Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2024
106. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has mapped the potential location of projected new renewable generation capacity by county or region, distinguishing the renewable source in each case. [29498/24]
View answerMy Department is working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the implementation of the recast Renewable Energy Directive. Obligations under the Directive include identifying available and potential areas for renewable energy development as well as the mapping of Renewable Acceleration Areas. These measures will support the delivery of the national renewable electricity targets set out in the Climate Action Plan 2024.
Implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive is currently being progressed under the banner of the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce. The Taskforce was established to coordinate the fast-track and increased deployment and output of renewable electricity generation and supporting technologies, and all parties are working to ensure that the targets can be met in this regard.
It is expected that the upcoming revision of the National Planning Framework, which will include regional renewable electricity targets, and the Planning and Development Bill will provide a supportive spatial planning framework for renewable energy by ensuring an aligned and consistent planning approach, from national to regional assembly and local authority levels.
Collectively, these measures will facilitate the accelerated roll-out and implementation of renewable electricity infrastructure, significantly boost deployment rates of onshore wind and solar energy to underpin Ireland's sustainable economic growth.
