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also fallen behind when it comes to the regulation of offshore vehicles, which is dealt with in Part 5, especially with regard to wind energy. This is of particular interest and importance to the future development of offshore renewable energy projects, which the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach will no doubt … Bill and proper democratic processes were disregarded. I have a number of questions for the Minister of State. It is important to reference Wind Energy Ireland. It has commented on the text of the Bill. With regard to section 8 in particular, which sets out the functions

auctions in 2023. Three years on, there is still not one of those feeding into the grid. At the same time, every time wind energy industry representatives comes into this House and talk to TDs, they say An Coimisiún Pleanála does not have enough staff … Pleanála and he is not giving any more. That is the barrier the industry experts have cited to us in getting our offshore wind energy system online. The barriers are lack of staff in An Coimisiún Pleanála to undertake this scrutiny. It is not judicial reviews

want to learn about AI and the societal challenges we face. AI will drive the consumption of water and energy, including wind energy in Ireland. Ireland has and will have the potential to be one of the leading exporters of wind energy in western Europe. That energy

renewables is this Government. We have been told for years that Ireland is going to become the Saudi Arabia of renewable energy - of wind energy. Yet, in recent times, we have become a net importer of electricity. We are going in the opposite direction to the rhetoric that … cynical in relation to this. This Government has had six offshore wind conferences since 2021. We have no offshore wind energy generation. Not one turbine is operating in this country. The Government is brilliant at developing conferences, brochures, plans and policies. Sticking a turbine in the sea does

view but also because of the fact that habitats, flora and fauna will also be considerably destroyed. The fact that the 2006 wind energy guidelines remain in force pending finalisation of the review, which has been ongoing since 2016, is nothing short of farcical and, indeed, borderline contemptuous … communities which have clearly expressed the gross inadequacies of the current regulatory regime. This is why I recently called again for all wind energy and wind turbine developments to be halted until the guidelines are produced. As I said, why are we just letting these companies trample over

expense of actual delivery. Let us look at delivery. In Ireland, we are still at best four years away from delivering any offshore wind energy. That delay is due to lack of Government ambition and government focus. It is deeply regrettable because unlike nuclear, wind power offers feasible … frightened of windmills. What else can explain the delay? There is so much more we could do. It is not just wind energy; there is also plug-in solar and enhanced battery capacity. Renewables can drastically reduce household bills. We need them to cut emissions and meet climate

There is no question that Ireland and the world have experienced one of the most significant energy shocks in decades. As discussed earlier, there are no fully operational offshore wind farms in Ireland, one of the windiest countries in the world, after decades of underinvestment and deprioritisation … including those the Taoiseach has been involved with. It has been a gross dereliction of duty to Ireland's energy security that offshore wind energy has not been more urgently developed. The Government's approach to wind energy, as it is to everything, is to rely on foreign

development of renewable energy and the mechanisms to enable us to do that. There is no doubt that Ireland is a wind energy success story, particularly in onshore wind, but because of a lot of controversy around locations in certain aspects that narrative does not often get told … more than 5 GW of installed wind capacity. That is half way to the State’s 2030 onshore climate action targets for renewable wind energy. The big challenge ahead is translating that into offshore wind and ensuring we reach our targets for the offshore wind agenda. That

been dumped. This could have heated more than 2 billion hot water tanks. Last year alone, more than €420 million worth of wind energy was effectively earthed. This is enough to provide real relief for thousands of families struggling to keep their homes warm. At the same time … models already exist. In fact, initiatives are under way right now in Ireland, such as EnergyCloud, which demonstrate the feasibility of using surplus wind energy to heat water for families in need. This project, led by forward-thinking organisations, has already provided free hot water tanks on more

cost-of-living crisis underlines the need to get to 100% renewable energy as quickly as possible. For Ireland, that means developing offshore wind. It is quite incredible that … past 20 years, successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Governments have been in power and have failed to add any offshore wind energy to the grid. We have less offshore wind energy today than we did 20 years ago, despite all the talk of climate crisis

need renewable wind resources but why is it the Government has given away all of the sites to private companies? When the wind energy and our marine resources are developed for wind energy, we get nothing from it. We are giving to international consortiums. Even the French state … will own more of the wind produced off the east coast of Ireland than the people of Ireland will because the Government has given away the sites to the French state energy company. I seriously worry what the Government's motives and objectives are here. I would like

roads; — Ireland is a world leader in electricity generation from renewables which has increased fivefold since 2005, and that in February 2026 wind energy provided a record 50 per cent of the State's electricity; — Ireland has now reached a record circa 8 gigawatts (GW) of renewable generation … fivefold since 2005. We have now reached approximately 8 GW of renewable generation capacity, up significantly from 2020 levels. In February this year, wind energy provided a record 50% of the State’s electricity. The Government is prioritising offshore wind, with five phase one projects currently progressing through

Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider placing a pause on all wind energy developments until the new wind energy guidelines are published; when he expects the revised guidelines to be published and if he will make a statement

reducing Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels, taking the necessary steps to ensure Ireland's long-term energy security and unlocking opportunities for economic growth. Quickly developing a vibrant offshore wind sector is central to this objective. This task requires the collective skills and effort of the public … make the most of this opportunity. Following on from successful discussions at the Government industry forum last July, I have established an offshore wind energy clearing house with the aim of tackling barriers to the timely delivery of offshore wind energy. This clearing house provides a forum where

outset, I am not against wind energy. I am against the health implications of wind energy. Will the Minister acknowledge that the High Court has now ruled in multiple cases that wind turbine noise can constitute a nuisance, even where developments are compliant with planning conditions, and confirm

support for offshore wind infrastructure in coastal communities. This is being done in ongoing consultation with all stakeholders in the development of offshore wind energy generation. This includes our local coastal communities and our valued fishing sector, which the Department recognises as crucial to the enduring success … offshore wind energy. The Department is committed to ongoing engagement with the fisheries sector under Ireland’s plan-led approach to offshore renewable energy, ORE, development. The seafood and offshore renewable energy working group provides a forum to facilitate constructive engagement on the interaction between the seafood

questions are simple and I need the best answers possible. I need to know when my constituents can expect the wind energy guidelines to be finally updated to reflect the modern reality. I am talking about setback distances. I am talking about noise management. I am talking about … reassuring communities that wind energy can be done in a responsible and plan-led way. Does the Government plan to introduce robust solar energy guidelines to stop what is currently haphazard sprawl? We want to do our bit, but we in Galway East cannot be sacrificed

handed it away, and that is the price that we pay today. This is the other issue. I heard the Taoiseach talking about wind energy. For God’s sake, does he ever talk to anybody in County Donegal? We have wind farms all across Donegal and half … them remain dormant because the electricity infrastructure is not there. There is no point talking about solar and wind energy independence and reducing our prices when we are allowing these wind farms to remain dormant and are not working or functioning because we do not have the electricity

point where Shannon Airport's and other airports' primary radar and secondary radar are protected by insisting that all wind energy zonings within a five- to eight-kilometre radius must be removed. It is not safe. It has been deemed that by the aviation regulator and by AirNav … Ireland. It is wrong that our wind energy policy still aligns with something from ten years ago when people, who know about aviation safety, are now saying it is unsafe. That should have been included by way of a miscellaneous provision in this Bill and I hope

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the provision of wind energy; the targets for its provision in 2026; whether there are sufficient resources in place to ensure that offshore wind energy can be on-shored

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

appreciate the opportunity to raise this extremely important issue. It has been pointed out that last week alone, over €15 million of renewable wind energy was wasted. According to EirGrid, 18% of wind energy was wasted in 2026. For people who do not know, EnergyCloud is delivering free

clear rules mentioned so many times by other speakers. A vacuum has been created by its complete dereliction of its duties on wind energy guidelines. As the current guidelines are from 2006, they are nearly 20 years old and in 2013, it was recognised that they were … produced but where are they now? They are still sitting on a shelf gathering dust. This is unacceptable to communities that deserve clarity. Wind energy providers also deserve certainty and guidelines to level the playing field. Without them, we have ambiguity, frustration, distrust and division. The Government

EnergyCloud is a not-for-profit social enterprise. It works with partners including EirGrid, ESB, Wind Energy Ireland, local authorities and housing associations. Its aim is to reduce energy poverty. In the last seven years, €2.1 billion in surplus renewable energy was unused and wasted. Some €3 million … worth of wind energy was wasted on 28 May this year. EnergyCloud has a simple ask: If the Government were to announce a policy recommending that going forward all devices, heat pumps, batteries, [and] immersion controllers ... should be connected and support Demand Flexibility this would open the possibility

energy prices for ordinary families. That is something this Government needs to contend with as well. Around Dungarvan, we are also seeing multiple wind energy developments proposed in the hills and countryside. The applications are coming in one after the other, while our national wind energy guidelines

Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total value of financial support provided to wind energy generation in the State in each of the years 2021 to 2025 and to date in 2026, including all subsidies, grants, guaranteed or supported electricity prices

Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the status of the development of the offshore wind energy marine planning guidelines being prepared under section 7 of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 (as amended); the expected timeline for publication the extent of stakeholder

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide an update on offshore wind energy projects off the Irish coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47437/25

Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reliance on gas as a backup for intermittent wind energy generation; the projected costs to Irish households for maintaining this backup infrastructure up to 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason Ireland is still behind in its offshore wind energy generated electricity in comparison with 20 years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63293/25

Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if she is aware that the wind energy industry continues to rely on the outdated 2017 HSE Position Paper on Wind Turbines and Public Health, which is contrary to more recent advice issued by the HSE (details supplied

Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the input his Department has had into the development of wind energy development guidelines as initiated by the Department for Housing; Local Government and Heritage. [64891/26

Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if Ireland is on course to meet off-shore wind energy targets by 2030; if he will outline the consequences if these targets are not reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter

Environment if he will report on the current energy policy narrative that Ireland will become a significant exporter of renewable electricity, particularly wind energy, in view of recent Eurostat figures showing that Ireland was a net importer of electricity by over 3,000 GWh in 2023 and over

Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the progress being made to date on the development of offshore wind energy potential; if sites are being identified; the infrastructure and regulatory impediments that remain; and if he will make a statement on the matter

Muirí asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the actions being taken to address delays in the development of offshore wind energy projects; the reasons a number of projects remain behind schedule; the impact these delays will have on the achievement of Ireland's offshore renewable

Peter Roche asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the input his Department has had into the development of the revised Wind Energy Guidelines. [65691/26

Meara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the initiatives he is taking to ensure greater public support for onshore wind energy generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27337/26

Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to outline the current progress on the Government strategy to develop offshore wind energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27458/26

Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps his Department is taking to accelerate the delivery of offshore wind energy projects, including grid connection, planning timelines and port infrastructure readiness; the key barriers currently delaying deployment; and if he will make a statement

Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding any initiative that seeks to expedite the construction of offshore wind energy infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54395/26

asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures his Department has put in place to ensure that Ireland is utilising wind energy grid infrastructure that we have put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44558/26

asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department have forecasted the viability of Ireland becoming a net exporter of wind energy by 2040; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73227/25

Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the promised updated wind energy development guidelines; the timeframe for their completion; if he is concerned by the number of planning applications for wind farms that were refused by local authorities and later

Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the promised updated wind energy development guidelines; the timeframe for their completion; if he is concerned by the number of planning applications for wind farms that were refused by local authorities and later

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding initiatives within his Department that seek to prioritise the fast tracking of offshore wind energy infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73598/25

Climate, Energy and the Environment the progress that has been made in addressing the planning, grid and delivery bottlenecks identified in the Offshore Wind Energy Programme Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44689/26

Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding any initiative within his Department that seeks to prioritise the fast-tracking of offshore wind energy infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25390/26

Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the 27 actions detailed under the "Looking forward to 2025" section of the Offshore Wind Energy Programme Annual Review 2024 and Key Actions for 2025 published in June 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter

Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department is liaising with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the new draft wind energy guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59827/25