Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 5 March 2019

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Microgeneration Support Scheme Bill 2017: Discussion

Photo of Hildegarde NaughtonHildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Ruddock and all the witnesses for coming before us today. Before I go to the members, I have one question on the engagement process and, of course, the importance of microgeneration, which will form a crucial part of that transition to a low-carbon economy. Could any of the witnesses who want to come on this address how best to engage with, perhaps not those who are involved in the local community project but the not-in-my-back-yard objections that come in, especially to wind turbines? Could they give examples of the best form of communicating with the local community? Solar panels on one's roof are probably easier and maybe more publicly accepted. I ask them, in the case of wind generators, about overcoming the obstacles in community engagement and buy-in. I think we all are on board in relation to having community ownership and shares, being able to tap into the grid, and getting a payment or feed-in tariff. However, the negatives are something of which we need to be aware as a committee. For any legislation to be successful, the roll-out and communication of it will be key. It would be useful to hear of any obstacles the witnesses would be aware of that we need to be able to flag as a committee in order to get this over the line. Do any of the witnesses want to come in on that? Mr. Kenny may want to come in first, and then I will go to the committee.

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