Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine invites written submissions on Solar Energy and the Agriculture Industry

The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has today issued a public invitation for written submissions from stakeholders and interested individuals and groups on the use of Solar Energy in the Agriculture Industry.

The Committee met with representatives from Teagasc and the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) on 4 May 2022 to discuss the matter and now plans to draft a report on the topic. Submissions received from members of the public will form part of this process.

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Jackie Cahill said: “Solar energy is a viable option that can offer the agriculture sector an alternative energy source that will also assist farmers and the wider agri industry in meeting their future carbon emission reduction targets. In this new era of rising oil and gas prices it also offers the sector potential savings on high energy costs which are causing such strain for farmers and agribusinesses. Solar energy can be a win-win for agriculture, offering both economic benefits and carbon reduction benefits if we are to meet our future emissions targets and have a successful agriculture industry.

“Following our meeting with Teagasc and the ISEA, the Committee has a broader understanding of the potential offered by solar energy. But the detail on how this can be implemented in a cost-effective manner remains to be developed between farmers, the agri-sector, the solar energy industry and Government. This is why we are seeking the input of other stakeholders and interested individuals and groups through a public call for written submissions.

“The Committee has asked Deputy Matt Carthy to act as Rapporteur and compile a report on Solar Energy and the Agriculture Industry based on the discussions we held with the sector and the submissions we receive. It is hoped we will be in a position to publish this report later this year.”

The deadline for submissions is 12:00 on Friday, 1 July 2022. Details on how to make a submission can be found here and here.

The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.