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extraordinary energy it consumes with the challenges we face between now and 2030? On Deputy Brennan's point, two auctions in respect of wind energy have been successful, notwithstanding the changes. The previous Government had to set up the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, MARA, and entirely new infrastructure … deal with offshore wind energy and maritime planning. It needs to move fast. As stated, two auctions were held. There is a very good chance offshore wind farms will be in place, and hopefully in production, by 2030 or 2031. We do not need any objections to those

current wind energy guidelines are now 19 years old. Last year, the Taoiseach promised that the new updated guidelines would be published by the end of 2024 but the date is now quarter 1 of 2025. At the same time, rural communities are being forced to battle with … communities are banding together to try to gather money and, in some cases, are ending up in court. We need to see updated wind energy guidelines. Will the date of quarter 1 of 2025 be the actual date on which we will see the updated guidelines

Ireland has one of the best offshore wind resources in Europe, yet progress in developing the sector has been slow due to regulatory hurdles, infrastructural challenges and delays in project approvals. Given the urgent need to decarbonise our energy system and meet our 2030 climate targets … what specific actions is the Government taking to streamline the planning process, attract investment and ensure that Ireland becomes a leader in offshore wind energy

Solar energy is moving fast in Ireland and can progress even further. A fair point was made by Deputy Ó Fearghaíl in respect of battery storage. In the midlands some development on that front has been made by Bord na Móna. Other countries are using battery storage … look at Texas, it is not all about oil there. The relevant authorities in Texas use wind, nuclear, battery storage and solar

Heritage if he can confirm if operating wind farms pose a health risk, given that all three published revisions of the 2006 wind energy development guidelines state that wind turbine noise must align with World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, while existing wind farms generally operate at noise limits

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on wind energy guidelines; for a timeline for publication; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12783/25

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the offshore sustainable energy wind farm project known as north Irish Sea array SID; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13077/25

Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he projects the first new offshore renewable wind energy to become available on the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11239/25