Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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506. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will set out in detail the tax, royalty and licencing regime in place for the development of wind energy and other renewable energy sources. [26647/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The development and operation of wind farms in Ireland require planning permission from the relevant planning authority and, in the case of offshore wind farms, a foreshore lease from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. Wind farms also require an Authorisation to Construct a Generating Station and a Licence to Generate from the Commission from Energy Regulation. In addition, a grid connection from EirGrid or ESB Networks is required for a farm to become operational.

With regard to taxation, the State benefits from the tax take on any taxable profits generated by energy companies. Rates are also payable to local authorities and offshore wind developers pay royalties of 2.5% of total revenue to the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government under the terms of foreshore leases.