John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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103. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the setback figure that was used relative to residential dwellings for the modelling that confirms Ireland's onshore wind capacity to be 9GW; if that calculation was based on a 500-metre setback, as is the case in Kilkenny; if not, if it was calculated based on a setback of four times the tip height of a turbine which equates to a setback of 720 metres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45087/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Under Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23), and reaffirmed under CAP24, Ireland has set a target of 80% of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030 made up of 9 GW of onshore wind, 8 GW of solar and at least 5 GW of offshore wind.

For the electricity sector the targets for renewable energy capacities are based on emissions and power system modelling rather than geospatial analysis. Details of the emissions modelling and analysis that informed and supported the preparation of Climate Action Plan 2023, including the electricity sector can be found on the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/7bd8c-climate-action-plan-2023/

Regional renewable electricity targets for solar and onshore wind have been included in the draft First Revision of the National Planning Framework. This will deliver a regional balance and distribution of renewable technologies and provide a supporting policy framework for Ireland’s electricity supply to protect Irish homes and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices.

Following the finalisation of the revised National Planning Framework, the three Regional Assemblies will integrate these targets into their Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and associated Regional Renewable Energy Strategies. These allocations will then be translated into local authority-level targets which are to be planned for through their city and county development plans. Counties in the East and Midland region will play a leading role in benefiting from Ireland's renewable energy transformation, with 25% of onshore wind and 45% of solar capacity due to be provided across the region by 2030.