Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2026
310. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if match funding has been secured in respect of a project in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27802/26]
View answerI understand that the details of this question relate to a proposed community owned solar energy project. While my department does not have direct responsibility for solar energy initiatives, I am aware that there are supports available across government in this area which may be of relevance, such as Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland community grants.
My department implements a suite of schemes under its Community Development and Rural Development Programmes which aim to support a wide range of investments in community facilities and infrastructure. A number of these schemes also support community ownership approaches which link the particular needs of local communities to the available investment options.
On the specific question of providing match funding in tandem with funding opportunities available at EU level, this has generally not been a feature of my departments investment programme to date. However, I have asked my officials to examine the details of this particular proposal and I will revert directly to the Deputy on this matter shortly.
