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Renewable Energy Generation Targets

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2015

Tuesday, 15 December 2015

Ceisteanna (600)

Helen McEntee

Ceist:

600. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if Ireland can reach its 2020 climate change and energy security targets without constructing industrial wind farms in residential areas; if he will request EirGrid to engage meaningfully with local communities in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath regarding regional environmental concerns in respect of proposals for an interconnector project connecting the North of Ireland’s energy grid with that of the Republic of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44052/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020 and in order to reach that target, Ireland is committed to 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources. In 2014 8.6% of our energy consumption came from renewables, and renewables accounted for 22.7% of our electricity consumption. In setting a target for electricity from renewable sources, the Government has not set specific targets for given renewable technologies. To date, wind energy as the most cost effective of the technologies available to Ireland, has been the largest driver of growth in renewable electricity. The Government recognises that wind must be complemented by other policies to meet our renewable energy ambitions. In addition to our onshore wind resource, bioenergy, solar and other technologies may play a critical role in diversifying our renewable generation portfolio over the period to 2020.

In terms of the proposed North-South Transmission Link project, EirGrid, in discharging its duties as operator and developer of the national transmission grid, engages with communities and citizens on an on-going basis. There has been extensive public consultation on the North-South Transmission Link project including statutory consultation as required under Regulation (EU) No. 347/2013 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure and Section 182A of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended.

EirGrid has also opened offices in Navan, Cootehill, and Carrickmacross and has appointed Community Liaison Officers and Agricultural Liaison Officers who are all involved in outreach to the local communities along the intended route of the North-South Transmission Line project.

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