John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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68. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has considered using the ESB to develop our wind resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27877/13]

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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509. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has considered using the ESB to develop our wind resources. [26650/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 509 together.

The Irish energy market, including power generation, is a commercial market, regulated as appropriate by the Commission for Energy Regulation, and one in which I have no function. I understand that the Generation and Wholesale Markets arm of the ESB operates a mixed portfolio of generation using both fossil fuels and renewable technologies, in Ireland, the UK, and Spain. I also understand that ESB Generation and Wholesale Markets’ renewable strategy is to grow from its existing base of 560 MW, 190 MW of which is wind generated, to 1800 MW by 2025, with a view to achieving a net carbon neutral portfolio by 2050. ESB investment in the renewable energy area is a matter for the Company itself which must act on the basis of a commercial mandate. I am supportive of ESB investment in renewable energy.