Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I recently took note of the contents of the draft Mayo county development plan for 2021 to 2027, which is currently being finalised. Unsurprisingly, renewable energy features heavily in it. Mayo has become a natural leader in the development of renewable energy, with Ireland's first commercial wind farm in Bellacorick, County Mayo nearly 30 years ago. That has expanded now into the Oweninny wind farm, spanning more than 2,400 ha.

I commend the council officials who put significant effort into the development plan regarding renewable energy. I wish them every success in finalising the plan. However, it draws attention to the one issue of which we must be aware, which is ensuring that local authorities must also be consistent with national plans, policies and strategies in considering proposals for renewable energy. I query what efforts are being made by the Department to ensure that not only the county development plan but others around the country are on the same page as national policies. There is a need to ensure a coherent and consistent alignment between national and local policies.

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