Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, has assessed that it will cost the State approximately €100 million to €150 million for every percentage point we are over the 16% renewable energy target by 2020. We are facing definite fines. The key question is what we are doing about that. While we have the policies, the implementation of same is the key issue. We have no difficulty drafting policies in this country but the delivery of same is a problem. For example, we have been waiting a long time for the roll-out of the renewable energy support scheme. The REFIT scheme has stalled. The biomass sector also has been waiting on the support scheme. Those are key sectors within the sustainable sector that are literally waiting for decisions to be made by the Minister and by Government to ensure we can stimulate activity that can allow for a reduction in our emissions.

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