Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am basing my question on my knowledge of what is happening in my county of Tipperary. The Department is very exercised and committed. We have had publications, seminars, White Papers and the Minister speaking every other day about the necessity of environmentally friendly projects. I cannot understand why it is taking so long for the Department to establish a feed-in tariff for these projects, particularly solar energy.

In Tipperary, there are six projects for which land has been purchased, leasing agreements have been made with farmers and planning applications have been lodged. Permission has been granted by the councils and there have been appeals to An Bord Pleanála, yet there has been no action. As late as last week, I brought a deputation to the Minister asking why it is taking so long to establish feed-in tariffs. The ambition needs to be matched with action. If people are investing in these projects, they need to know whether they are commercially viable before they continue to invest, and they need to know the exact business plan. The business plan is based not only on the output but also on the tariff. At what stage are the witnesses? When can we expect finalisation?

I am familiar with the work of Tipperary Energy Agency. I compliment and congratulate it. It effectively started as a pilot project. It has been involved in some fantastic environmental projects around Tipperary. It has generated considerable awareness. It is quite obvious that if one has a package and creates awareness, people will buy in.

The starting point concerns what we can control and influence, such as local authorities and their housing stock. There has been a good retrofitting scheme in Tipperary but the problem is that the budget for it has been expended. People did avail of it, however, and they were delighted to retrofit lighting and heating.

More pressure needs to be put on local authorities regarding planning, which must be conditioned in regard to how one heats one's home, and the use of domestic solar panels on the roof. The major point from an energy perspective concerns the installation of heat pumps in homes. This makes a difference and will conserve energy. It makes a major difference to the carbon footprint.

Could Mr. Kenny outline the current remit of Tipperary Energy Agency? How far does it extend? Has there been any discussion or formulation of policy on extending it?