Written Answers Nos. 171-179
171. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department can calculate the cost of providing an amnesty or write off to the 320,000 people in arrears on their energy bills. [23166/26]
View answerThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) regularly publishes market monitoring data, including the estimated annual bills for households; the number of households in payment arrears on their energy bills; the number of disconnections; and the number of customers switching energy supplier. Arrears data is generally published by the CRU on a monthly basis. As arrears data operates with a two-month time lag due to the way suppliers report these figures to the CRU and the need to validate the data, the latest published arrears figures are for December 2025.
The data shows that that the average value of arrears in December 2025 stood at €466.03 for domestic electricity customers, and €192.25 for domestic gas customers. The National Energy Affordability Taskforce Interim Report was published in November 2025. The Report found that as of June 2025, the level of debt for domestic customers was €140 million in electricity and €37 million for gas.
The CRU is currently reviewing its market monitoring framework through which this data is collected and reported upon. The review aims to provide more granular information to gain a better understanding of the numbers of customers who may be in more distress and in need of support with their debt.
The Deputy may wish to engage directly with the CRU in relation to the matters raised. The CRU provides a dedicated email address, oireachtas@cru.ie, for Oireachtas members which enables them to raise questions on general energy regulatory matters.
172. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures his Department is taking to protect local coastal communities and their seaweed harvesting rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23243/26]
View answerThe enactment of the Marine Area Planning (MAP) Act, 2021 initiated the transition to a new Maritime Regulatory Regime overseen by the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). This has led to the gradual phasing out of operations under the Foreshore Act of 1933 (as amended), with new foreshore applications no longer accepted since the MARA’s establishment.
Applicants may apply to the MARA for a licence to harvest seaweed, in accordance with Schedule 7 of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021, which provides for Maritime Usages that may be undertaken pursuant to the granting of a Licence.
However, Minister of State at my Department, Timmy Dooley, T.D. met with representatives and individual traditional seaweed harvesters recently and recognised the important role that traditional seaweed harvesting plays in our rural, coastal communities. Minister Dooley has asked officials to examine the regulatory framework that is currently in place, to ensure it is appropriate to adequately safeguard holders of traditional seaweed harvesting rights.
173. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if consideration has been given to instructing Re-Turn to distribute part of its surplus to community organisations in the form of grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23130/26]
View answerRe-turn is responsible for all operational and funding matters relating to the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and while I have no function in the day-to-day business operations. Notwithstanding this, officials from the Department monitor performance of the scheme closely and meet with Re-turn monthly to review progress. Quarterly meetings are held to discuss strategic priorities, and governance matters and this includes an update on unredeemed deposits and supports to community organisations.
DRS has given rise to new and innovative community-based fundraising initiatives with over 4,700 schools, clubs and community organisations registered with Re-turn.
The Return for Children campaign, developed in partnership with six of Ireland’s largest children’s charities, has raised over €400,000 to date for Ireland’s most vulnerable children.
Re-turn is also running a pilot project which provides reverse vending machines (RVMs) and recycling infrastructure to three island communities:. RVMs have been installed on Arranmore Island in Co. Donegal and Cape Clear Island in Co. Cork, and communal Re-turn collection bins have been made available on Inishturk, Co. Mayo, ensuring residents and visitors can participate fully in the scheme and contribute towards Ireland's circular economy.
174. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if dormer roofs are not eligible for roof insulation grants under the warmer homes scheme; the logic underlying this; whether he will review this exclusion; whether an alternative scheme exists which does cover dormer roofs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23145/26]
View answerThe Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through the carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
The Warmer Homes Scheme is available to owner-occupied properties, based on the householder being in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection (DSP) income supports. The scheme targets support to those on the lowest incomes who are living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact in addressing energy poverty.
The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, SEAI’s technical surveyor will determine which upgrades can be installed and funded. These can include:
• Attic insulation and appropriate ventilation;
• Wall insulation and appropriate ventilation – cavity wall, external wall or dry lining depending on the property;
• Secondary measures – lagging jackets, draughtproofing, energy efficient lighting;
• In certain circumstances: heating system replacements, window replacements.
Technical requirements to address dormer homes can be challenging due to the construction style and the associated insulation and ventilation requirements. It is particularly complex, costly and in most cases in need of a bespoke upgrade. Roof insulation in dormer properties is not currently provided under the Warmer Homes Scheme. There is ongoing SEAI research on dormer roofs and the findings will inform future approaches regarding dormer roofs under the Warmer Homes Scheme.
The Government has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:
• The DSP's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available at: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/.
• The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is available to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. The scheme is administered by Local Authorities. Details are available at: www.gov.ie/en/service/1ca60-housing-aid-for-older-people-grant/.
175. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23196/26]
View answerI have responded directly to the Deputy on the matters raised.
176. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason the grant for solar panels has been reduced (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23333/26]
View answerThe Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is targeting 380MW of new renewable generation capacity to contribute to an overall revised target for solar PV of up to 5.5GW by 2030, under the Climate Action Plan and the recent Government agreement on the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings. The scheme design was supported by detailed economic and policy analysis, as well as a public consultation, prior to its approval in December 2021.
As part of the approved MSS Final Scheme Design, the maximum grant levels for Domestic applicants were set out for the period from 2022 to 2028. The grant levels were based on the level of available Exchequer funding to meet the expected demand, as well as a recognition that solar pv installation costs were expected to reduce over time. In 2022 and 2023, the maximum grant levels were set at €2,400. Thereafter, the maximum grant would be reduced by a maximum of €300 per annum, until 2028.
Since its launch in 2022, the Domestic Solar PV grant scheme has gone from strength to strength, with over 10,000 applicants supported in 2022, 22,214 supported in 2023, and in 2024 when the grant was reduced to €2,100, over 28,000 applicants were supported and in 2025 at reduced level of €1,800 over 33,000 applicants were supported. For 2026 I directed the planned reduction not proceed and so far in 2026 over 4,000 homes have been supported.
The MSS final scheme design which provides the background and context for the design of the grant schemes and assumptions regarding the uptake and costs for the MSS supports in line with CAP 21 was approved in December 2022 and is available at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/micro-generation/.
177. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if a data centre powered by gas powered generators offsite connected via a private wire would be considered an 'islanded data' centre; and if it would be consistent with the Government statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy position that islanded data centres 'would not be in line with national policy'. [23364/26]
View answerThe Private Wires Policy Statement states that the expansion of the right of private developers to build Private Wires is guided by prevailing policy considerations. This would include national climate objectives, renewable energy objectives and security of supply. The Private Wires Bill will unlock private sector investment in electricity infrastructure, particularly to accelerate renewable generation and storage. It will enable private development of electricity wires in specific circumstances as specified in the published General Scheme. This reflects the increasing need to decarbonise our electricity sector and alleviate grid constraints. Legislation to give effect to this is being advanced as a priority, with a view to enactment by the end of the year.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published its Large Energy Users Connection Policy Decision in December 2025 which focused on electricity connections for data centres. The decision requires all new data centres to provide onsite or proximate generation and/or storage matched to their maximum import capacity, with that generation is required to participate in the wholesale electricity market to support overall system adequacy, and to meet at least 80% of their annual electricity demand with new additional renewable electricity generated in Ireland. While the decision did not introduce any new decisions relating to connections to the gas network, I understand CRU is actively engaging with Gas Networks Ireland on this topic in the near term.
178. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when he will introduce legislation to put corridors through forestry on a statutory footing and ensure that critical infrastructure is protected at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23487/26]
View answerThe draft Heads of Bill are currently being revised in order to take on board some additional considerations. My Department aims to submit these revised Heads of Bill to the Government for approval to proceed to drafting in the coming weeks. Pre-legislative scrutiny will follow shortly thereafter with the aim of publishing the Bill over the coming months.
179. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has conducted analysis on the economic benefits of a transition to renewable sources of energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23496/26]
View answerAt this time of global energy uncertainty, it is now more important than ever to continue to develop and accelerate the deployment of our indigenous renewable resources and associated grid infrastructure to provide long-term energy security and price stability for Irish households and businesses.
Renewables provide resilience and enhanced energy security through domestically produced electricity which reduces dependence on imported fuels, making Ireland less vulnerable to global energy price shocks. With renewables estimated to have met more of our electricity demand than gas in 2025 and a new record of 8 GW of renewable energy generation reached this month, Ireland is well placed to capitalise on the economic resilience provided by renewables and a flexible power system.
Wind, solar, hydro and other renewable energy sources will drive down and stabilise long-term wholesale electricity prices, enhancing our energy security and protecting homes and businesses from volatile fossil fuel markets.
Beyond the economic stabilisation that renewables provide, there are other direct and indirect economic benefits in the transition to renewables.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) estimated, in their Wind Energy Roadmap 2011-2050, that onshore and offshore wind could create 20,000 direct installation and operation/maintenance jobs by 2040 and that the wind industry would also have an annual investment potential of €6-12 billion by the same year. The report also found that the potential economic value of electricity generated by onshore wind could reach almost €15 billion by 2050.
The mandatory Community Benefit Funds from contracted projects under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme have estimated annual contributions of over €14 million annually and Government has committed to running further annual RESS auctions through the Programme for Government which will see this number grow.
Wind and solar farms also make important contributions to the Local Authority commercial rates in the county in which they are located. These commercial rates provide a stable revenue stream to fund public services, infrastructure, and local investment. Industry sources estimate that wind farms pay nearly €50 million each year to Local Authorities and that solar projects will contribute €28 million per year by 2030 in land leasing fees and €41.25 million per year by 2030 in commercial rates.
In March 2024, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) published Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy aiming to ensure that Ireland captures the value of the supply chain to deliver an offshore renewable energy (ORE) sector of scale while maximising the economic impact of Ireland’s ambitious targets for ORE development.
