John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)

I fully agree that in our renewable energy journey, we have hit many important milestones. As part of that journey, Offaly has been to the forefront. In addition to mapping, we also need to see a greater level of community recognition. In tandem with renewable zoning, we must overhaul the community benefit fund under the renewable energy support scheme. The current €2 per MW/h is too diluted. There are too many small pots, too many committees and too little impact. The more infrastructure, the more complex it becomes when there is an overlap of a cluster of wind farms, in particular. Yes, retain the near neighbour scheme and support local community groups but we also need to be bold with strategic investment. Let us use this fund to deliver real change and lasting projects, whether it be road upgrades over peat foundation, employment hubs, business parks or modern community centres and playgrounds, and to empower our towns and villages to ensure further enhancements. These are all projects that will leave a lasting legacy and truly make a difference.

Offaly did not just endure transition; it led that transition. We now need support that reflects that leadership.

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