Dr. Paul Deane:

I am a great believer in the possibility and potential of community energy schemes. It is tricky with wind turbines because the capital outlay tends to be large but now, there is the advent of solar power.

To a certain degree, I suppose for farming communities, anaerobic digestion is a lot more possible. It is something I would like to see a lot more of. It allows people to engage with energy production in Ireland. As I mentioned, most of the energy we consume here is produced in other countries. Allowing our communities to get involved in that process is something that can only be beneficial. With the advent of solar, that will probably be an easier pathway that is less financially constraining and less of a financial outlay for many community groups. In terms of the planning and permitting process, we have now lifted the planning regulations on solar installations for many buildings. That is something that should allow those things to be fast-tracked.

In terms of the data centres, yes, we want them to produce and procure their own renewable energy. As a country, we must take ownership of our energy needs and consumption. That needs to go from the family level up to the farm level. Of course, data centres should not be exempted from that.