Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) is calling on the Government to accelerate the development of renewable electricity in Ireland.
The trade group is calling for minister Darragh O’Brien TD to instruct An Bord Pleanala to prioritise planning applications from renewable energy projects and related grid infrastructure.
It has also advised that minister Michael McGrath TD ensure that An Bord Pleanala, the National Parks & Wildlife Service and other key environmental stakeholders get the resources they need in this year’s budget to properly process planning applications.
WEI also called for minister Eamon Ryan TD – alongside all politicians, national and local – to work with EirGrid, ESB Networks and industry to build an electricity grid that is strong enough to accommodate the onshore, offshore and floating wind energy needed for Ireland to be net zero by 2035.
WEI chief executive Noel Cunniffe (pictured) said: “The technical debate is over.
“We have the energy, the technology and the investment to build a fully decarbonised electricity system by 2035. That is the ambition we are launching today in our new Strategic Plan.
“We are ready for the challenge and we are calling on the Government to join us in building an Ireland which is energy independent, with warmer homes, cleaner air and a renewable energy industry employing tens of thousands of people who will lead our fight against climate change.”