Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 July 2008
941 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in respect of the proposal in the programme for Government to introduce a scheme for offshore islands to incentivise and support the production of island produced and consumed renewable energy by island co-ops or other island based organisations for community buildings and public lighting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28662/08]
View answerThe Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff support programme, which is administered by my Department, supports the construction of new renewable energy powered electricity production plants. This support programme is open to all qualifying projects including project proposals for the offshore islands.
In addition to this general support for new renewable energy powered projects Sustainable Energy Ireland has been working directly with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs over the past year in regard to conducting a comprehensive energy needs survey of the islands. The aim of this survey is to assist Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in the development of strategies that will reduce the offshore islands' dependence on fossil fuels.
