Prioritising a National Energy Plan and rural broadband is an important measure which will make a real difference for farm families and rural Ireland, according to the IFA.

Speaking after a meeting with Energy Minister Alex White, IFA President Eddie Downey said the plan must provide a clear path for future energy policy over the next ten years, similar to Food Harvest 2020 for the agri-sector.

IFA’s Environment and Rural Affairs Chairman Harold Kingston said: “This plan must set out the Government funding that will be required to deliver the objectives of the strategy. There must also be a clear commitment to engage with local communities and consider all options, including undergrounding when planning energy infrastructure."

IFA Renewables Project Team Chairman, James Murphy, welcomed the recent publication of a draft National Bioenergy plan, but called for the immediate establishment of a cross sector steering group to deliver on the many proposals identified in the bioenergy strategy. “Government commitment to an indigenous bioenergy sector has been lacking in the past. It is important that Government comes forward with specific policy actions and a timeframe for the delivery of these policy actions to kick start a vibrant bio-energy sector in Ireland.”