Renewable Energy Generation

Thursday, 9 November 2023

Questions (177, 188)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

177. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of staff in his Department dedicated to supporting the generation of community renewable energy. [49187/23]

View answer

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

188. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the support and resourcing for renewable energy communities for energy generation; to provide a breakdown of staffing to support these projects at all relevant departments in 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49205/23]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 188 together.

My Department has provided pathways and supports for communities to participate in renewable energy projects through the application of a community projects category in the first two Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions. From 2020, when the RESS was introduced, there have been approximately three staff working on the community energy programme. From the end of 2021 a dedicated unit was established to focus solely on the small scale and community renewable energy.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is leading in implementing and facilitating the Community Enabling Framework for renewable energy projects which includes a package of enabling supports including technical, financial and legal services which has been rolled out to assist communities in navigating the challenging terrain of electricity generation. This include a trusted advisory service, enabling grants and nine information guides on the SEAI website.

There are currently two full time SEAI staff working on the community energy supports and delivery of the Community Benefit Fund National Register.

Question No. 178 answered with Question No. 176.

Question No. 179 answered with Question No. 174.

Question No. 180 answered with Question No. 174.

Question No. 181 answered with Question No. 174.

Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 174.