Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
180. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to report on the administrative and support that is available to renewable energy communities; the number of staff that are employed to support renewable energy communities; the cost to employ these staff in each of the years from 2020 to 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50378/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range of initiatives to support Renewable Energy Communities in Ireland. This support includes the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) provides financial incentives to community groups and others to develop smaller scale solar and wind energy. SRESS was designed with two support mechanisms to suit two cohorts of applicants.
The first phase of SRESS provides grants via the Non-Domestic Microgen Grant which are available for renewables self-consumers above 50 kW and up to 1 MW.
The second, SRESS Export tariff scheme, targets community, SME and farm export-only projects, above 50kW to 6MW. It offers fixed tariffs for solar and wind, supported by the Public Service Obligation.
Regarding the administrative support for the scheme, there are currently four staff in my Department working on SRESS and community policy, including engagement with SEAI on the Community Enabling Framework. The officers are established civil servants and their remuneration is per the Assistant Principal, Administrative Officer, Higher Executive Officer and Executive Officer salary scales.
In terms of SEAI staff allocated to the Community Enabling Framework, the administration and management of the schemes, as well as the assignment of staff to particular work areas, is an operational matter for the SEAI.
The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly and in line with the SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is.mailto:oireachtas@seai.ie
