Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

The energy regulator's letter to me took the view that additional wind energy projects can be developed without special support. It did not suggest that there is no need to develop the wind energy sector at this time. I have put the letter from the Commission for Energy Regulation out for consultation in the context of finalising the work of the renewable energy development group. I have already received some responses.

I am aware of reports that the company referred to in the question has decided to invest in other locations. This is obviously a commercial decision for the company and I have no way of knowing whether it is directly linked to the Commission for Energy Regulation letter.

My objective in regard to renewable energy is to put in place regimes that will give fair and reasonable returns and incentivise bankable projects while taking into account national competitiveness and the interests of consumers. If, as a result of the work of the renewable energy development group, we succeed in putting in place a regime that meets this objective, it is reasonable to expect that additional projects will come forward, over and above those already committed. I want to see our target for 2010 being met in full, as a minimum.

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