Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
108. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if it is expected that regional assemblies and local authorities will design targets and designated zones within local authority areas within the lifetime of the mandate of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47177/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the aegis of the Accelerating Renewable Energy (ARE) Taskforce, work is underway on delivering a regional balance in the distribution of renewable electricity generation. The First Revision of the National Planning Framework (NPF), published in April, includes Regional Renewable Electricity Capacity Allocations for solar and onshore wind which will allow for the strategic planning of renewable technologies and deliver an equitable regional balance in the distribution of infrastructure.
Further to the publication of the revised NPF, each Regional Assembly is required to commence a revision of their Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES). As part of this RSES revision, Regional Assemblies need to adopt a Regional Renewable Energy Strategy (RRES). These RRES will translate the regional allocations into Local Authority-level targets which will inform City and County Development Plans, ensuring alignment between local plans and national policy. Officials from my Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) are actively working with our three Regional Assemblies to support them in this work.
On 26 March, all three Regional Assemblies commenced the RSES review process by publishing ‘Strategic Issue Papers’ online, seeking public input into the shaping of their new RSES.
The SEAI is also undertaking an update to the 2013 Local Authority Renewable Energy Strategy Methodology, with support from my Department and DHLGH. This will provide a robust, evidence-based and consistent approach to Local Authorities for the identification, assessment and planning for renewable energy development within their jurisdiction in accordance with national and European obligations, including the Regional Renewable Electricity Capacity Allocations and Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies.
