A few HOPE-ful points...

Firstly, cost wise, importing our energy is going to get a lot more expensive, quite quickly. (due to peak oil and related resource scarcity and growing demand)
Heres a recent global graph to put it in perspective:

related article: From OIL AGE financial crisis, to sustainable communities + COP 15

Secondly, production of Irelands energy today is part of the global warming problem, due to C02 emmissions in its production. 98% imports. (not including the energy cost in maving it from A to B)

Thirdly, there are alternatives, they can work.

Fourthly, speaking as a someone working in the field of ecology, design and industrial ecology, we need to radically change the way we have been living. We are at the closing stages of the "oil age", easily found resources are running out. WE LIVE ON A FINITE PLANET, and we have to start living accordingly. (We propose the cradle to cradle (C2C) philosophy and work with the Transition movment)


5-thly: Change is possible, but not with the old mindset. Ireland is great for moaning, BUT, that is not good enough!!! (I left some years back to be inspired by and to participate with people where they moan AND take action) The old "Business as usual" model is over; ADAPT quick or loose out (the global crisis is testament to this). But also the political model, or better mechanism, has to be seriously altered. It has failed Irish people, for the most part, so its not about changing the teams, but altering the way the game is being played.

6 - Spirit of Ireland sounds like a fantastic project. It might not work, BUT, it might work! We need to thoroughly investigate it, if it is possible that all that they claim is true, well then, we should really do our darndest to make it happen. I feel there is a re-awakening of sorts happening in ireland, yes its come from the bubble bursting and many people being badly fuc.ked, but with that there is a questioning, an anger at what was done, and a desire to not let it happen again. With that, I feel this is the sort of project that could really bloom in these dreary times. Remember that within every "Crisis" is an "opportunity". Maybe, just maybe this is it?? Believe a little, be positive and have HOPE, youd be surprised what doors open.

7 - Regarding the tek end of the project, with time analysis etc will be done. BUT, so far it sounds like they have done the maths, a lot of big leaps in science come from simple simple simple little ideas that no one saw before, or connections no one noticed before. So fair play to our Ukranian Irish friend (i think i read that he is the leading patent proposer in ireland at present). At Sliabh.net a man has been working out the tek end, see what he has to say on it: Spirit of Ireland - do the numbers add up?

Lastly, in case you havent heard it already, have a listen to the 2 main radio interviews about the project

Be bold, think big, let the ideas soar.
Then come back to earth and realize those dreams...