Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
124. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether legal advice has been received regarding the potential double-funding issue between SRESS tariffs and Community Enabling Grants; if so, whether he will publish or summarise that advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47140/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra130. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department has engaged with the European Commission regarding the State aid concerns identified in relation to SRESS Community Enabling Grants; and if he will provide details of such engagement. [47146/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 130 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.
Following the finalisation of the terms and conditions and the opening of the scheme to applications, work continued on the development of a potential accompanying SRESS Community Enabling Grant. As part of that grant development work, my Department sought legal advice in respect of eligible costs in the context of State aid rules.
The issue in respect of the interaction between the SRESS tariffs and proposed grants, and the risk of the “'double funding' or cumulation of aid under EU State Aid rules relating to certain project costs came to light at that stage and the Department was advised that a review providing technical guidance on the SRESS tariffs was required.
In that regard, my Department commenced a review of the tariffs available under SRESS in February 2026. This review is being undertaken to ensure the scheme continues to provide appropriate support. It 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 later this year, with a decision on the reinstatement of these grants expected thereafter.
My Department also engaged with the State Aid Unit in the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment on the issue. Engagement has not been required with the European Commission on the issue.
