Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2014
634. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will reconsider his Department's approach to a wind energy project (details supplied) and its application for entry to the REFIT scheme in view of the necessity of the scheme's support for the project's viability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48446/14]
View answerThe proposal referenced by the Deputy is for a project with wind turbines physically located in Ireland but connecting to the electricity grid in Northern Ireland.
The objective of the REFIT 2 scheme in Ireland is to incentivise the development of renewable electricity generation for connection to the electricity grid in Ireland. Projects that are supported by REFIT 2 are funded through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy on electricity consumers in Ireland.
The proposal referenced by the Deputy does not fall within the terms of the REFIT 2 scheme because it does not connect to the electricity grid in Ireland. Rather, it connects to the grid in Northern Ireland and it would not be appropriate to fund it or to add extra cost to electricity consumers in Ireland.
