This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
NEWS | Business

Thriving sustainable energy industry provides platform for future economic growth

IRELAND’S THRIVING SUSTAINABLE

energy sector is providing a strong platform for economic growth, Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources told attendees at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s annual Energy Show at the RDS in Dublin in April. The Energy Show, Ireland’s leading national showcase for the latest innovative energy efficient technologies such as a phone application to assist businesses with energy audits and cutting-edge renewable energy devices in the areas of solar photovoltaics and ocean energy, generated over €40 million worth of business for the 200 exhibitors, indicating that sustainable energy has a significant role to play in supporting the smart economy.

Speaking at the show, Minister Ryan said: “Thousands of new jobs have already come on-stream, billions are being invested by state,

semi-state and private industry alike. We have begun to forge a new economy. We are on track to meet our ambitious renewable energy targets. The Government’s insulation scheme is proving very popular, electric vehicles and infrastructure will soon be a regular feature on Irish roads. We are tapping into our own potential and trading it worldwide. The Irish people are responding as they have warmer homes, lower fuel bills and new sources of employment. I am confident that Ireland’s major advances in sustainable energy will only accelerate as we increase the scale and application of our policy initiatives.” The Energy Show also featured an electric vehicle exhibition, with up to 15 suppliers and manufacturers displaying the latest available models of electric and hybrid vehicles including cars, vans and trucks. “Following the Government’s announcement earlier this month, the roll out of mainstream electric

vehicles will commence from next year, positioning Ireland as a European leader in electric transport,” sais SEAI Chief Executive, Professor Owen Lewis. “SEAI will play its part in encouraging consumers to consider the benefits of electric vehicles from both the environmental and financial point of view as well as practically administering the government grants. Widespread use of electric vehicles will ultimately lead to a more sustainable transport system and cleaner environment for all well into the future.”

Minister Eamon Ryan TD.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

corK cITy coUncIL PLAnS MAjor AdverTISIng cAMPAIgn To ProMoTe LoneLy PLAneT AccoLAde

Joe Gavin, Cork City Manager.

CORK CITY COUNCIL is to

invest €80k in a major regional advertising campaign to boost awareness of the city’s inclusion in the Lonely Planet ‘Best in Travel 2010’ - the only Irish listing in the travel guide’s recommended top 10 cities to visit around the world. The integrated advertising and PR campaign includes a high-profile 48 sheet poster

campaign located at all the major entry and exit points to Cork – by road, rail, ferry and air – as well as prominent sites throughout the city centre. In line with the Lonely Planet campaign, Cork City Council will be rolling out a direct-to-visitor campaign including a bespoke iPhone app and information booklet promoting The Top 10 Permanent Tourist Attractions in Cork including well known visitor highlights such as Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, The English Market and The Crawford Art Gallery. Colourful A6-sized information booklets promoting the Top 10 hotspots will be distributed in high- footfall visitor hotspots around Cork including hotels, car hire and taxi bases and several

top visitor attractions in the city and county. The iPhone app will be made available for free on Apple iTunes this summer.

“The Lonely Planet news gave us a massive boost last November when it was announced – there was a real pride and buzz in the city and we now want to sustain that positive momentum and excite visitors this summer about what makes Cork City so special,” said Joe Gavin, Cork City Manager. “The high-profile advertising campaign will reflect the ‘sophisticated, vibrant and diverse’ attractions that Lonely Planet loved and we hope to engage every visitor that comes within reach of the city centre and encourage them in to spend time in this magnificent

neW fUnd for green BUSIneSSeS

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, under the

Competitiveness and Innovation Programme has launched a €35 million fund for green business projects. The fund is designed to help bring green projects to the market, and although the competition to secure the funding will be tough, there are high expectations for Irish firms involved in the green tech and renewable energy sectors.

The funds are available for new projects in the area of materials recycling, sustainable building products, the food and drink sector and green business practices. Small businesses with green products or services that need backing to enter the market are encouraged to apply. The call for submissions runs until September 9th 2010 and the grant will cover up to 50 per cent of the total project cost. It is expected that between 45 and 50 new projects will benefit by turning innovative ideas into commercially viable enterprises. For further information log on to www. ec.europa.eu/environment/eco-innovation/ application_en.htm

6 InBusiness May 10 Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82
Produced with Yudu - www.yudu.com