Darren O'Rourke
Question:50. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the renewable electricity spatial policy framework. [38838/24]
View answerTuesday, 1 October 2024
Questions (50)
Written answers
Under the aegis of the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce, officials from my Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have been developing a renewable electricity spatial policy approach that provides for the alignment between local plans and national policy to accelerate the delivery of renewable electricity generation and contribute to Ireland's target of 80% renewables by 2030.
A major step forward in this regard is ensuring that regional renewable electricity targets are incorporated into the planning hierarchy and given effect at the strategic level via the draft revision to the National Planning Framework which has recently been subject to public consultation.
This approach will ensure consistency and, ultimately, policy alignment between the Regional Assemblies’ Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and the Local Authority Development Plans. It will also provide for a clear supporting policy framework for Ireland’s electricity supply to keep pace with economic growth, protect Irish homes and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices through the deployment of indigenous wind and solar energy across our regions and help us deliver on our renewable energy and climate targets.