Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 October 2023
78. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if grants are provided to a landowner who gives land over for windmills to be built on their land (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45503/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a world leader in the level of existing onshore wind per capita and with target to nearly double existing capacity to 9 GW by 2030 as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2023.
My Department doesn't directly provide grants to landowners for the purposes of renting or leasing lands for the production of electricity using wind turbines. However, through the Government's flagship Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), support is provided to renewable energy generation projects, including onshore wind and solar, though a fixed feed in premium at a guaranteed price determined through the regular auction process. This support is intended to cover the levelised cost of renewable energy generation including in relation to relevant land agreements.
As a requirement of the RESS, applicants must possess and demonstrate control of the site and the right to access this site through evidence of landowner consent. Any monies paid to landowners by wind farm developers through the RESS or other contractual arrangements are private commercial agreements between the parties concerned.
