Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2026
163. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on whether there is a clear policy contradiction between promoting community participation in renewable energy and the continued failure to operationalise the Community Renewable Electricity Grant intended to support such participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27421/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra164. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on whether requiring communities to await a consultancy process undermines the viability of many current projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27422/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra165. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has selected consultants to review the CEG/SRESS double funding issue; if so, when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27423/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra168. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the Government will immediately reopen the community renewable electricity grant scheme pending resolution of State aid questions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27426/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 163, 164, 165 and 168 together.
The Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS) Community Enabling Framework launched in 2022, provides a range of supports including potential grant funding, from SEAI to communities. Since January 2025, support for community projects has transitioned to the non-competitive Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS).
With the exception of the Community Enabling Grants, all of the other supports that were available under the SEAI RESS Community Enabling Framework are now available to communities under SRESS. This includes free specialist technical trusted advisor support, providing professional advice to community groups through all project stages. This advice is tailored to each individual proposed project.
SEAI’s website also provides 9 free information guides covering key aspects including community groups and governance, grid and planning permission issues, stakeholder engagement and business planning. In addition, SEAI has provided 13 county-level grid studies identifying economically viable grid connection sites.
In addition, the SRESS community solar tariffs provide a significant premium to communities over RESS prices. For example, the greater than 1MW and up to 6MW category tariff provided to community applications is €140/MWh. That is 40% above recent RESS average support prices.
My Department is currently assessing the interaction between the SRESS tariffs and proposed grants to ensure that these do not constitute 'double funding' or cumulation of aid under EU State Aid rules.
In February 2026, my Department commenced a review of the tariffs available under SRESS. This review is being undertaken to ensure the scheme continues to provide appropriate support. It is not an indication that the tariffs will be increased.
The review will also allow my Department to determine whether and how grants can be legally provided alongside the tariff. This work is currently underway and is expected to be completed by mid-2026, with a decision on the reinstatement of these grants expected thereafter.
