Wind Energy Ireland has called on the Government to give the planning system the resources it needs to help accelerate renewable energy projects and to establish a National Climate Emergency Communications Unit.
In its Budget 2024 submission, Wind Energy Ireland warned that with lengthy timelines for the delivery of infrastructure, this year's Budget will be the country's last opportunity to put in place the resources and expertise needed to achieve 2030 targets.
Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said the group believes that Budget 2024 provides the Government with an opportunity to invest resources in the key building blocks for an Ireland which is energy independent and well on the way to net-zero.
"Giving the planning system the resources it needs to ensure applications for renewable energy projects are thoroughly, but quickly, assessed is a vital investment for our future," he said.
"That means agreeing with An Bord Pleanála, the NPWS, MARA and local authorities the number of staff, with the right expertise, they will need to assess the renewable energy projects essential to our Climate Action Plan targets," he added.
Wind Energy Ireland wants the Government to use the October Budget to resource the planning system to support climate objectives, allocate funding to support the electrification of the energy system here, invest in skills development to build the workforce the renewable energy industry needs and fund a National Climate Emergency Communications Unit to help inform, educate and empower people to be part of the country's renewable energy revolution.
Mr Cunniffe said the Budget marks an opportunity to begin taking seriously the need to empower communities to be part of Ireland's response to the climate emergency.
"Whether it is increasing our usage of electric vehicles, supporting active travel or installing solar panels, educating businesses and communities about sustainable solutions should be at the forefront of our efforts to inspire people to change," he said.
Wind Energy Ireland has also again called for the establishment of a cross governmental group to develop recommendations on ways to reduce the cost of developing renewable electricity in Ireland.
"We know that consumers and businesses are struggling every day with high energy bills and they need their electricity to be affordable as well as clean. We would welcome the opportunity to support the Government in examining ways to reduce the cost of developing renewable electricity and help drive energy bills down. Funding a cross Government group to lead this would be a strong start," Noel Cunniffe said.
"The good news is that if the investment is there, if Government, industry and communities work closely together, we can and will deliver the Climate Action Plan targets and make Ireland a true leader in renewable energy," he stated.
