Mr. Rory Somers:

I will add some context around RESS. Ireland applied for, and was granted, state aid approval for RESS. Within that we specifically requested provision for a ring-fenced category for the community sector, which was innovative in relation to what is being done in other member states. It was heavily scrutinised by the Commission DG ENER and we were granted it. Events have overtaken us now and the new CEEAG have made it much easier to exclude people from competitive auctions. One of the conditions put in place by the Commission was that only 1% of the auction could be ring-fenced for the community sector. We are handcuffed by the state aid in respect of the scheme. That is why a limited number is available. Projects that are not successful can compete in subsequent auctions. If they are not successful in the first round, much of the work done, including technical, financial and planning work and grid connection, can be utilised to go again in the next round.

As our colleague from SEAI mentioned, we are planning to introduce next year an easier route for projects to access supports through the small-scale generation scheme. That public consultation will be later this year. That will inform the community sector of the optimum route for it to take. RESS is a good option for communities but is challenging in its nature. It is the only one available at the moment so for people who are well advanced, it applies a shovel-ready principle. If projects are ready, they will get through ahead of others. People who are less well prepared and were not successful may have better options next year.