Ireland becomes founding member of IRENA

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Energy minister Eamon Ryan today announced that Ireland has signed up as a member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) at the organisation's founding conference in Bonn, Germany.

Increased growth in green sector jobs forecast

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EMPLOYMENT IN green sectors is on the rise despite an overall slowdown in the jobs industry, according to recruitment agencies. Jobs in green areas such as renewable energy will continue to increase over the next year, following rapid growth since the summer of 2008, according to Gary Barcoe, divisional manager at Stelfox recruitment.

Massive job losses in architectural sector

Over 40 per cent of architects employed in January 2008 will have lost their jobs by March according to a survey conducted by Millward Brown IMS for the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland (RIAI).

Study finds that many homes turbines fail to live up to claims

Home wind turbines are generating a fraction of the energy promised by manufacturers, and in some cases use more electricity than they make, a report warns today. The results of what is thought to be the most comprehensive study undertaken of the industry show the worst performers provided just 41 watt-hours a day - less than the energy needed for a conventional lightbulb for an hour, or even to power the turbine's own electronics.


Local authorities given new powers to conserve water

Local authorities have been given the power to direct building owners and occupiers to prevent water wastage under a new order signed by environment minister John Gormley. The order brings into affect section 56 of the Water Services Act of 2007, which deals with water conservation.