Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1154. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the entitlement to compensation of residents affected by a development in view of reports (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15002/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1155. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the entitlement to compensation of residents affected by developments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15017/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1154 and 1155 together.
In relation to developing Ireland's energy sector, the Programme for Government seeks a better balance between the concerns of local communities and the need to invest in indigenous energy projects and my Department is currently finalising the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme which is being designed to assist in Ireland meeting its renewable energy contribution to EU wide targets out to 2030. An important element of this new scheme will be providing for increased community based ownership and participation in and benefit from renewable electricity projects in line with the 2015 Energy White paper. Community benefit can encompass a range of measures that a project can bring to those living in its surrounding area.
In addition, my Department and the Department of the Housing, Planning and Local Government are currently working together on revising the Wind Energy Development Guidelines to ensure there is a better balance between the concerns of local communities and the need to invest in indigenous energy projects. These guidelines will be subject to public consultation in the next few months before they are finalised by Government.
Furthermore, in December 2016, the Irish Wind Energy Association and the Irish Wind Farmers Association voluntarily signed up on behalf of their members to the 'Code of Good Practice for Wind Energy Development- Guidelines for Community Engagement' issued by my Department to ensure that there is full engagement with communities at each stage of wind farm development. The Code is available on my Department's website at www.dccae.gov.ie
