foresight exercise and extensive stakeholder consultation. The overall objective of the strategy is to deliver an integrated research and innovation programme that will, through the use of research, knowledge and technology, transform the sector to deliver sustainable, high growth, high value added, market led, opportunities. The strategy comprises three key measures:
I. Transition Measure: Strengthening the competitiveness of traditional marine industries and their progression to higher value added activities. Programmes include:
Shipping & Maritime Transport;
Offshore Energy (Wave & Tidal and Oil & Gas;
Marine Food (Seafood Processing, Fisheries, Aquaculture, Seaweed); Water-based Tourism & Leisure.
As an example, under the Marine Food Measure a significant emphasis on the development of a functional seafood research programme is planned. This will focus on the potential use of marine products in the health area. It will build on significant institutional investment in functional foods research to date and will support a number of dedicated PI teams.
II. Discovery Measure: Pushing the frontiers of knowledge and exploring the interfaces between disciplines. Programmes include: Marine Biotechnology; Marine Biodiscovery; Marine Technology.
An important dimension of this measure will be the development of a SMARTBAY incorporating a range of advanced and novel marine technologies for the observation, monitoring and management of the coastal and ocean environments and activities. This will be a unique development internationally with significant potential to stimulate both national and international scientific and industrial activity.
III. Policy Support Measure: Delivering integrated scientific advice, policy & regulation to support environmental, social and economic advancement. Programmes include: Marine Environment; Seabed and Resource Mapping; Information & Knowledge Management; Socio – Economics, Policy and Legal.
The Marine Institute’s new facilities at Oranmore and Newport, coupled with the world- class research vessels, databuoy network and the ongoing oceanographic, biological and environmental survey programmes (including the Newport based indicator programme monitoring salmon migratory patterns) represent a unique asset. These, together with integrated data and information management systems, offer the opportunity to develop Ireland as a global monitoring centre for climate change assessments through the medium of marine and freshwater ecosystems. A key objective will be to raise the profile and international standing of key Irish facilities (for example, Newport) and to raise substantial international funding for these unique facilities. This would represent a significant cross- Government initiative involving key partnerships among Departments (e.g., DCMNR and DELG); State Agencies (e.g., Marine Institute; EPA; MetEireann) and the Higher Education sector. It would also afford Ireland a major opportunity to play a lead role at the hub of global environmental research.
• • • •
Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation
Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation
Key Actions
Conduct a survey of marine research and researchers on an all-island basis with particular emphasis on research underway outside of the Marine Institute (2006);
Development of research discovery programme in Marine Biotechnology; Marine Biodiversity; Marine Technologies (2007-2013);
Establish Ireland as an Internationally recognised centre for Ocean renewable research (See Energy research section) (2006-2013);
Establish a SMARTBAY system for the observation, monitoring and management of coastal and ocean environments and the testing of new advanced technologies (2006- 2008);
Develop Ireland as a global monitoring centre for climate change assessments in the context of the North Atlantic Gulf Stream, unique marine and other ecosystems and SMARTBAY system, (2007-2012);
Use the data derived from the Irish seabed survey and the new Infomar programme to place Ireland in a position of competitive advantage in a range of areas including participation in International research programmes (2006–2013);
Stimulate greater involvement by Irish seafood Industry in marine related research. Prioritise the development of marine healthfoods (2006-2013);
Target a significant increase in FP7 participation and seek EU support for the Climate Change monitoring centre (possible European demonstration project 2006-2013). • • • • • • • •
6.5 Energy
6.5.1 Introduction
T
he energy sector directly employs 12,400 people. It has a turnover of €7.2bn and directly contributes €1.78bn to GNP. It is a vital, strategic sector – part of the necessary national infrastructure. The energy sector in Ireland is characterised by exceptionally high dependency on imported fuels and obligations arising from the Kyoto protocol and relevant EU directives. These drivers require Ireland to develop a more competitive contribution from renewable energy sources, together with major improvements in energy efficiency in transport, buildings and industry.Energy research activities are undertaken in support of national energy policy objectives, which are concerned with the maintenance of secure energy supplies to support economic growth and competitiveness, while ensuring that energy supply and use is environmentally sustainable.
In total, about 130 energy research, development and demonstration (RD&D) projects are currently underway, with a total funded value of approximately €25 million. This is twice the level of activity and three times the value of work undertaken in the previous year.
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), an agency under the auspices of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) commissions significant energy research and studies, through programmes derived from the National Development Plan. These programmes currently support the full-time equivalent of 25 post-doctoral researchers, 10 PhD students and 10 MSc Students.
Other agencies, notably Teagasc, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Marine Institute and Enterprise Ireland also support relevant technical research, while the Economic and Social Research Institute also undertakes research work relevant to energy policy.
ESB/ESB Networks, Bord na Mona, Airtricity, Viridian and others undertake/support energy related research related to their businesses.
In 2004 DCMNR undertook a strategic review of energy RD&D activities in Ireland and concluded that current activities, while valuable, could be better coordinated and aligned with national energy, economic and innovation policies. This was in line with the findings of the International Energy Agency Review of Ireland in 2003. Current research activity has tended to be project based and this, together with the “stop-start” nature of support has not been conducive to developing and supporting national energy research capacity. Work on the articulation of national energy policy is underway and future strategic research areas will be geared to underpinning national policy priorities working with all the relevant national players.