Dempsey Appoints Lorcan Lyons as Chair of the Irish Energy Research Council

Noel Dempsey T.D., the Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources, today announced that he has appointed Mr. Lorcan Lyons as chair of the Irish Energy Research Council.

The Irish Energy Research Council was established by Minister Dempsey in June 2006, following the recommendations contained in a strategic review conducted in 2004 and the period of consultation that followed in 2005.

The functions of the Irish Energy Research Council are to establish priorities for Irish energy research up to 2013 and beyond, coordinate energy RTDI activities in Ireland and advise the Minister on the development of policy for energy research.

Commenting on the announcement Minister Dempsey said; “I am delighted to appoint Lorcan to the position of chair of the Irish Energy Research Council. The recent Energy White Paper "Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland" makes it clear that Ireland needs to urgently develop sustainable sources of energy, increase our energy efficiency and improve the security of our energy supply. Cutting edge research in the energy area will play a key role in achieving these goals and I am sure that Lorcan can effectively lead the Energy Research Council in co-ordinating these activities.

Notes to Editors:

Lorcan Lyons

Lorcan Lyons qualified as an architect in 1969 in University College Dublin where he also studied town planning. In 1982 he formed his own architecture company which specialises in the design of facilities for the pharmaceutical, electronic and computer industries. His company have worked on projects in Ireland, America Mexico, Brazil, as well as some European countries. He has wide experience in project management and believes that it is the Chairs responsibility to release the talent of the group by providing a focused and secure environment in an organised and disciplined manner.

The other members of the Irish Energy Research Council are:

Michael Tutty (CER)
Dr Morgan Bazilian (SEI)
Dr Gary Crawley (SFI)
Dr Frank McGovern (EPA)
Prof John Fitzgerald (ESRI)
Prof Jane Grimson (IRCSET, TCD)
Prof J. Owen Lewis (UCD)
Prof Mark O’Malley (UCD)
Dr Brian O’Gallachoir (UCC)
Prof Peter Crossley (QUB and Manchester U.)
Prof Jim Skea (UK Energy Research Centre)
Dr Carol Gibbons (formerly CSA, now IDA)
Dr Yvonne Shields (Marine Institute)
Victor Hewitt (ERINI – DETI nominee)
Bob Hanna (DCMNR)

ENDS