The Pat Kenny Show New report finds Ireland needs to rebalance our energy policy
Nov 17, 2025
Eamonn O'Reilly, Chairman of the Energy and Climate Action Committee at the Irish Academy of Engineering, dives into critical insights on Ireland's energy policy. He highlights the frustrations with current targets and argues that ambitious climate goals often overshadow vital issues like pricing and security. O'Reilly explains the geographical challenges Ireland faces compared to other countries and warns against relying solely on renewables. He also advocates for a diverse energy infrastructure, including nuclear, to ensure a balanced and secure energy future.
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Policy Prioritises Climate Over Security
- Ireland's energy policy prioritises ambitious climate targets at the expense of price and security.
- Eamonn O’Reilly warns this imbalance leaves consumers exposed and goals unachievable.
Local Action Won't Shift Global Emissions
- Ireland's emissions are tiny compared with global totals and won't change the climate materially.
- O’Reilly says national actions matter morally and locally but won't alter global emissions trends.
Frame Targets As Realistic Goals
- Make climate goals desirable guidance rather than legally binding impossibilities.
- Design realistic policies that match available technology and delivery capacity, O’Reilly advises.