7th  March 2008 – Minister of State and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen this week represented the Irish Government at the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference in Washington D.C., USA.

The event is the largest international platform for Government, private sector and NGOs to address the challenge for developing renewable energy technologies. The conference is hosted by the US government and was addressed by President Bush.  There was also senior representation from the US Departments of State for Energy, Agriculture, Commerce and the Environment Protection Agency.
Ministerial level delegations from more than 100 countries addressed the key drivers of developing global renewable energy production and use including debates on Market Adoption and Finance; Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development; Technology, Research and Development and National and Local Government policy initiatives.
While attending the conference Minister Killeen gave the opening keynote address at the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) meeting.
Ireland is one of the first countries to join the international partnership, which is based in Vienna, Austria.  Funding from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (through SEI) and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is used to support renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
Minister Killeen said, “Ireland particularly valued the local stakeholder partnership model which is used by REEEP in development projects. Encouraging and empowering local stakeholders to take an active role in developing projects in their own communities is the best way to ensure the long tern viability of projects”.
He added, “Projects funded by Ireland such as the winter forestry project in Uganda makes a real difference to the quality of life of local people.”
“It is important that developing countries can put in place a more secure low-carbon energy system to underpin their economic and social development.  It is critical that fully developed countries like Ireland play their part in transferring cleaner energy technologies to developing and third world countries”, concluded Minister Killeen.
-ENDS-
 
Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request
Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
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