Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1128: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to introduce a specific scheme for offshore islands to incentivise and support the production of island produced and consumed renewable energy by island co-ops or other island based organisations for community buildings and public lighting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47864/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department and Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) operate a number of support schemes to increase the penetration of renewable energy technologies in the electricity, heat and transport markets. These programmes are available to all qualifying participants regardless of geographical location. In the case of the Greener Homes Scheme, I have increased the grant rate by 50% for islanders, with the aim of significantly incentivising the use of renewable energy in island homes.

In addition to these support schemes the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and SEI have jointly commissioned a study on the potential development of a wind and ocean powered smart network for the supply of energy for electricity, heat and transport for island communities. The study will focus on the Aran Islands off the Galway coast but will also assess the potential application of the technologies and systems to other offshore islands.