Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of enterprises throughout the country seeking approval for the provision of alternative energy production, such as wind farms, bio-ethanol or bio-diesel or other forms of alternative energy production; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of some such producers at recurring delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14944/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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With the exception of the wind technology gate connection process in the electricity sector, I am not aware of any concerns expressed about recurring delays in securing planning permission or authorisations, where required, to harness or convert renewable and alternative energy resources. The planning process is a matter for individual local authorities and An Bord Pleanála and my Department is not involved in the process in any way. Proposals to construct electricity generating plants harnessing alternative energy sources require the prior approval of the Commission for Energy Regulation. Due to the large amount of wind projects currently in the grid connection queue (up to 8000 megawatts), there is a connection 'gate' process in place to ensure an orderly progress onto the grid. Proposals to refine or blend bio-ethanol and bio-diesel for certain purposes may require the prior approval or consent of the Revenue Commissioners. There is no requirement to notify my Department regarding such proposals.