Written Answers Nos. 71-100
71. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will report on the employment results of Údarás na Gaeltachta for 2021; the regional spread of same; the factors behind the level of job increases; the estimated level of job creation that is anticipated in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7048/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraÚdarás na Gaeltachta has informed me that 825 new full-time jobs were created in Gaeltacht companies in 2021, the highest number of jobs created in one year since 2008. When job reductions are taken into account, there is a net increase of 446 in overall employment – the largest annual net increase since 1996.
There were 7,809 full-time and 485 part-time jobs in companies supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta at the end of 2021. The table below sets out the regional spread and indicates the highest level of employment ever in client companies in Galway, Cork and Waterford. There was a 9.5% increase in employment in the Mayo Gaeltacht with the Meath Gaeltacht as the only area that experienced a decrease.
|
Gaeltacht County |
Donegal |
Mayo |
Galway |
Meath |
Kerry |
Cork |
Waterford |
Total |
|
Employment Base at end of 2021 |
2304 |
661 |
3180 |
194 |
617 |
702 |
151 |
7809 |
In order to further support Údarás in discharging their remit I have secured a capital funding allocation of €14.450m for Údarás na Gaeltachta again this year, an increase of 60% on the organisation's 2019 allocation. Údarás project that 400 new jobs will be created in 2022, bringing to 8,000 the total number of jobs supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta by the end of the year.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gaeltacht companies have shown good levels of stability and the region witnessed a degree of recovery in terms of employment, driven by company innovation and the considerable growth of the medical devices and medical products sectors.
The most significant increases in employment during the year were in the medical devices, niche manufacturing and audio-visual sectors while companies in the food and drinks, traditional manufacturing and services sectors saw the majority of the job reductions.
Employment remained steady in 70% of companies, in addition to the 16% of client companies who saw an increase in employment during the year.
The largest employers in Gaeltacht companies, which receive support from Údarás na Gaeltachta, are in the services (35%), manufacturing (27%) and the food and drinks (15%) industries.
The Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta has approved a number of new projects which will create 379 jobs with an estimated State and private sector investment of €10.4m over the next number of years. These new jobs will predominantly be in companies in the health products, food, services and specialty manufacturing sectors.
72. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider establishing a ring-fenced part of the sports capital fund in order that rapid-growth areas that have a shortage of both facilities and of clubs could get support to fill the gap in opportunities. [9462/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.1 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
The 2020 round of the Programme closed for applications on 1 March 2021. By this date, 3,106 applications had been submitted seeking over €200 million in funding. This is the highest number of applications ever received.
The scoring system and assessment procedures were finalised and published prior to assessment work commencing and all applications were assessed in accordance with these procedures. The scoring system prioritises applications that will increase participation and the level of existing facilities in the area is a key consideration in this regard.
All of the improvements which were introduced for recent rounds of the Programme to make the process as user-friendly as possible were maintained for this round. This included giving applicants a second chance to submit corrected documentation. The full scoring system and assessment procedures can be viewed at the following link: - www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie/
Approximately one thousand of the submitted applications were for 'equipment-only' projects. These applications were assessed first and grants with a total value of €16.6 million were announced on 6 August 2021. The remaining capital applications were then assessed and 1,865 individual grant offers with a total value of over €143.8 million were announced on Friday 11 February. All valid applications including any received from rapid growth areas received a grant offer.
A full review of the 2020 round of the SCEP will be undertaken and, as part of the review, my officials will examine the distribution of funds in terms of, inter alia, their geographic, sectoral and socio-economic impact. Any recommendations arising from the review will be factored into the terms and conditions of the next Round.
Furthermore, Sport Ireland is continuing to develop a national digital database of sport and recreational facilities, which it is hoped can be significantly completed by the end of 2023. It is envisaged that the database will permit the undertaking of enhanced, strategic demographic analyses to inform future grant allocation decisions on the nature and location of sports facilities.
73. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she proposes to expand and extend the pursuit of the mission statement of her Department in respect of tourism, culture, arts, Gaeltacht, sport and media, with particular reference to the need to address issues arising in the trail of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10446/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the mission of my Department is
"To lead the sustainable development of Tourism, Media and the Gaeltacht and promote participation in the Culture, Arts, Sports and the Irish language supporting social progress, and enhancing cultural and economic growth across Irish society."
As I advised the Deputy in my reply to Parliamentary questions Nos. 128 and 141 of 11th of November last, (www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2021-11-11/128/?highlight%5B0%5D=55088#pq-answers-128_141), my Department's Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 published in August 2021 sets out the actions that my Department will take over the coming period to enrich the quality of life in Ireland through supporting the development of tourism, culture, arts, sports, media and Irish language.
The Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 sets out the priorities for my Department over the next few years to ensure these sectors recover from the pandemic but also continue to grow in a manner that underpins social cohesion and supports strong, sustainable economic growth, with a focus on a number of cross cutting goals of equality, diversity, social inclusion, the Irish language and environmental sustainability.
I am confident that Mission Statement set out in my Department's Statement of Strategy fully encompasses the role of my Department in this regard.
74. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will implement a plan to facilitate tourism on Dursey Island in the absence of the cable car, which is scheduled to be closed during the summer months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10511/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred this question to that agency for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
75. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 253 of 5 October 2021, the way in which the remaining €1 million in departmental funding will be spent; the role her Department has had in the legacy planning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10315/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is engaged with Galway 2020 and Galway City and County Councils to support the legacy planning process and the development of the legacy framework arising from Galway's year as European Capital of Culture.
The remaining €1 million of Department funding will support programmes and initiatives under the legacy framework.
76. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount spent by her Department on online advertising since she took office. [10204/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised that the total spend by my Department on online advertising since I took office is €25,227 (ex VAT).
Digital communications, including online advertising, have become increasingly important in informing the public of the work of the Department.
Online advertising in particular allows the Department to interact with specific demographics and age groups, for whom this sphere of communication is central to their media and information consumption.
My Department's work to increase public awareness and knowledge of relevant programmes, schemes and policies is ongoing, and operates on various levels, with online advertising now integral to this process. Value for money is a critical consideration at all times.
77. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans in relation to the television licence; if the collection of the licence fee will be moved from An Post; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10454/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA vibrant, diverse and independent broadcasting and media sector is vital for not only our democracy but our cultural development. However, it is a sector that is undergoing fundamental change and faces significant challenges.
For this reason, the Future of Media Commission was established by Government to consider the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion; and to consider the potential measures required to ensure that our public service media continues to play its essential role within our society for the foreseeable future. This included the Commission considering how public service media can be funded in a way that is sustainable, gives greater security of funding, ensures independent editorial oversight and delivers value for money to the public; and to make recommendations on RTÉ’s role, financing and structure within this framework.
The Commission submitted their Report to An Taoiseach and myself in the Autumn. The report's recommendations are far-reaching and will inform media and broadcasting policy in the coming years and as such, they have required careful and detailed consideration. It is intended that the report will be brought to Government shortly.
At present, the principal mechanism for the provision of public funding to support public service broadcasting in the State is the TV Licence fee. As provided for under Section 145 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009, An Post are the designated collection agent for the TV Licence fee, and they will continue to carry out this statutory function unless and until such time as Government may decide on an alternative funding model.
78. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán conas a thacófar le Coláistí Gaeilge Gaeltachta a athoscailt do mhic léinn i 2022; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [10308/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar atá luaite agam cheana féin agus an t-ábhar seo idir chamáin, is ar an mbunús agus ar an tnúthán go mbeidh na coláistí Gaeilge athoscailte in mbliana atá an Roinn ag feidhmiú agus, dá réir, gur tríd an gcúnamh leanúnach a chuirtear ar fáil faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge a bheidh an Roinn ag teacht i gcabhair ar an earnáil go príomha mar a bhaineann sé le cúrsaí maoinithe in mbliana.
Mar is eol don Teachta, tá Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge (SFG) á riar ag mo Roinn ar mhaithe le tacú le deiseanna breise sealbhaithe agus saibhrithe teanga a chur ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht do lucht freastail iar-bhunscoileanna agus triú leibhéal na tíre. Tagann an scéim le cuspóirí foriomlána an Rialtais i leith na Gaeilge mar atá leagtha amach sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010–2030.
Beidh a fhios ag an Teachta gur bhunaigh mo Roinn trí chiste faoi leith anuraidh ar leas na hearnála arbh fhiú €4m in iomlán iad. Bhain ceann acu - ar luach €2.2m - le lucht lóistín an chórais mar is eol don Teachta. Níl aon amhras orm ach gur chabhraigh sé seo uile leis an earnáil teacht tríd na dúshláin arbh éigean dúinn uile mar phobal a iompar le beagnach dhá bhliain anuas de bharr na paindéime ach tá muid ag súil le filleadh ar an ngnáthshaol i mbliana.
Mar bheart breise le cabhrú tuilleadh leis an earnáil, tá áthas orm a dheimhniú go bhfuil mo Roinn sásta aitheantas a thabhairt faoin Scéim do ghearrchúrsaí Gaeilge nach giorra ná 3 oíche mar bheart eisceachtúil chun cabhrú tuilleadh le téarnamh na hearnála. Tabharfaidh sé seo deis bhreise do scoláirí a chaill amach ar an deis freastal ar chúrsaí sa Ghaeltacht le dhá bhliain anuas de bharr COVID-19
Ach an oiread le gach réimse eile atá faoi mo chúram mar Aire Stáit na Gaeltachta, coinneoidh mo Roinn ag coinneáil chás na hearnála faoi bhreithniú agus tapófar le aon deis chuí a thagann chun cinn chun cabhrú tuilleadh - i gcomhthéacs na n-acmhainní atá ar fáil agus ag cur éilimh eile san áireamh mar is cuí.
Ach an oiread leis an earnáil trí chéile táim ag súil go mbeidh athoscailt iomlán i ndán don earnáil sa tréimhse atá amach romhainn agus go bhfeicfimid scoláirí ag freastal ar chúrsaí Gaeilge i gcaitheamh an tsamhraidh fud fad na Gaeltachta.
89. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking to improve mobile telephone coverage in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9292/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMobile coverage obligations are set out in licences granted by the independent regulator, ComReg, to mobile operators. ComReg advises that the current minimum coverage obligations in those licences are being considerably exceeded by all operators.
Capital investment by telecommunications operators over the last 5 years was in the order of €3.3 billion for both fixed and mobile services. This has significantly enhanced the availability of services, both voice and data, throughout Ireland, including in rural areas. Telecommunication operators have committed to continued investment programmes in the coming years, estimated to be in the region of €700m per annum.
ComReg is currently in the process of running another Multi-band Spectrum Award to assign rights of use in four spectrum bands The award comprises 470 MHz of spectrum and represents a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum assigned for the provision of wireless broadband services in Ireland. This will significantly enable the market to provide improved services to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data and new services.
To assist consumers to choose the network provider that best meets their needs for where they live, work and travel, ComReg has developed a national outdoor coverage map. This map which is available on the ComReg website provides consumers with very clear information on where operators have good 2G, 3G and 4G coverage.
Ireland’s level of connectivity to support digital activity has improved significantly in recent years. The Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) is a composite index summarising relevant indicators on Europe’s digital performance. Ireland ranked 5th in 2021 among EU countries, compared to 11th in 2019. The continued investment by commercial operators and by the State through the NBP will ensure that Ireland is set to become the EU leader in connectivity by the second half of this decade.
93. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will give consideration to providing an Eircode to sports clubs and community organisations that do not have permanent buildings that are active postal addresses as in the case of a club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10156/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, assigns Eircodes to new property addresses using a valid postal address and a verified geo-location.
An Post collects information on all new and existing buildings, including renovated buildings, along with changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi) provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory (APG), a subsidiary company of An Post and OSi, issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their license agreement. Each new postal address assigned an Eircode is published on the free to use Eircode Finder website, a notification letter is issued to the property occupant containing the Eircode of that address and an updated Eircode Database is provided to licensed organisations for use.
My officials have been in contact with Capita and An Post in relation to getting an Eircode assigned to the football club in question. An Post have advised my officials that within certain criteria it may be possible to add a postal address to a temporary structure and they are looking at this particular case. My officials have requested An Post to liaise directly with the football club regarding the assignment of a postal address for this property. Meanwhile, Capita have advised my officials that they have been in direct contact with a representative of the football club and will continue to liaise directly with them until an Eircode has been assigned.
94. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the role he envisages for natural gas as an energy source to 2030 and beyond; the consequences in this regard for declining domestic production and consequent excessive dependence on gas imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6052/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is carrying out a review of security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems focussing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to net zero emissions by 2050.
The review includes a technical analysis which will help inform a public consultation. The technical analysis includes identification and examination of the key risks to the security of supply in the electricity and natural gas systems; identification of options that could address or mitigate these risks in the period to 2030; and appraisal of these options in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. I expect the technical analysis will be published and the public consultation commenced by mid-year.
The best way to secure our energy needs is to continue to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. Climate Action Plan 2021 sets us on a pathway to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels dramatically by 2030. Measures include the following:
- Aiming for up to 80% of our electricity coming from renewable sources by 2030, including an increased target of up to 5 GW of offshore wind, 8 GW from onshore wind, and 1.5-2.5 GW from solar PV.
- 500,000 extra walking, cycling and public transport journeys per day by 2030.
- Increasing the proportion of kilometres driven by passenger electric cars to between 40% and 45% by 2030, in addition to a reduction of 10% in kilometres driven by the remaining internal combustion engine cars.
- A new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard.
95. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking to support local authorities in enforcing air quality regulations in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9871/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in the Programme for Government, I gave a commitment to develop an enhanced co-ordinated approach to air quality enforcement to support the work of the Local Authorities in enforcing all air quality legislation under their remit.
Officials from my Department and the Local Government Management Agency are now working together on a full assessment of the current state of the sector and scoping out the resource requirements to ensure the most appropriate and cost effective enforcement structure is put in place.
This structure will be established to support the provision of enhanced co-ordination, expertise and advice ensuring consistent implementation of all air quality legislation across the country. I have secured funding of €1.2 million for 2022 for the provision of additional supports in this regard.
My Department is fully committed to supporting Local Authorities and regularly engages with them through a number of fora and special projects in relation to their enforcement work. Officials in the Department have been working with enforcement personnel to develop guidance and training, and to support the sharing of best practice. For example, through the Network for Ireland’s Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (NIECE), work has just been completed on a review of the Air Pollution Act from an enforcement perspective, and the development of new guidance for vapour pressure enforcement.
This work will continue over the coming months on additional projects and opportunities for collaboration, providing the groundwork for the new enforcement structure.
96. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he will receive the review of the North-South interconnector; and if he intends to publish the review. [10509/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe North-South Interconnector is critical to improving the efficient operation of the all-island Integrated Single Electricity Market and increasing security of electricity supply in Ireland and Northern Ireland. It will also facilitate the achievement of the goal to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030. A resilient and well-connected energy infrastructure is vital for Ireland's economic well-being and the ability to respond to the future needs of energy consumers.
The option of undergrounding the North-South Interconnector has been comprehensively assessed on several occasions. Most recently, the key finding from the International Expert Commission's report of October 2018 was that an overhead line remains the most appropriate option for this critical electricity infrastructure.
Notwithstanding this, I decided to commission a further short review to assess if the overall finding from the 2018 report remains valid. Formal procurement of international experts in electricity grid infrastructure was completed last September. Whilst my Department had hoped to receive their report before now, the experts have informed my officials that they plan to submit it to the Department by next month. I will move to publish it shortly after I have received and considered it.
97. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the work being undertaken by his Department to achieve the target of 400 free retrofitting upgrades per month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9282/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households at risk of energy poverty. Since 2000, over 143,000 free upgrades have been supported by the SEAI administered scheme. Last year, 2,126 upgrades were delivered under the scheme and the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household was €17,100.
There are currently just over 7,000 homes awaiting works on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. It is important to note that activity under the Scheme in 2020 and 2021 was significantly impacted by COVID-related restrictions on the construction sector which led to a large increase in the number of homes awaiting works. Addressing wait times is a key priority for my Department and the SEAI.
The 2022 budget for the Scheme, at €109 million, will support an increase in the number of homes retrofitted from 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month this year. This greatly increased level of activity will enable the homes currently on the waiting list to be cleared in approximately 18 months.
In addition to the record capital allocation for the Scheme this year, I have also secured additional staffing resources for the SEAI including the Warmer Homes Scheme team. Delivery capacity in the supply chain has also increased due to a new, broader contractor panel established in late 2020. The SEAI continues to work with the scheme contractors on an ongoing basis to further increase output.
98. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current waiting times from application to completion in relation to each individual grant scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10465/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers a range of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Grants of up to 50% are now available for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades as well as free energy efficiency retrofits for people at risk of energy poverty. A total of €267 million in capital funding has been provided this year for SEAI residential and community schemes.
Of the total budget, €118 million has been allocated to the energy poverty schemes which are directly provided by contractors procured by SEAI. SEAI data indicates that, for homes completed last year, the average cycle time from application to completion was 26 months for the Warmer Homes Scheme and 27 months for the Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme. It is important to note that COVID-19 related restrictions in 2020 and 2021 negatively impacted wait times under these schemes.
Addressing this issue is a key priority for my Department and the SEAI. This year’s budget allocation will support an increase in the number of homes retrofitted from 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month this year. This level of activity will reduce waiting times and enable the homes currently on the Warmer Homes Scheme list to be cleared in approximately 18 months.
Other SEAI schemes require homeowners to procure their own contractor or one-stop-shops secure approval from SEAI and draw down a grant once the works are completed.
SEAI approval for Better Energy Homes and Solar PV Schemes is automatic and completion times are within the control of the homeowner. However, works must be completed within an 8-month period, starting from the date of grant approval. Under the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, homeowners will engage a registered One Stop Shop to manage the grant application process and oversee delivery of the retrofit on their behalf. Works must be completed under this scheme within 12 months.
99. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he will take to ensure citizen engagement with offshore wind energy projects in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10158/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government considers citizen engagement central to Ireland’s offshore renewable energy (ORE) transformation. Local communities will be key to the decision-making process of community engagement initiatives during Ireland’s offshore renewable energy journey.Public participation is a central tenet of the Maritime Area Planning Act (2021) which establishes a new planning regime for the sustainable development of our offshore resources. All applications by offshore wind energy projects for development consent to An Bord Pleanála will involve full public consultation. My Department is currently considering the recently-completed public consultation on draft terms and conditions for the first offshore wind auction under the Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme. Successful projects will be required to make significant community benefit fund contributions from an early stage in the lifecycle of an offshore wind project. My Department is currently considering all responses received and will, in the coming weeks, be issuing a formal response to local communities’ submissions. My Department is also progressing work on the second Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan. This will set out a pathway for the long-term sustainable development of Ireland's ORE resources. As work on this plan is progressed during 2022, public participation will be sought, particularly from those in coastal communities, in addition to key stakeholders to ensure a wide variety of views are captured in the development of this plan.
100. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will devise a strategy to explore and support all forms of sustainable energy in west County Clare to coincide with the planned development of the Green Atlantic wind farm. [10179/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project that the Deputy refers to is a proposed development of a floating offshore wind farm by the ESB which is a commercial matter for the developer.
Ireland’s increased climate and energy ambition is reflected in the Climate Action Plan 2021, which envisages up to 8 GW of onshore wind, at least 5 GW of offshore wind and up to 2.5 solar PV capacity by 2030.
The Climate Action Plan includes a suite of actions to realise the potential of Ireland’s offshore renewable energy resources, while the Programme for Government commits to the achievement of 5GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030 and a long-term plan to take advantage of a potential of at least 30GW of floating wind in our Atlantic waters.
In addition, a supportive spatial planning framework for onshore renewable electricity generation development at national, regional and local level is critical to ensure delivery of the electricity targets under the Climate Action Plan. The detailed annex of actions accompanying the Climate Action Plan sets out a number of steps (under Action 102) to deliver on this.
The Renewable Energy Strategy set out in the current draft County Clare Development Plan (2023-2029) envisions the county becoming a national leader in the development and generation of high-quality renewable energy and aims to set a course for Clare to achieve a low carbon climate resilient future through sustainable social and economic development.
