John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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195. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment for a progress report on the consultation on community benefit funds under the renewable energy support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13476/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) mandates the establishment of Community Benefit Funds (CBFs) for projects participating in the scheme to ensure that local communities hosting renewable energy projects directly benefit from the country's transition to sustainable energy.

Each RESS Project is required to contribute a minimum payment of €2 per Megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated annually to its respective CBF. The distribution of the CBF is allocated in near neighbour payments, Sustainable Development initiatives, and administration costs.

In December 2024, a public consultation was held to refine the CBF framework. This consultation seeks feedback on various aspects, including enhancing transparency measures and adjusting near neighbour payment arrangements.

The consultation is critical to ensuring that the CBFs remain effective and responsive to community needs, as well boosting community support for and engagement with renewable energy projects. The consultation will inform the RESS 5 Terms and Conditions and the publication of the CBFs under RESS Rulebook, providing further guidance and rules.

The consultation closed on the 7 March and my Department is reviewing the submissions received from stakeholders. My Department will publish a Consultation Response document along with the new CBF Rulebook taking account of the feedback received in the consultation submissions in Q2 this year to coincide with the publication of the RESS 5 Terms and Conditions.

Further information on the CBFs under RESS public consultation is available on the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/consultation/6d1c8-consultation-on-community-benefit-funds-cbf-under-the-renewable-electricity-support-scheme/