Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2013
123. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the level of discussions that have taken place with wind energy companies in relation to the erection of wind turbines in the midlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20190/13]
View answerThe 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.
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 consider, and provide appropriately for, any 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 Ireland’s negotiations with the UK, we have not yet determined or agreed the selection process for any potential joint projects, which will be a further matter to be discussed and negotiated in the coming year. Any such selection process would, 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.
