Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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46. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the person or body that are the beneficiaries for the new solar farm (details supplied) in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41928/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Communities Energy Grant Scheme (CEG) makes grant funding available for community-based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of the building stock in their area and to install renewables.  The Scheme provides funding support for projects that deliver energy savings to a range of homeowners, communities and private sector organisations. This cross-sectoral approach facilitates community-wide energy improvements more efficiently and cost-effectively than might otherwise be possible.  A capital budget of €30 million has been provided for the Communities Energy Grant Scheme in 2021. 

I am advised by the Sustainable Energy Agency of Ireland (SEAI) that the pharmaceutical manufacturer Ely Lilly received support under this Scheme for the solar PV installation referred to by the Deputy.  The solar installation was part of a project proposed by North Cork Enterprise (NCE) which also included the participation of the Carbury Housing Association Sustainable Energy Community.  The SEAI also advise that the solar PV installation at the site will generate approximately 5,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of sustainable power and will reduce the nearby pharmaceutical plant’s carbon footprint by up to 2,000 tonnes per year. In addition, the Carbury Housing Association Sustainable Energy Community will benefit from a significant financial transfer from the solar farm donating their energy credits. Works will be facilitated in a number of the Carbury Housing Association houses as a direct result of these credit transfers.