Sinn Féin TD for Cavan-Monaghan Pauline Tully has said the party’s proposals on renewable energy would deliver positive change to people across this constituency.
The policy document was launched by the party’s spokespeople on Climate Action and Climate Justice, Darren O’Rourke TD and Senator Lynn Boylan, today. The document ‘Vision for Renewable Energy’ outlines how to speed up the delivery of renewable energy projects and increase the portion of community, state & domestic-owned electricity production.
Teachta Tully said:
“Sinn Féin’s ‘Vision for Renewable Energy’ document sets out a range of proposals necessary to ensure the state can achieve 80% renewable electricity by 2030.
“Sinn Féin proposes this by growing the portion of community, state and domestic-owned renewables while reducing household energy bills through a reformed PSO and greater state investment.
“Community-owned renewable energy projects provide significant environmental and socio-economic benefits for communities and would make a positive difference here in Cavan-Monaghan.
“The wealth generated from these projects is more likely to be kept and reinvested within the community, helping to stimulate local economies and social development.
“Wind energy projects like Templederry show the benefits community-owned renewables can deliver, but too few areas are reaping these rewards.
“Sinn Féin wants to increase the target of community owned renewable energy projects to at least 10% of new capacity by 2030.”
“Sinn Féin will also prioritise harnessing solar energy to generate long-term benefits for workers and families directly. We are proposing that the budget for solar PV be increased, and tiered grants be introduced, to ensure those on lower incomes can have access to and benefit from solar energy.
“Currently it’s taking far too long to get renewable projects through the planning process. We need robust, thorough, quality planning procedures for renewable energy projects, but we also need decisions to be made in a timely manner. Between 60 and 70 weeks for a project is far too long.
“To help address this, staffing numbers in the marine and climate unit in An Bord Pleanála should be tripled, and an environmental court should be established to help reduce planning delays for renewable projects.
“Sinn Féin’s proposals contained in our ‘Vision for Renewable Energy’ document set out how to deliver a fairer, greener Ireland. We can protect our environment for future generations, invest in local communities and secure a fairer Ireland.”
Note:
Click here to view the ‘Vision for Renewable Energy’ document in full
