Be realistic on energy, say Irish businesses

The Irish parliament should examine all options including nuclear for its future energy mix, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) has urged. Following a meeting of industry leaders convened to "stimulate rational debate" on the country's future energy directions, IBEC called for the "urgent and important matter" to be examined by the country's parliament, the Oireachtas. Although past tendencies may have been to respond to short-term demands and single-issue interests, "IBEC believes that government cannot allow piecemeal policy formulation to determine Ireland's future fuel mix. It is time to be realistic," the organization reported. All options should be considered, and the most cost-competitive suite of solutions determined through "robust economic analysis." The Irish government has hitherto remained implacably opposed to nuclear energy. IBEC is the umbrella body for Ireland's leading industry groups and associations and describes itself as the national voice of Irish business and employers.