Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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938. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with regard to the proposed Maighne Wind Farm in north County Kildare, the model that was used to forecast the wind speeds for the midlands project; if the data used was based on actual data from weather stations in the midlands or on a computer model for the British Meteorological Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11381/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The assessment and development of any potential site for the generation of electricity, regardless of the energy input (natural gas, coal, peat, wind, hydro, etc.) is a matter for the project developer. I understand that the source, quality and quantity of data inputted to developers' assessments would likely be influenced by the stage of development of a project. I am further advised that sufficiently robust data would be essential to secure project financing. While there are international and domestic best practice guidelines for forecasting of wind speeds, it is important to note that project development, project financing and wind speed forecasting are not matters in which I, as Minister, have any role or function.

Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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939. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with regard to the proposed wind farms in the midlands, the plan that a organisation (details supplied) has in place for the future dismantling of obsolete turbines; in the case where the developer has moved on or is no longer trading, his plans for the future decommissioning of turbines to prevent them from becoming a blight on the landscape; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11382/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Planning policy is a matter for the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government. I have no role with regard to the independent process through which applications for planning permissions for renewable energy installations are considered or enforced.

Wind Energy Planning Guidelines were published by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government in 2006. The document is currently being revised. Sections 5.14 and 7.19 give guidance in relation to decommissioning and reinstatement of wind farms.

I understand that plans for decommissioning should be outlined at the planning stage, and decommissioning of a wind energy development must be assessed once electricity ceases to be generated. Issues to be addressed include restorative measures, the removal of above ground structures and equipment, and landscaping.

I understand decommissioning and reinstatement conditions requiring the lodgment of financial bonds have been used in the past to try to ensure that decommissioning will take place in a responsible manner. However, the Wind Energy Planning Guidelines (2006) recognise that the use of long-term bonds to secure satisfactory reinstatement of sites, upon cessation of projects, put unreasonable burdens on developers given the long life spans involved in wind energy developments. I am advised that the recycling value of turbine components, particularly copper and steel, should more than adequately cover the financial costs of the decommissioning. Accordingly, the Guidelines do not recommend the use of long-term bonds.

Finally, a planning authority may condition a developer to agree a final plan, including decommissioning provisions, prior to commencement of construction in order to comply with planning. Some planning authorities require a Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Plan to be submitted with the planning application, and notice may need to be given to the local authority in advance of decommissioning work.

Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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940. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide, in tabular form, a breakdown of the subsidies received by Irish wind farms and wind developers for the years 2011 to 2014 and 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11384/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The primary support mechanisms for renewable energy, including wind farms, are the Alternative Energy Requirement (AER) schemes and the Renewable Energy Feed-In-Tariff (REFIT) schemes. These schemes were introduced to incentivise the development of the renewable electricity generation capacity necessary to allow Ireland to meet its renewable energy targets, including a target of 40% of electricity demand from renewable generation by 2020. This target must be achieved in order for Ireland to meet its binding obligation of 16% of total energy demand to be from renewable sources by 2020.

The existing feed-in tariff schemes are a very cost effective tool to support renewable energy development relative to other EU Member States. Ireland's approach was confirmed as one of the most cost effective within the EU by a report published by the Council of European Energy Regulators in January this year.

The schemes are supported by the electricity consumer through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy. The PSO levy for each year is determined in the annual PSO decision published by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) on its website. The figures for each year include a projection for the forthcoming PSO period and a reconciliation of costs against the projection for the PSO period two years previously. In other words, the figure for 2014/15 projects the amount required to be paid to generators for that period and includes any reconciliation associated with the 2012/13 PSO period.

While the majority of projects supported under these schemes are for wind generation, the subsidies are not currently broken down by technology. The CER has initiated a project to generate a report on the annual and cumulative costs to date in relation to REFIT schemes for each technology supported under REFIT.

The following table presents the PSO costs for overall renewable generation since 2010/11.