In the context of the uncertainties that exist in the global energy market, this paper aims to expose the practical and theoretical inadequacies of the R.O.I government in dealing with the social and economic threats associated with the advent of peak oil. Drawing on the literature on peak oil and the statistical data related to the energy sector in Ireland, I will demonstrate the level of economic vulnerability that the country has in relation to peak oil. This paper argues that the government’s energy policy is theoretically misguided, while also representing a practically inadequate attempt to achieve its stated objective of “ promoting sustainability in the supply and use of energy.”

 This paper exposes the hollowness of the government’s rhetoric in relation to energy policy and points to an alternative approach. In particular, I suggest that policy in a post-carbon energy environment should be formulated and pursued on the basis of two principles. These principles of environmental sustainability  and precautionary forward planning are derived from the irrefutable empirical realities of the theory of peak oil and represent the most prudent and rational model upon which to base energy policy in the future. By demonstrating the inadequacies of the government’s recent energy policy document, this paper suggests that a radical rethink of energy policy is required; as it is only on the basis of policy grounded in the environmental realities of the finitude of natural resources, can the economic security of the country be assured.