proposals like this it will only deepen that failure and the appalling sense of despair gripping the country. The Spirit of Ireland group have shown a breadth of imagination and perspective sadly lacking in too many politicians. They deserve to have their proposals assessed and if they are feasible what are we waiting for?