Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2024
48. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the regional renewable energy strategies; when these will be translated into county level targets and how this will inform city and county development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38824/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe inclusion of the regional renewable electricity targets in the draft First Revision of the National Planning Framework is a critical step towards achieving Ireland’s national renewable electricity targets. This will deliver a regional balance and distribution of renewable technologies and provide a 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.
Following the finalisation of the revised National Planning Framework, the three Regional Assemblies will integrate these targets into their Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and associated Regional Renewable Energy Strategies. These allocations will then be translated into local authority-level targets that shall be planned for through their city and county development plans.
A Roadmap is currently being developed to support the Regional Assemblies in the development of robust, coordinated, and sustainable onshore Regional Renewable Energy Strategies and is due for completion in Q4 2024.
The finalisation of the revised National Planning Framework and the enactment of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2023 are critical enablers of the alignment of local development plans with our national renewable energy ambition.
