Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I encourage the Minister to look at some innovative models across Europe that have sought to take a different approach to the delivery of the same outcome. The outcome should be the literal ownership and a sense of ownership of the energy transition in order to allow people to share in the opportunity and the benefits offered by the transition to renewable energy. There are so many positives associated with that, not least that it empowers communities. For example, Ripple Energy in Britain takes ownership of a percentage of renewable energy projects, gives local communities the first opportunity to invest and then puts it out to a wider audience. It is a tried-and-tested model. Similarly, in Denmark there are higher commitments in terms of community ownership. It is up at 20% through the Danish renewable energy legislation. Legislative, regulatory and practical measures are needed. I know that public and private developers are open to this. We need to look at innovative mechanisms. I encourage the Minister to look at Ripple Energy as a mechanism to let people play their part. We met with representatives from that company recently.

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