SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT, MARY ROBINSON, AT A RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE THE 5,000TH HOME TO BE INSULATED
SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT, MARY ROBINSON, AT A RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE THE 5,000TH HOME TO BE INSULATED BY ENERGY ACTION LIMITED
I am pleased to join with you in celebrating the completion of its 5,000th house insulation by Energy Action. It is most appropriate that today we mark the outstanding contribution that Energy Action Limited has made to alleviating the heating problems for the elderly, a contribution which merits our highest praise. In addition, this project has shown the job potential - particularly for the long term unemployed - in domestic energy conservation.
To have successfully completed work on 5,000 homes since it was established in 1988 is an excellent achievement by Energy Action and I congratulate all concerned on their initiative and commitment. In undertaking its generous response to the problem of cold in the homes of the elderly and needy with a view to preventing cold-related illness and death, Energy Action has also helped to create many work opportunities for people who are unemployed and has raised public awareness of the benefits of energy conservation. However, it has never lost sight of its primary objective of increasing the energy efficiency of the homes of the elderly and needy.
The high esteem in which the work of Energy Action is held is evidenced by the fact that the organisation receives funding from a diverse range of sources including Government Departments, Semi-State bodies and private companies, in an inspiring example of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors co-operate in such a worthy venture.
The elderly are among the most vulnerable sections of society, not least because of their susceptibility to cold induced illness, particularly during the winter months, and the relatively high proportion of their income spent on heating costs. Energy Action has made significant strides in solving what is one of the most difficult problems for elderly and needy people - keeping warm in cold conditions. It is often not appreciated that a small outlay in measures such as draught proofing of windows and doors and attic insulation can be most effective in boosting the energy efficiency of homes and thus keeping the occupants warm. Energy Action provides the methods and training for such work and directs it at those who may find it difficult to afford even such relatively inexpensive energy saving measures.
We are all aware of how important it is to regularly check on elderly friends, relatives and neighbours, especially during cold weather at this time of year. The work of Energy Action continues to remind us that the "good neighbour" spirit is still of vital importance in the care of the elderly.
Energy conservation is a theme that is also becoming increasingly important for its own sake. Ireland spends over j2.5 billion on energy annually and several different surveys have shown that savings of up to 20% of this amount are feasible by the use of conservation measures. This is an area in which there is opportunity for everyone to make a contribution and it often only requires a little more thought to achieve substantial savings. The work of Energy Action has helped to create a greater public awareness of the importance of energy conservation and of the tangible benefits that conservation can provide.
While initially Energy Action concentrated its activities mostly in the Dublin area, in recent times it has expanded into other counties and has completed projects in Cork, Donegal, Louth and the Aran Islands, and promoted the development of autonomous conservation projects in some area. In each project Energy Action has helped through innovative training methods to create employment for long-term unemployed and has improved the future employment prospects of its workers by introducing a City and Guilds training course in draught proofing.
I would like to pay a special tribute to Energy Action's Manager, Charlie Roarty, whose dynamism and dedication have been at the heart of Energy Action's ever expanding programme to date. His is an example of voluntary positive action that serves as an inspiration to us all and I would like to take the opportunity to wish him and Energy Action every success in the future.