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Infrastructure, Public Utilities and Spatial Developmentand implement an intensified energy efficiency programme. Thework of SEI will include a programme of Research, Developmentand Demonstration. A further priority for the main players in thesustainable energy sector, including SEI, EirGrid and CER, will beto aid the implementation of network upgrading in areas mostsuitable to the connection of renewable generating capacity.To date, a substantial focus on the delivery of renewable energy, andits contribution to climate change, has focused on energy derivedfrom wind power, of which Ireland has a natural abundance.However, it is recognised that the delivery of wind-power bringswith it other problems in the form of reduced power quality,enhanced plant margin and the costs of ever-ready operatingreserve. In this regard, the Council welcomes the recently publishedwork carried out by the regulator in conjunction with his counterpartin Northern Ireland, and the TSOs north and south of theborder, which conducted a thorough assessment of the likely abilityof Ireland’s electricity infrastructure to absorb large levels ofincreased wind power. It is clear that the development of sustainableenergy is not simply an issue of infrastructure provision butincludes overall environmental sustainability and climate changepolicy.9.6 COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE9.6.1 Recent Development and Current Issues inTelecommunicationsGiven the role of information technology in Ireland’s economy,communications infrastructure is a most important requirement forfuture prosperity. Indeed, business opportunities based on theknowledge economy—for example, software development, webhosting, digital media content development, call centres, dataprocessing and storage, on-line working opportunities and designfunctions—are playing an increasingly important role in the Irisheconomy. A modern high-speed, low cost communications andbroadband network is an essential enabler of economic activity andsocial inclusion in this sector and in a range of other arenas. In475