Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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602. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider a new proposal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15020/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Programme for Government recognises the importance of community participation in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects as it is in both the national and local interest. The analysis and public consultation on the new renewable electricity support scheme will include mechanisms to enable community participation in renewable energy projects.

The issue of Grid access is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). I would point out in this regard that the CER launched a 'Review of Connection and Grid Access Policy' in December 2015. The consultation document published on 11th December provided the Commission's 'Initial Thinking & Proposed Transitional Arrangements'. The consultation closed on 29th Jan 2016 and the responses were published on 10th March 2016 on www.cer.ie. Section 4.4.6 of the consultation dealt specifically with community based schemes. This section requested responses to outline what specific issues should be taken into consideration regarding community based schemes and the outcome of the Commission’s review is awaited.