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Renewable Energy Generation Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013

Tuesday, 5 February 2013

Questions (539, 540, 543, 544, 545)

Michael Colreavy

Question:

539. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of jobs he expects to be created in the wind farm industry after the signing the Memorandum of Understanding with the British Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5930/13]

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Michael Colreavy

Question:

540. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of energy he expects to be produced from wind farms following the Memorandum of Understanding with the British Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5931/13]

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Michael Colreavy

Question:

543. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is a tax on wind energy; if not, if he intends to introduce a tax on wind energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5934/13]

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Michael Colreavy

Question:

544. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the discussions he has had with energy companies prior to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the British Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5935/13]

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Michael Colreavy

Question:

545. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there will be a process of public consultation if new wind turbines are to be erected following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the British Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5936/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Question Nos. 539, 540 and 543 to 545, inclusive, together.

The Memorandum of Understanding on energy cooperation that UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Edward Davey and I signed on 24 January will result in completion of consideration of how Irish renewable energy resources, onshore and offshore, might be developed to the mutual benefit of Ireland and the United Kingdom. This will determine whether it is beneficial for both countries to enter into an Inter-Governmental Agreement under the Renewable Energy Directive to provide for renewable energy trading. If an Inter-Governmental Agreement is entered into, there are potential significant employment opportunities. As an example, employment creation arising from a 3,000MW project would be expected to be in the order of 3,000 to 6,000 job years in the construction phase, with the actual number dependent on the construction schedule to 2020. There would also be additional jobs created in the ongoing maintenance of turbines over a 20-year operating life. Further employment opportunities could arise if turbines or components were to be manufactured in Ireland. All relevant State agencies, particularly in the enterprise area, would have to coordinate their activities early in the process to ensure employment potential of export projects is maximised. This opportunity has already been identified by the Industrial Development Authority and Enterprise Ireland in their clean technology growth strategies. The amount of energy to be procured by the United Kingdom and the mechanisms for sharing the resultant economic benefits, including an appropriate return to the Exchequer, are matters to be addressed in the coming year, and ahead of signing a potential Inter-Governmental Agreement, which would have to ensure no financial cost or risk to the Irish State or consumer.

Since taking up my position as Minister for Communications, Energy, and Natural Resources, I have been meeting with companies and individuals involved in the development of renewable energy on an on-going basis. That includes several developers who have made presentations and discussed their ideas for the development of renewable energy projects for export. In terms of our negotiations with the UK, we have not yet determined or agreed the selection process for potential joint projects, which will be a further matter to be discussed and negotiated in the coming year. Any such selection process will, of course, be open and transparent. Any new wind turbines that may be built will be subject to the Planning Acts, including the requirements for public consultation.

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