My colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, leads on energy policy and my Department consults on an on-going basis with his Department on how best to achieve the transition to a low carbon economy and society.
The National Planning Framework (NPF), published together with the National Development Plan (NDP) as part of Project Ireland 2040 earlier this year, sets out an ambitious high-level national vision for Ireland for 2040, and provides the framework and principles to manage future population and economic growth over the next 20 years. The NPF builds on the commitments made by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, in the 2015 Energy White Paper, Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future, and the Government in the 2017 National Mitigation Plan, to move from a fossil fuel-based electricity system to a low carbon power system.
With specific reference to the topic of energy infrastructure, the NPF provides a strategic framework to link planning, development and investment to climate mitigation and adaptation, through facilitating greater energy efficiency, the development of renewable energy systems and infrastructure and a more diverse energy mix.
While I have no plans at present to carry out a review of the kind referred to, I will continue to consult with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment on how the planning system can assist in the implementation and integration of climate change objectives, including the transition from fossil fuels to a low-carbon power system.
Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as Minister, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be concerned, except in very specific circumstances, which did not arise in this case.
In addition, it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment on the development referred to as it is the subject of High Court proceedings.
