Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to ask a supplementary question to Senator Keane's query. It relates to our renewable targets and the rate of installed wind capacity. Given the difficult saga of the super grid's construction in certain areas, to what extent does the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources factor in the use of special protection schemes and smart grid technology in achieving targets? We do not have grid coverage where we are best resourced. This is a problem for those who are trying to pursue the development of wind farms. I am familiar with a number of cases in County Mayo wherein the grid's slow pace of development has affected their financial viability. People are being asked to sign up to connection agreements under grid 3, yet grid capacity has been over-offered, resulting in constraint on various projects, rendering them unbankable. This approach is speculative, which in turn discourages private sector investment in wind farms. I appreciate that Bord na Móna and Coillte are involved to a certain extent, but the private sector is the driving force in the development of wind farms. There seem to be many obstacles, and now this. EirGrid is considering the matter. It is generally accepted in the industry that the rate of installed capacity is not what it should be. There are concerns about whether it will be achieved.