Call to protect energy supplies

Radical steps to protect the nation’s energy supplies have been called for in a submission on the next National Development Plan 2007-2013.

On-shore oil reserves should be boosted from a 45-day supply to a 90-day one in line with international practice, Engineers Ireland said in a submission to the Department of Finance.

It also calls for the extension of gas reserves beyond the current 15-day back up and the setting up of an all-Ireland energy market.