Conference Announcement - Energy Prices and Ireland's Future

Wednesday October 12th @ Cultivate, Temple Bar, Dublin.

Call FEASTA (01) 405 3615 to reserve your place

Without the cheap fossil energy that has fuelled economic growth since the industrial revolution our economies will change radically. What steps should be taken to ensure that Ireland can continue to thrive in a world where supplies of oil and gas are increasingly constrained if increasing energy demand is driving prices higher and higher?

How high will oil and gas prices go?

Will economic growth continue at its present pace?

How will changes in price affect the Irish economy and our way of life?

Will so many families be able to holiday abroad and run a car?

Who will the winners and losers be?

Will the property bubble burst?

What actions do the public and private sectors need to take and when?

This conference is being held to present the results of a nine-month study by FEASTA under contract to the Environmental Protection Agency that sought to answer these questions. Topics to be covered include:

• Overview of the current Irish energy situation
• Oil and gas depletion - why is there a problem?
• Scenario Planning - planning for uncertainty
• What could Ireland be like in 10 years' time under different energy scenarios?
• How will the different business sectors adapt and who will the winners and losers be?

Speakers will include representatives of the key components of Irish economic life who took part in the study.

Time: 09.30-17.15, Wednesday, October 12th, 2005
Venue: Cultivate, The Sustainable Living Centre, 15-19, Essex Street West, Old City Temple Bar, Dublin 8

The event is free but places are limited to allow facilitated group discussions so it is essential that you book by telephoning Feasta at (01) 405 3615 or by e-mailing feasta@anu.ie. A light lunch will be provided.

See the study's website, www.energyscenariosireland.com, for the latest programme details