Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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505. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the length of the waiting list for solar farms to connect to the grid; if shovel ready projects with planning permission already granted will be prioritised over those with no planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41830/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The most recent data available to me indicates that at present, there are 616 solar applications at the distributional level and 35 solar applications at the transmission level, at various stages in the grid connection application process. These applications amount to 4,344 Megawatts and 1,961 Megawatts respectively or 6,305 Megawatts in total.

Electricity grid connections are an operational matter for the national grid System Operators in conjunction with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). I do not have any function in the matter. However, I note that the CRU has been working closely with System Operators to develop a new connection process and will be consulting on the proposed new rules in the next number weeks.

It is widely recognised that solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has become more cost competitive for electricity generation over the last few years, not only compared with other renewables but also compared with conventional forms of generation.

While solar does have a role to play in Ireland’s energy future, we cannot have a situation where a new support scheme leads to an excessive increase in people’s electricity bills through a higher Public Service Obligation levy. In designing the new RESS the needs of and cost implications for people and businesses will be foremost in my mind.