Caroline Hofman, Managing Director of The CUBE Low Carbon Centre of Excellence in Portlaoise and interim CEO of Laois Chamber Alliance, travelled to Brussels recently on an energy policy mission to the EU institutions.
Representatives from Chambers Ireland, ESB, Gas Networks Ireland, Orsted, DP Energy, and the Port of Galway also travelled as part of this mission.
A number of high level meetings took place in both the European Parliament and European Commission, focusing on topics including energy security, the planning process, regulatory certainty including interconnections, and sustainable fuel policies, including hydrogen, biomethane and biomass.
On the first day of the mission, meetings took place in the European Parliament with a number of MEPs, including Ireland South MEPs Billy Kelleher, Deirdre Clune, Grace O’Sullivan, and Seán Kelly, the latter whom is also a full member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy with Ciarán Cuffe MEP.
Later that day, a briefing took place in the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union with Energy Attaché, Dr. Colm Ó Conaill.
The second day was dedicated to meetings in the European Commission with a strong focus in morning meetings on energy policy and renewables, and discussions around the Irish hydrogen strategy due to be published shortly.
This included meetings with representatives from the Directorate-General for Energy. Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology).
In the afternoon, there was a focus on the green deal and climate finance, with discussions taking place with Katie Power, a member of Mairead McGuinness’ cabinet, currently Commissioner for financial services, financial stability and Capital Markets Union, and John Berrigan.
Deputy Director-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union.
Speaking following her visit to Brussels, Ms. Hofman said: “This mission to Brussels provided an invaluable opportunity to engage at a European level with policy makers regarding several energy matters impacting both businesses and communities in Ireland.
“It also gave an important insight into how the European Union policy agenda is responding to ongoing issues regarding energy security and renewables, and our 2030 and 2050 targets.
“I also had the opportunity to raise staff shortage issues impacting a number of sectors in our meetings with MEPs. The European Year of Skills is taking place until May 2024, and this will look at addressing skills shortages across the EU.
“I will continue to engage with our national and European parliamentary members on a number of issues to ensure impactful action is taken.”
