Irish Academy of Engineering's Call for Coal, Oil, Gas Return Sparks Dissent
Key members of the Irish Academy of Engineering are opposing the organization's call for Ireland to return to coal, oil, and gas. They argue these recommendations are unwise and unsustainable, contradicting national climate goals. The academy, however, prioritizes energy security over current carbon emission reduction policies.
Prominent members of the Irish Academy of Engineering have distanced themselves from the organization’s recommendations for Ireland to revert to burning coal for electricity, resume oil and gas exploration, and build a larger liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal.
Prof. Linda Doyle, Provost of Trinity College Dublin, called the recommendations «not wise». Brian Ó Gallachóir, Professor of Sustainability at University College Cork, stated, «I totally dissociate myself from the recommendation.» Marguerite Sayers, Deputy Chief Executive of ESB, a member, also saw ESB issue a statement clarifying that her membership does not imply endorsement of all positions.
The academy, comprising 180 engineers, argued that government policy overemphasizes carbon emission reduction at the expense of energy security. They specifically called for Moneypoint, a former coal-burning plant converted to oil until 2029, to return to coal until 2036 with increased generation capacity. This stance contradicts government policy, national climate law, and international climate commitments.