Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raise with the Minister the language we are using. I am on his side in terms of what he is doing. I do not know how I could explain to anyone export tariff phase of the SRESS. We are talking about community-led renewable projects, either solar or wind. The Minister might clarify what we are talking about here. Is it just solar now in this new phase of involving the community? The previous two phases involved an auction base. I appreciate that has now been changed. I welcome that. There should never have been an auction phase. Of the seven community projects in the first phase, only four remained. They were due to energise in 2023. I do not know whether they have or not.

In the second round the eight community projects that were successful were to energise by 2025. They included solar and wind. Will they energise and will they be on time in 2025?

Then we moved forward because the Minister said it was right. I happen to agree with his decision but he has given me no analysis. Therefore, I cannot learn what the problems were in the previous rounds and what the improvements are in this round. How can I lead or be part of a project on the ground for example in my community in the Claddagh? I will finish on time and come back in.

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