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Renewable Energy

Volume 455: debated on Thursday 11 January 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to enable the public sector in Northern Ireland to increase its use of renewable energy. (113223)

I have established the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund to encourage the production and use of renewable energy in all sectors in Northern Ireland. Under this, public bodies are investing £6 million over this year and next in the installation of wind turbines, hydro electricity plants and biomass boilers. I have also asked officials to assess the suitability of buildings within the Government office estate for the early installation of solar and photovoltaic panels.

The Government welcome the decision by the Sinn Fein Ard Chomhairle to recommend to a special Ard Fheis that Sinn Fein commit now and fully to support the PSNI and the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland.