The Government plans to introduce an information campaign aimed at helping people conserve fuel during the ongoing energy crisis, according to the Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, reports RTE.
Mr O’Brien stated that the country’s oil supplies and reserves remain strong, but emphasised that the Government will not take the situation lightly and is keeping it under constant review. reports RTE.
“Obviously it’s important that people conserve energy as best they can,” he said, reports RTE.
“We will be bringing forward a public information campaign in that regard to assist people, not to direct them, but many people are doing that already,” reports RTE.
While speaking at the opening of the Banner Plaza in Co Clare, he noted that the Government has already introduced substantial measures, including cuts to excise duties on diesel and petrol. reports RTE.
Minister O’Brien highlighted that the level of Government intervention surpasses that of any other European nation.
“I think it’s important to know that our supplies are robust. There’s no immediate supply issues whatsoever,” he said, reports RTE.
“It is a very serious and severe crisis and one that we want to see end obviously, but we will do our level best to protect our citizens, to protect our economy and to protect our society.”
Earlier today, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Sean Canney urged people in Ireland to avoid wasting electricity and to think about alternative ways of commuting, such as cycling or walking. reports RTE.
In an interview with RTÉ News, responding to recommendations from the European Commission to reduce driving and flying and to work remotely where feasible, Mr Canney said: “What I would say to employers right now, we’re geopolitically in a global situation worse than we ever had before. The entire extent of it is not with us yet.
“Thankfully, we have reserves better than a lot of other countries in terms of fuel to keep us keep the economy going. But I think what we need to do is we need to conserve energy. We need to make sure that we are doing things in a smarter way. Don’t be wasting electricity.
“There will be information coming out from the Government in the next week to advise consumers on how they can save through carpooling and good public transport. Maybe just take stock, and maybe you could cycle to work. Maybe you could walk. All those options are out there. Remote working is in place already, and I think workers and employers need to see what’s the best way to connect together, for the protection of our economy and to make sure that our supply chains can work and our manufacturing can continue, that we can actually function. And thankfully, our economy is in good position, though in saying that we do not know what is coming at us in the weeks and months ahead.”
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