Written Answers Nos. 242-262
242. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to the publication of consultation responses on plug-in mini solar systems, whether he has noted that every objection raised by (details supplied) relates to the absence of regulation rather than the technology itself; when he will publish a regulatory framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45597/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlug-in solar systems are very small PV energy systems, usually two or three modules and less than 1 kW in total per installation, which are connected to a micro-inverter and plugged directly into a normal household socket. This then feeds the house’s internal electricity system. These low-cost panels can be put on balconies or outdoor spaces. The use of plug-in mini solar technology has grown in some EU countries in recent years as consumers search for ways to save on high energy bills.
As Minister, I am supportive of any technology which can reduce costs for households and consumers and increase the share of renewables on our system, provided that it can be integrated safely. For that reason, last month I wrote to ESB Networks (ESBN) requesting that, in its capacity as the body responsible for safety regulations and technical standards for the distribution grid, it works with the National Standards Authority of Ireland, Safe Electric and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to prioritise and accelerate the development of standards that will permit the use of "plug-in" solar systems in Ireland.
The Managing Director of ESBN has since written to me confirming ESBN's support for the safe, proportionate use of small, plug-in solar or battery devices up to a total of 800W (AC) provided that the following conditions are met:
• customer and public safety are prioritised and assured;
• network integrity and power quality are maintained in all operating conditions;
• the DSO has appropriate visibility of connected generation through a simple registration process; and
• devices meet the relevant technical and product standards.
ESBN has commenced work in this regard and has written to other key stakeholders with a view to coordinating the respective positions and set out a shared pathway to accelerate the deployment of plug-in solar and storage. Engagement with Eirgrid to ensure that it is adequately prepared for the impact of plug-in generation on the transmission network will also take place.
ESBN is also engaging with the UK-based Electricity Networks Association to align approaches with the evolving UK position on plug-in generation and storage to ensure a consistent approach across Northern Ireland and Ireland, reflecting the cross-border market for devices, installers and network participation. My officials are also in contact with officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in the UK. EU Guidance on the matter is also being considered
243. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on plans to introduce a carbon credit trading desk in Ireland through which community grounds could produce carbon credits to enable them to sell them on the open market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44937/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork is ongoing at a national and EU level to develop high-integrity carbon markets.
In 2024, the EU adopted the Carbon Removal Certification Framework Regulation (CRCF). The CRCF introduces a voluntary standard for carbon credits, requiring schemes that issue credits to meet certain criteria. In order for carbon removals to be certified, detailed methodologies must be developed for each practice. The first methodologies have now been adopted, covering bioenergy carbon capture and storage, direct air capture and biochar, with methodologies for agriculture, peatland rewetting and afforestation at an advanced stage. My Department has been engaged in the development of the framework and is working to ensure its effective implementation in Ireland and support the uptake of high-integrity carbon removal schemes.
Relevant initiatives were also announced in the EU Bioeconomy Strategy ([EUR-Lex - 52025DC0960 - EN - EUR-Lex]). To create predictable demand for results-based schemes and stimulate private investment, the Commission will establish an EU Buyers’ Club for carbon removals. This voluntary initiative is intended to provide a clear demand signal for carbon farming and carbon removals under the CRCF Regulation by pooling voluntary demand from private companies.
Ireland will continue to drive forward these developments during its 2026 presidency of the EU, with the presidency programme committing to the continued development of high-integrity frameworks to support private investment in carbon removals and nature restoration.
At a national level, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is developing a domestic Carbon Farming Framework, which is intended to align with the CRCF and provide financial opportunities for farmers to benefit from their provision of ecosystem services. DAFM published a draft policy document “Carbon Farming - Developments at European Union level and Principles to develop Carbon Farming in Ireland” and launched a public consultation on the 15 October 2025 to seek stakeholder views. Further policy development on the framework is now underway, informed by the results of the consultation.
My Department is also engaging closely with other initiatives to develop Irish standards and methodologies for ecosystem service and climate credits, including Peatland Finance Ireland.
244. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether there is a statutory obligation for energy companies to publish their standard rates, with and without VAT, for electricity and gas; and if not, if he will consider changing this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45014/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) was assigned consumer protection functions under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation and has statutory responsibility for the compliance by energy suppliers with their consumer protection obligations. The electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial and liberalised.
Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is solely a matter for the CRU. In line with long standing policy on deregulating price setting, the CRU ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011, and in the gas market in 2014. Price setting by electricity suppliers, including standing charges, is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned.
Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base. Within a competitive environment, providers also have costs such as staffing, tax, infrastructure, and cost of network tariffs which in turn affect end users’ bills.
The CRU Electricity and Gas Supplier Handbook sets out the Code of Practice on Marketing and Advertising and the requirements placed on suppliers. In particular, suppliers must display tariff information inclusive and exclusive of VAT and on a per unit basis.
The Deputy may wish to note that the CRU provide a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members which enables them to raise day to day questions on regulatory matters directly to the CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
245. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if there are plans to increase the domestic solar panel grant in budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45097/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Domestic Solar PV Grant Scheme has gone from strength to strength since its launch, with over 10,000 applicants supported in 2022, at a cost of over €24.4 million. 2023 proved even more successful, with domestic solar installation further supported by the Government decision to apply a zero percent VAT rate for the ‘Supply and installation of solar panels on domestic premises’ from 1 May, 2023.
By the end of 2023, 22,214 homes had received grant supports. In 2025, over 33,000 homes received grant supports.
Data for the first quarter of this year from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) shows a very positive upward trend, in both demand and output. As of May 2026, over 20,000 applications were received (which is an 80% increase in applications, year on year).
My Department and the SEAI continue to ensure that grant schemes terms and conditions, eligibility criteria and rates are kept under review taking account of demand, research, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors.
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce was formed to identify, assess and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households. The Taskforce is now leading the response to the energy shock, and the immediate associated energy affordability challenge. This work includes examining how to support increased uptake of home energy efficiency upgrades and continued development of the SEAI's retrofit schemes in line with commitments in the Programme for Government. Decisions regarding the SEAI's residential and community energy upgrade schemes are being considered as part of the work of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce.
246. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether for procurement spend, a purchase order can be raised within his Department's financial management systems without reference to a contract, framework agreement, procurement process or other authorising arrangement; if so, the circumstances in which this may occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45159/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2021, my Department has implemented a financial management system requirement whereby a categorisation code is required for each contract prior to raising a purchase order. However, due to limitations in the current financial system, the code cannot be automatically validated.
This additional requirement operates alongside my Department’s standard budgetary approval, segregation of duties and supplier validation controls.
247. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether an invoice can be paid by his Department without an associated purchase order having first been raised; if so, the circumstances in which this may occur; the number and value of payments made during quarter one of 2026 which were not associated with a purchase order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45177/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that an invoice cannot be paid by my Department without an associated purchase order having first been raised.
248. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the second consultation process for Ireland's draft Social Climate Plan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45360/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is continuing to prepare Ireland's Social Climate Plan in close consultation with the European Commission and relevant Departmental stakeholders.
In line with the requirements of the Regulation, a public event on the draft Plan, co-hosted by my Department and the European Commission, will be held later this year. At this event, information will be shared on the contents of the draft Plan as well as detail on how the consultation process completed last year fed into the design of the draft. This draft will include a summary of submissions received on the Plan. Following the event, a final draft Plan will be submitted to Government for approval. It will then be submitted to the European Commission for final approval.
249. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on DCEE's progress on the second rollout of the Community Climate Action Programme: Climate Education, Capacity Building and Learning by Doing (Strand 2); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45361/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP) Strand 2 was launched in 2023 with an initial €5 million allocation for Climate Education, Capacity Building and Learning by Doing Projects. This part of the CCAP programme facilitated organisations and their partners to collaboratively develop supports, tools, know-how and approaches to assist communities to take meaningful action on climate change.
The primary focus of this funding is for the development of learning outputs (toolkits, apps, guidance, tools, design for training programmes etc.) which can be used by community groups, post funding, to take action on climate change.
CCAP Strand 2, which is now complete, has provided funding to 19 projects with grant amounts ranging from 60k to 500k, totalling almost €4.8m. Following the programme's completion, my Department is evaluating the outcomes and exploring potential improvements to future phases of the programme. My Department is undertaking a review exercise to establish how community-based climate action projects can be most successfully implemented. This will take account of international literature as well as data collected from recipients of CCAP Strand 2 funding.
I have asked my officials to complete this work as soon as possible and to bring forward proposals.
250. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has an any way to identify which parliamentary questions are AI generated; and the amount it costs, on average, to answer a Parliamentary Question. [45364/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not currently utilise any tools or platforms to assess whether a PQ may have been generated using AI.
It is also difficult to determine the cost associated with responding to a PQ, as the level of resources and effort required can vary significantly depending on the nature and complexity of each query.
251. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to report on the water usage of data centres in Ireland; to provide details of all monitoring and regulation of water extraction and use for data centres in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45389/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWater usage management and conservation across commercial and industrial (non-domestic) sectors, including data centres, is an operational matter under the remit of Uisce Éireann. Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operations at national, regional and local levels. It is understood from their previous analysis that most large data centres have improved efficiency and rely on closed loop systems with minimal ongoing consumption, estimated at below ~0.20% total consumption. I understand Uisce Éireann is currently carrying out a review of data centre businesses with a view to having updated analysis this year.
Uisce Éireann has a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives that can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone 0818 578 578.
More generally, the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) contains many new measures aimed at further enhancing and promoting energy efficiency across society including under Article 12 which specifically addresses data centres. Ongoing mandatory data centre energy and sustainability performance reporting across the EU under the EED aims to achieve these objectives. This information is being used to establish an EU wide rating scheme to measure performance through rating labels for individual data centres indicating, among other indicators, their energy and water use effectiveness. The Commission is advancing draft legislation to give this effect.
Government policy continues to support the sustainable growth of data centres and achieving the twin objective of decarbonisation and digitalisation. The Programme for Government commits to enhancing data centres’ use of renewable energy sources, energy efficient technology and effective solutions.
252. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department will review the eligibility criteria for the solar PV grant to make provision for homeowners in housing developments where planning permission was granted prior to 2021, but construction was completed after 2021 and where the dwellings were therefore not required to include solar PV or heat pumps under the building regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45718/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) provides grant support of up to €1,800 for domestic solar PV installations. Grants are available to support installations to houses built and occupied prior to 2021.
Since the introduction of the MSS domestic grant in 2022, the scheme has gone strength to strength. 10,000 homes received support in 2022 followed by 22,214 in 2023 and 28,000 in 2024. Last year, over 33,000 installations were supported. This demand has continued into 2026 with over 20,000 applications to the end of May, an 80% increase year on year. This high level of demand and delivery indicates that the scheme is working well and that citizens recognise the significant benefits of investing in solar PV.
The eligibility criteria for the Domestic Solar PV Scheme are based on the MSS high level design approved by Government in December 2021, with the final scheme design published in 2022. The scheme is available to houses built and occupied prior to 2021. To avoid confusion with the term built and occupied, the SEAI use the date of connection to the electricity grid via the MPRN details as the method of determining eligibility, in line with other SEAI support schemes. The current scheme built on the success of a previous pilot version of the grant scheme. As part of the transition between schemes, the eligibility criteria were changed from those houses built prior to 2011, to those built prior to 2021. This increased the number of homes eligible for grant support.
New build homes must follow Part L of the Building Regulations, which relates to the energy performance of buildings requirements. The cost of installing solar PV systems during the new build process is significantly lower than for existing homes.
Targeting the grant scheme at older homes makes the most efficient use of limited Exchequer funding for the scheme. There are no plans to change the building year requirement but grant eligibility is kept under review.
The Deputy may wish to note that new homes can obtain a zero percent VAT rate for the supply and installation of solar panels. This is a permanent change that came into effect from 1 May 2023. This measure underlines the Government’s commitment to help households save money on their energy bills.
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce was formed to?identify, assess and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households. The Taskforce is now leading the response to the energy shock, and the immediate associated energy affordability challenge. This work includes examining how to support increased uptake of home energy efficiency upgrades and continued development of the SEAI's schemes in line with commitments in the Programme for Government.
253. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the way in which local authorities can apply for funding for the disposal of nitrous oxide cannisters; the level of funding available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45726/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder EU waste legislation, discarded pressurised containers of nitrous oxide should be classified and treated as hazardous waste and as such used nitrous oxide cannisters should not be placed in the residual waste bin or the recycling bin. They require a specialist hazardous waste disposal service for collection and appropriate treatment.
The Department has continued to engage with the local authority sector and other relevant stakeholders, under the auspices of the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan, to prioritise the development of a system which will assist local authorities in managing discarded nitrous oxide cannisters as a matter of urgency.
Arising from this process of engagement, a Working Group has been established, chaired by the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, to address the issue. Membership of the Working Group consists of representatives of the local authority sector, the Environmental Protection Agency and officials from the Department. It will prioritise the development of guidance and procedures to assist all local authorities in appropriately managing this material via the civic amenity site network. In addition, the Working Group is committed to developing appropriate awareness raising measures to ensure that the public are fully informed about how to properly dispose of this material.
While my Department provides significant annual funding to the local authority sector to support waste enforcement activities through the Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme and the Anti-Dumping Initiative, there is no specific funding available through my Department to assist with costs associated with managing discarded nitrous oxide cannisters.
254. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the supports and funding streams available for organisations involved in marine protection and conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45817/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Environmental Network receives core grant funding from the Circular Economy Fund, with a 2026 allocation of €3.127 million. This funding is distributed as core funding to the IEN’s 41 member organisations, including those involved in marine protection and conservation.
My Department also funds the Clean Coasts programme operated by An Taisce. The Clean Coasts programme includes over 2,500 groups drawn from communities, businesses, sporting groups and educational bodies with over 45,000 volunteers involved around the country.
Clean Coasts volunteer groups can also engage with other coastal protection voluntary actions such as protection of dunes thorough marram grass planting and An Taisce provide a wide range of awareness raising activities for communities in relation to our marine and coastal environment.
In 2026, €635,000 has been allocated to the Clean Coasts programme. This is split between €500,000 for the core programme and a further €135,000 for #2minutebeachclean.
255. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update in relation to the ongoing work to consolidate and modernise legislation underpinning the work of Inland Fisheries Ireland, outlining specific fines, penalties and powers which are being targeted for updating; whether the enforcement powers available to IFI will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45818/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to consolidate and modernise legislation pertaining to inland fisheries. Officials in the Department and in Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) have been working closely in relation to this shared commitment.
While full consolidation is a substantial and complex project which will take place over a much longer term, a number of specific priority amendments are being progressed to strengthen and modernise the legislative framework. Heads of Bill are being drafted with a view to bringing these legislative proposals to Government as soon as possible, with publication to follow in line with standard Oireachtas processes.
The purpose of these amendments is to modernise IFI's enforcement framework, particularly the powers available to authorised officers, as well as legislative provisions relating to habitat restoration and environmental protection. All existing offences and penalties are being reviewed to ensure they remain appropriate and effective.
256. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number and grade of staff employed by the Environmental Protection Agency; if there are planned recruitment competitions in near future, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45820/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent public body established under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, and is entirely independent in the exercise of its functions.
While the recruitment of staff by the EPA is subject to sanction from me as Minister as well as the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, the allocation of approved staff is a matter for the EPA. The Agency currently has received sanction to recruit up to 550 staff.
The information requested is an operational matter for the Agency and as such the Deputy may wish to contact the Agency directly.
The EPA can be contacted directly using oireachtasqueries@epa.ie for Oireachtas members.
257. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update in relation to actions outlined in the 2020 OECD Report on the Environmental Protection Agency; for an update on the annual reviews of the ongoing performance delivery agreements since 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45821/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe findings of the OECD 2020 review were welcomed and the EPA confirmed, at the time of publication of the review, that it had already implemented a number of the recommendations in the report. Subsequent to its publication, the EPA collaborated with my Department to address the opportunities identified in the review to build on the Agency's strong reputation and continue to ensure its effectiveness as a modern regulator and employer.
Further recommendations were incorporated into the EPA Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and annual Work Programmes. In addition, the EPA confirms that it has further enhanced its communications including redesigning the EPA website, adopting more extensive use of social media and improving the communication and uptake of its environmental research programme to inform and support policy development.
Work on a new strategic plan has commenced with the appointment of a new Director General in March 2026. I am advised that it is the EPA's intention to complete the work on development of this plan by early 2027.
The Oversight and Performance Delivery Agreement between the Department and the EPA formalises the agreed level of service to be provided and focuses on the key priorities and objectives of the Agency. It sets out the outputs/targets on which the Agency's performance will be measured. The current agreement is the fourth since 2021 and runs from 2024-2026. Monitoring and review of performance is achieved through quarterly governance meetings involving the Department and EPA, the preparation of metrics for the Revised Estimates and the publication of the EPA Annual Report and Accounts.
The EPA is an independent corporate entity having full responsibility under law for the performance of its functions. Arrangements have been put in place by the EPA to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost-effective system to address queries which are proper for the agency.
The EPA may be contacted directly at the email provided for Oireachtas queries oireachtasqueries@epa.ie.
258. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 18 of 10 June 2026, to further allocate funding to local authorities for the Community Climate Action Programme on the basis the value of the applications was double the available funding. [45860/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra259. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the amount that was allocated to each local authority under the recent 2026 Community Climate Action Programme allocations. [45861/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 259 together.
The Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP) supports and empowers communities to shape and build low carbon, sustainable communities in a coherent way.
The latest phase of the programme is providing a total of €29.5 million to local authorities to support communities across the country in delivering locally led climate action projects.
The Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP) has given opportunities to hundreds of groups around the country to access funding that directly impacts their communities. Many positive impacts have come out of the programme including reduction of energy costs, building community structures, biodiversity enhancement, wildlife restoration and enhanced economic circularity.
The projects successful in receiving funding in the current phase of the programme was announced in May 2026, which will see funding being provided from the CAF to all local authorities to partner with community groups to run 820 projects that will contribute to national climate and energy targets.
Details on the CCAP Phase 2 funding allocated to each of the local authorities is represented in the table below.
|
Local Authority |
Allocation |
|
Carlow County Council |
€423,696.11 |
|
Cavan County Council |
€489,000.00 |
|
Clare County Council |
€649,000.00 |
|
Cork City Council |
€967,058.00 |
|
Cork County Council |
€1,394,574.92 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€793,100.00 |
|
Dublin City Council |
€2,177,296.00 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
€993,011.00 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€1,303,699.85 |
|
Galway City Council |
€500,550.90 |
|
Galway County Council |
€858,575.72 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€739,226.58 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€991,941.63 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€577,659.00 |
|
Laois County Council |
€519,164.27 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€343,999.00 |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
€887,575.89 |
|
Longford County Council |
€333,781.00 |
|
Louth County Council |
€651,374.78 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€678,568.33 |
|
Meath County Council |
€910,459.72 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€437,892.90 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€501,831.35 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€473,508.16 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€455,518.00 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€1,202,599.87 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
€806,151.45 |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
€631,218.95 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
€542,378.89 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€746,066.50 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€766,469.36 |
|
TOTAL |
€23,746,948.13 |
The remaining balance of the €29.5m allocation is supporting Community Climate Action Officers in each local authority.
Given, as the Deputy has noted, the demand for funding far exceeded the level originally allocated, in May I allocated an additional €2.6 million from the Climate Action Fund to the programme. Including those projects benefitting from this additional allocation, a total of 820 projects will receive support under this phase of the CCAP.
As stated previously, I am currently considering the potential for further allocations of funding to local authorities under the CCAP. Any such allocation will depend on an assessment of the impact of the CCAP as well as the level of funding available from the Climate Action Fund.
260. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether plans are in place for the re-powering and extension of existing wind farms in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45952/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a world leader in onshore wind and its integration with over 5GW of installed capacity. The continued operation of Ireland's fleet of onshore wind farms is critical to ensuring a secure and affordable energy supply to 2030 and beyond. Repowering of existing wind farms has the potential to deliver an increase in generation capacity, usually by replacing older, less efficient turbines with newer models with higher capacities, with limited additional environmental impact. Lifetime extensions of existing windfarms also has a key role to play in ensuring a secure, renewable electricity supply.
The current Programme for Government highlights the role that repowering of existing wind farms can play in achieving our ambitious target of 9GW of onshore wind in the near term.
Repowered projects are currently eligible to compete for support under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions, subject to the eligibility criteria set out in the Terms and Conditions of the scheme.
The Renewable Energy Directive requires Member States to introduce accelerated and simplified permitting procedures for the repowering of renewable energy projects. Through the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce, my Department is working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on a range of policy measures, including repowering of existing renewable electricity projects, to ensure that there is a supportive policy framework in place that facilitates the accelerated deployment of renewable developments and supports a streamlined process for repowering of existing windfarm projects.
My Department engaged consultants to conduct an independent analysis on the repowering and life extension of Ireland’s current installed onshore wind energy projects. The project is currently ongoing and the final analysis will help to inform the requirement for any necessary future policy framework that supports repowering of onshore wind farms.
261. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has considered the Offshore Wind Action Plan 2026 published by an organisation (details supplied); the steps being taken by his Department to ensure the delivery of offshore wind projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45953/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is working collaboratively on a plan with all stakeholders regarding the development of a successful offshore wind sector for Ireland.
Wind Energy Ireland recently published their 'Offshore Wind Action Plan 2026', which identifies 18 actions they believe should be delivered in the next 12 months.
The Government is already progressing the actions detailed in WEI's Action Plan. My Department's Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce (OWDT) is working on the development of policies designed to deliver an accelerated and increased level of renewable energy generation. The OWDT brings together 16 Government Departments, agencies and industry representatives with the aim of developing the sector to progress and align activity. The key actions that are dealt with as part of the Taskforce's Offshore Wind Energy Programme include measures relating to Designated Marine Area Plans (DMAPs) and marine planning, biodiversity, grid connection, supply chain, ports policy, skills and workforce, and regulatory consenting.
The Taoiseach’s Offshore Wind Energy Clearing House Group, which was established in Q4 2025, brings together stakeholders from public and private sectors to tackle issues that cause delays to the delivery of offshore energy infrastructure.
In tandem with implementing the SC-DMAP, my Department is developing a National DMAP, expected to be published in 2027, that will identify a pipeline of offshore renewable energy development sites through Ireland’s maritime area.
In December 2025, I announced an unprecedented investment in grid development of up to €18 billion for the period 2026-2030 and my Department is working closely with EirGrid to develop grid connection options.
262. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the North South Interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45955/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe North South Interconnector is a critical piece of infrastructure for the State, further enhancing links with Northern Ireland and strengthening both of our electricity grids. This project, once delivered, will bring energy security, energy affordability and energy sustainability benefit to electricity customers throughout the Island. EirGrid, ESB and the Government are fully committed to the delivery of this project, and seeing construction start this year in line with the project programme.
The North South Interconnector is a Transmission project and is being undertaken by EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator. EirGrid is a commercial State body and is independent of the Minister in the exercise of its functions. Queries on updates on the project are first and foremost a matter for EirGrid.
EirGrid have a contact email address (oireachtas@eirgrid.com) through which Deputies can seek updates on detailed elements of the project.
