Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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272. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding solar farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38115/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Programme for Government contains a commitment to facilitate the development of solar energy projects in Ireland. This builds on the Energy White Paper published in December 2015 and recognises that solar also has the potential to provide a community dividend, thereby also enhancing citizen participation in Ireland's energy future. With this in mind, Solar Photovoltaics (PV) is one of the technologies being considered in the context of a new support scheme for renewable electricity generation which is under development. The first Technology Review public consultation on a new renewable support scheme was published in 2015 and following the completion of detailed economic analysis on the viability and cost effectiveness of supporting a range of renewable technologies - including Solar (PV) - a second public consultation will be published in early 2017. Details of the next public consultation will be advertised on the Department's website .

Before any new scheme is introduced, it will need to secure Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission. The new support scheme for renewable electricity is expected to become available in late 2017.