Urgent Need For Energy Strategy

There is an urgent need for a long term Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland, SDLP Economy Spokesperson Daniel McCrossan has said.

He made the call following a leaked government document detailing the impact a no-deal Brexit would have on the energy sector in the North.

Speaking at the Northern Ireland Energy Forum, Mr McCrossan said: "Brexit, the lack of an Assembly and Executive and the inability of Stormont civil servants to make decisions are all hampering the energy sector here.

"It's clear that the energy sector here is at a fork in the road. Today's leaked memo shows the inherent risks to energy supply here if a no-deal outcome is reached in the Brexit negotiations. I have no confidence in Theresa May's Government in doing the right thing for people here.

"There needs to be a clear policy area on Northern Ireland's energy beyond 2020. We need to get real on renewables, on security of supply and decarbonisation. At the moment, I see little evidence of that happening due to the non-existence of the Assembly. The energy sector is too volatile to simply let it carry on organically without intervention.

"We need a vision for 2030 and for 2050. We need greater collaboration with the South and with Europe in terms of accessing their markets and having cheaper energy for consumers. If we don't prepare now, then there is a likelihood that the people of the North will suffer economic misfortune."

(MH/CM)