Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
314. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to address concerns raised in relation to wind farms (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37584/26]
View answerIreland currently has over 8 GW of renewable electricity generation capacity connected to the network. Approximately 5 GW of new renewable electricity generation capacity has been added in just ten years, including doubling our wind capacity and establishing solar energy as a major pillar of our energy supply.
Investment in and operation of electricity generation in Ireland, including wind energy, takes place within the legal framework of the EU internal energy market which requires competition in the generation and supply of electricity. A competitive and open investment climate in the energy sector is essential for Ireland to attract companies that can deliver and support long-term energy security and price stability for Irish households and businesses.
At this time of global energy uncertainty, it is now more important than ever to continue to develop our indigenous renewable with a competitive pipeline of projects to deliver real benefits to homes and businesses.
Government is committed to accelerating Ireland’s twin digital and green transitions. In January, Government launched the Large Energy User Action Plan to enable Ireland to attract the next generation of investment in energy intensive sectors over the coming decades including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, precision engineering and data centres. Businesses in these sectors provide economic growth, long-term employment and support communities across Ireland’s regions.
In 2025 the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a Large Energy Users Connection Policy. Under this policy, new data centres will be required to meet at least 80% of their annual electricity demand with additional renewable electricity generated in Ireland. This will ensure that such connections align with and contribute to Ireland's target of meeting 80% of electricity demand with renewables in the near term.
