The Minster was speaking as she jointly opened ‘Energy Ireland'
alongside Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications,
Eamon Ryan today in Dublin. The Minister presented an Economic
vision for the North that prioritises decarbonisation and creates
a just transition to net zero that delivers economic prosperity,
increases productivity, and addresses regional imbalances for
all.
Addressing over 300 delegates from across the energy sector, Ms
Hargey said:
“I welcome the opportunity to speak at today's Energy Ireland
conference. Decarbonisation is a key objective of our Economic
Vision. This Vision embraces the transition towards net zero as both a moral
necessity, and a tremendous economic opportunity.
“As a small region, the North is already leveraging our strengths
in innovative engineering and advanced manufacturing alongside
capitalising on our unique dual-market access to deliver low and
zero carbon solutions that are in global demand. The solutions
this island needs to deliver net zero are the solutions that the
rest of the world needs too. It only takes a tiny proportion of
this global market opportunity to deliver significant prosperity
for citizens across Ireland.”
The Minister concluded by committing to work in partnership with
Minister Ryan to deliver net zero:
"I will continue to work collaboratively and strategically with
Minister Ryan, government, business, and academia across the
island on the investments needed to realise our renewable energy
aspirations so that the whole island can be a beacon in the
delivery of net zero.”
Notes to editors:
- To read the Minister's speech in full: www.economy-ni.gov.uk/ministers-speech-energy-ireland-conference-22-may-2024
