Released on: April 17, 2008, 1:37 am

Press Release Author: Mark Dunphy/Dunphy Public Relations

Industry: Energy

Press Release Summary: Minister of State, Tony Killeen, T.D., today lauded the work
being undertaken in the Midwest to promote the use of renewable and sustainable
energy technologies.

Press Release Body: Speaking following a visit to the annual Sustainable Energy
Ireland (SEI) Energy Show, Minister Killeen said that the region had played a
leading role in the growth of the country's thriving sustainable energy sector.

He indicated that those involved in the sector in Clare, North Tipperary and
Limerick had consolidated such a contribution by attending and participating in this
year's Energy Show at Dublin's RDS.

"Driven by Government policy, new planning and building regulations, today renewable
energy technology has progressed from the status of desirable to essential",
explained Minister Killeen.

He continued, "Householders, business owners and local authorities across the
Midwest have, in many respects, set an example for other regions to follow in
relation to embracing the potential of renewable energy technologies."

"All we need do is look at the work of the Limerick Clare Energy Agency and the
Tipperary Energy Agency, which are supported by the Midwest's local authorities, to
realise how important it is for the region to embrace the potential of renewable
energy. Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet has also played a pivotal role by
upskilling and certifying Renewable Energy Installers, which has boosted consumer
confidence in the standard of installations being provided", stated Minister
Killeen.

The Minister said that the Midwest would again highlight the region's considerable
role in promoting sustainable energy when the County Clare Wood Energy Project hosts
a National Seminar and Open Day next week.

He added, "There are a large number of private and publicly owned companies and
organisations now specialising in promoting the use of renewable energy
technologies. I was delighted to meet some of the region's leading companies in this
area at the Energy Show, including Timber Pro and Energy Automation Systems Ireland.
I believe the success of such firms is indicative of the country's increased energy
demand, as well as changing values and lifestyles."

Commenting on the 2008 SEI Energy Show, Minister Killeen said, "The Energy Show is
by now well established as Ireland's biggest annual showcase for the sustainable
energy sector. Anyone who walks around the exhibition hall will get a sense of the
enormous growth and vibrancy in the sector."

He pointed towards a recent Government study showing that it is feasible for Ireland
to generate 42% of its electricity supply from renewable resources by 2020.

"To meet the wider target of achieving 16% of our overall energy needs from
renewable energy sources will require significant investment from both the
Government and the private sector. Events like the Energy Show are integral to the
sector achieving this growth", concluded Minister Killeen.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and
Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special
responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further
comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy
Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request

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