Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022
129. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has engaged with the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications in relation to supporting island communities such as on Achill Island to develop community-owned renewable energy projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18048/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plan 2021 contains a number of measures to increase the rollout of renewables on the grid to help reduce emissions. A key priority within these measures is enabling citizen and community participation in the energy transition across the country, including in rural communities.
Whole-of-government collaboration requires us all to work together across our organisations to develop better co-ordinated public services and policy which enables delivery of the Programme for Government. This is a key element not just of national policies, such as the National Planning Framework, but also in the achievement of sectoral strategies, for example the rural development policy, Our Rural Future and Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities, a five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector.
In relation to energy generation projects, the Climate Action Plan 2021 sets a clear goal for renewable energy delivered through local community-based projects. These projects will be delivered through the dedicated Community category in the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) as well as through the forthcoming Microgeneration & Small-Scale Generation schemes.
My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, has responsibility for energy matters and provides funding, through the SEAI, to support the development of community projects.
The Deputy may be aware that my Department's remit with regards to the islands function does not include islands which are connected to the mainland with a bridge. Therefore, within my Department's remit, Achill Island would be considered in terms of the broader supports available for the development of sustainable communities.
