Why rely on a rare and very expensive fuel?

WHEN will it stop being front page news that there is yet another increase in fuel prices?

It has been known for decades that fossil fuel is becoming rarer and market forces make it obvious that a rare commodity becomes an expensive one.

So why is it that, as a nation, we are importing more and more fossil fuel every year instead of concentrating our efforts on producing renewable energy in Europe’s richest renewable resource - Ireland?

Why is the Government spending €320m on Moneypoint fossil fuel burning power station instead of investing a similar amount in wind, tidal, biomass, photovoltaic and small hydropower? Beyond the price stabilisation and environmental benefits of these technologies, security of supply cannot be undermined every time war destabilises an oil-producing nation.

Finally, it would be better to spend money now on these technologies rather than hand it over in fines in 2010 when we fail to meet our commitments under the Kyoto protocol.

Cathal O’Boyle

3 Willmount

Gardiner’s Hill

Cork