It has been estimated that up to 10,000 new jobs could by created in green economy activities in Ireland by 2015.
More jobs could be added in the green financial services, agriculture, marine and tourism sectors, according to a new report from the Government.
The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation today published the Government's policy statement on growth and employment in the green economy.
The green economy around the world is worth over $3 trillion and employs 30 million people. It is projected to grow at 3.7% a year over the coming years.
As part of its green plans, the Government wants to ensure that on average at least 200MW of new renewable energy is connected to the grid each year, while it also wants new legislation to provide for a new offshore licensing and permitting regime.
Richard Bruton says the Government will introduce a Pay as You Save scheme to replace the Better Homes Energy scheme from 2014, while it will also prioritise research and development in areas including sustainable food, marine renewable energy and smart grids and cities.
Through Enterprise Ireland, the Government will work with indigenous companies to identify and develop export opportunities for green goods and services, while through IDA Ireland it wants to attract more green financial services companies to Ireland.
MInister Bruton said that the green sector is a sector where Ireland has major potential for jobs growth, due to the rapid growth of the sector globally, the country's natural advantages in the sector as well as our business friendly and open economy.
''We also have cutting-edge companies, both indigenous and multinational, already operating in this sector, and a world class research and development system,'' he added.
He said the Government is targeting growth across a range of activities in the green economy - renewable energy, energy efficiency, financial services, agriculture, tourism, waste and water management, green products and services and low carbon transport.
