Renewable Energy Generation

Tuesday, 7 October 2025

Ceisteanna (42)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

42. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason, in the current consultation process on National Territory Mapping for Renewable Electricity, the maps provided are only available in static PDF format with shaded areas, without scalable or detailed layers showing towns, townlands and other reference points; if he will confirm the reason these maps have not been made available as layers on the Government's own Tailte Éireann National Geospatial Data Hub; if he will commit to publishing these datasets in an accessible and interactive format to enable full public engagement; and if he will extend the consultation deadline in light of the difficulty members of the public currently face in interpreting the proposed areas. [53551/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

The coordinated mapping of the national territory for the purposes of the recast Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), has been undertaken based on lands already identified for grid scale renewable electricity, in several existing City/County Development Plans. These plans have been subject to environmental assessments and statutory public consultation (in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended) and are adopted by the Elected Members of each local authority.

For the purposes of this Public Consultation the mapping is available in PDF/PNG formats only, as hosted on the Department’s website. The mapping has been made available in these formats to allow for access across a range of devices and platforms and for all users. For detailed local level mapping information, contact can be made directly with local authorities. The current Article 15b mapping can be cross-referenced against any such relevant City/County Development Plan, Wind Energy Strategy or Renewable Energy Strategy.

It is important to note that the Article 15b national territory mapping does not alter or amend any existing City/County Development Plans nor does it affect their status under any enactment. The coordinated national territory mapping has been generated, solely, to meet the obligations of the State under RED III Article 15b. The closing date for submissions is Friday 10 October 2025 at 5.30pm.