David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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58. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the community benefit funds established under the renewal energy generation projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11744/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the flagship Government policies to help deliver on the target set out in the Climate Action Plan 23 of 80% renewable electricity by 2030. All projects successful in RESS auctions are required to establish a Community Benefit Fund (CBF) for the wider economic, environmental, social and cultural well-being of the local community. The CBF contribution is set at €2 per MW hour of electricity.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates a CBF national register. A map of registered projects including further information and contact details of individual funds can be found on the SEAI website at: Search Community Benefit Fund National Register Map | SEAI.

Only projects that were successful in RESS auctions are subject to the terms and conditions of the RESS, including providing Community Benefit Funds and registering with the SEAI. Other renewable projects which are not in receipt of RESS support may have their own separate community benefit funds in place.