John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

These are very important changes that we are seeking to introduce. This will play a critical role in us being able to achieve our climate targets. I share the frustration the Minister of State clearly has in terms of the time it takes to get things done.In fairness, we probably are moving at the pace allowable under the process. For other projects - I do not want to mention roads - such as housebuilding, a process has to be gone through. Appeals can be made to An Bord Pleanála and there can be judicial reviews. It can be very frustrating. We, as politicians on the ground, want to see quicker actions. In fairness to the civil servants, they too want to see quicker action on it.

It is welcome that we have a definitive timeline in for the process, including the SEA, the AA and the habitats directive that we have to go through to get this over the line. The most important thing is to be able to have microgeneration such that rural communities are able to chip in and be part of the national effort. That is what we are collectively trying to do as a Government. Do I wish we could do it more quickly? Absolutely. I wish the Minister of State well in overcoming any hurdles that may exist.