Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:22 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has received representations from the Irish Wind Energy Association regarding the terms of AER 5; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24065/01]
Written Answers. - Alternative Energy Projects.
The terms and conditions of AER V incorporate two recommendations from the report, Strategy for Intensifying Wind Energy Deployment, by the Renewable Energy Strategy Group which included a representative of the Irish Wind Energy Association. The group recommended that AER V should be restricted to projects with planning consent which would restrict the number of qualifying applicants and should also incorporate prices based on those delivered in AER III.
Subsequently, in preparation for AER V, my Department invited representative bodies involved in the renewable energy market to submit proposals on appropriate pricing levels. The responses received, including that of the Irish Wind Energy Association, were examined within my Department. The submissions received contributed towards additional increases allowed above the most efficient AER III prices in the published price caps in each category of AER V for justified reasons.
I can confirm that representations have been received from a number of persons and organisations regarding the terms and conditions of the competition. The competition is being conducted in accordance with EU law on procurement including a requirement to publish relevant information in the Official Journal of the European Communities in the first instance. I do not propose to comment further, therefore, on matters relating to the terms and conditions of the competition until after the closing
date for receipt of tenders on the 30 November next.