Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
40. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the timeline for auctions for both on and offshore energy; the measures he will take to ensure these deadlines are kept; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44292/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to holding at least one Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction annually. 2025 saw the completion of two auctions, the fifth onshore RESS auction and the ORESS Tonn Nua offshore wind auction. The completion of these auctions represents a major step forwards towards achieving our renewable energy ambitions.
The next onshore RESS auction, RESS 6, is due to take place later this year. The terms and conditions for the auction are currently being finalised and I expect to bring them to Government for approval in the coming weeks. A Final Auction Timetable will be published alongside the RESS 6 terms and conditions and will set out the dates for the various stages of the qualification and auction processes.
The next offshore auction, for the Lí Ban site, is targeted to take place in 2027. Survey data for the site is expected to become available from the end of this year, and a roadmap document for the auction is currently being prepared which will provide clarity on potential auction timing and identify issues on the critical path.
Officials from my Department are also currently at advanced stages of negotiating an extended State Aid decision for the RESS with the European Commission to ensure we can continue to deliver on our Programme for Government commitment to holding annual auctions over the coming years.
