Irish Energy Policy: An Analysis of Current Issues, edited by John FitzGerald and Laura Malaguzzi Valeri, examines a range of national and international challenges facing Ireland over the coming decade.
In addition to the traditional considerations of energy policy, the report also emphasises the importance of the distributional impact of energy policy.
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Professor John FitzGerald said: "Irish energy policy does not operate in a vacuum and is restricted by the policies enacted in other European countries. One of the major European Union policies is the drive to integrate European electricity markets.
"As a result, Ireland has to change the all-island electricity market to facilitate greater trade with its neighbours. While the current proposals to change the market to meet EU requirements could result in greater trade, it could come at the cost of significantly higher prices in the domestic market, adding to the burden of consumers.
"Under these circumstances, the correct approach is to delay making a decision and, in conjunction with the EU, to seek to identify a more appropriate model that will be likely to benefit consumers in Ireland and elsewhere in the EU."
(CD/JP)
