The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan has welcomed the major increases for his Department announced in the budget today. The total increase for the Department is €72.7 million when compared to the 2007 Estimates.
This represents an overall funding boost of 16% for 2008. When the RTÉ licence fee is excluded, the increase is 25% in Departmental funding.
|
2007 |
2008 |
Increase |
Increase |
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
% |
| Energy |
60,154 |
86,266 |
26,112 |
43% |
| Communications |
44,502 |
62,004 |
17,502 |
39% |
| Inland Fisheries |
37,412 |
51,737 |
14,325 |
38% |
| Natural Resources |
17,558 |
19,717 |
2,159 |
12% |
| Broadcasting |
257,586 |
277,677 |
20,091 |
8% |
Commenting on the increases secured Minister Ryan said, “These increases demonstrate this Government’s strategic decision to secure our economic future through investment in key infrastructural areas.
Our national competitiveness will depend on our continued innovation and investment in both the energy and communications sectors. These sectors provide vital services to the wider economy and can also now be major drivers of jobs growth.
We want industry to leverage this Government assistance and continue to develop cheaper and cutting-edge technologies. I warmly welcome this enhanced ability to develop our new economy through focussed and timely investment.
Critical to our continued economic and social prosperity will be a world-class telecommunication sector. The provision of broadband to unserved areas will also contribute to our rural and regional development.
Ireland’s energy interests will be best served by the considerable investment in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, which will help cut back our fossil fuel bill.
Just as important as our economic development is its sustainability. New energy expenditure will focus on achieving the Programme for Government targets on carbon emissions, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
These measures will assist householders and industry to embrace the green energy revolution. Tax incentives for energy efficiency, a household insulation programme, a new energy research programme and expansion of green grants are all evidence of the Government’s commitment to sustainable economic development.
Today’s increases represent a significant investment in our economic and environmental futures; which are one and the same,” concluded Minister Ryan.
Minister of State at the Department, Tony Killeen also welcomed the increases stating, “With these unprecedented rises in the level of investment in the Communications, Energy & Natural Resources sectors, the Government has demonstrated that it remains firmly committed to sustained investment in our key infrastructure and public services. Investing in Ireland’s future prosperity, through critical infrastructure projects is vital and we will continue to work to ensure that our programmes achieve the best value for money possible for the taxpayer.”
ENDS
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