Alan Dillon
Question:161. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason a town (details supplied) is not included in the RESS 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6150/24]
View answerTuesday, 13 February 2024
Questions (161)
Written answers
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the flagship Government policies to support the delivery of the target set out in the Climate Action Plan to meet 80% of electricity demand with renewable energy by 2030. The scheme provides support to individual renewable electricity projects, rather than towns or geographic areas.
Oweninny Wind Farm was successful in the first RESS auction held in 2020. Any agreements between the Wind Farm and Mayo County Council are matters between the Project Developer, the County Council and the community involved.
More generally, all projects successful in RESS auctions are required to establish a Community Benefit Fund (CBF) for the wider economic, environmental, social and cultural well-being of the local community. The CBF contribution is set at €2 per MW hour of electricity.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates a CBF national register. A map of registered projects including further information and contact details of individual funds can be found on the SEAI website at: Search Community Benefit Fund National Register Map | SEAI.
The RESS Community Benefit Fund Best Practice Principles Handbook provides guidance and recommendations in relation to good practice for setting up and administering Community Benefit Funds, including arrangements for near neighbour payments in the case of wind projects. The Handbook can be found at gov.ie - Community Projects and Benefit Funds - RESS (www.gov.ie) .