Relevant Matter
Matters involving public funds
Public Policy Area
Energy and Natural Resources
Period
1 May, 2025 to 31 Aug, 2025
Specific Details
Planning & Infrastructure Challenges for Renewable Energy
Intended results
To propose substantial investment into the national electricity network to ensure the national grid is fit for purpose. With the added complexity of two-way energy travel at more grid connection points in recent and future years, along with increasing demand from Ireland's growing population, required upgrades must be fully funded and implemented, when and where needed.
Poor electricity network infrastructure cannot be a barrier for the onfarm renewable energy sector to continue to develop. Strategic investment is essential to ensure farmers are not excluded due to inadequate local grid capacity
To propose that applications for connection to the national electricity grid are currently charged a non-refundable payment of €1000. This charge needs to be terminated, and farmers who have paid this fee refunded.
To propose the streamlining of current regulations to support the development of AD plants, in particular farm-scale AD plants, with statutory timelines imposed on planning, regulatory and licensing authorities. National guidelines are required so all local authorities can assess possible AD projects under the same criteria.
To propose a fundamental overhaul of the national gas grid to develop a network that can accommodate multiple small-scale injection points and support reverse gas flows. Current injection points should be operational on a 24-hour basis.
To propose clear and consistent planning guidelines - planning requirements for renewable projects can vary widely between counties, creating uncertainty for farmers. Nationally consistent guidelines should be developed to support small-scale and on-farm projects and ensure fair and transparent treatment across all local authorities. – national guidelines – work into above. Where they don't exist develop and where they do, they to be updated.
To propose a single, farmer-focused point of contact is essential to help navigate the regulatory, financial, and technical requirements for renewable energy development.
To propose improving public and political awareness - renewable energy projects can face resistance due to limited community understanding or perceived lack of benefit. Greater transparency, public engagement, and models for shared community gain will help foster support, especially in rural areas where these projects are often located
To propose that the National Biomethane Strategy sets out to develop a communications strategy which was due by Q3 2024. To our knowledge this action has not been carried out and should be acted upon immediately.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Francie Gorman IFA President, Frank Brady IFA Energy From Farms Project Team Chair, Bill O'Keeffe IFA Farm Business Chair, Tom Doyle IFA Wexford Chair, Robert Malone IFA Senior Policy Executive
Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?)
No
Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign?
No
Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client?
No
Mass communications
Letter All TDs
Submission All TDs
Letter All Senators
Submission All Senators
Lobbying activity
The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.
Designated public officials lobbied
The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them.
As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.
Brian Brennan
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Brian Purcell
Special Adviser (Department of Agriculture and the Marine)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)
Emer Higgins
Minister of State (Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform)
Helen McEntee
Minister (Department of Education)
James Browne
Minister (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Minister (Department of Health)
Malcolm Byrne
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Martin Heydon
Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Michael Healy-Rae
Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Michael Moynihan
Minister of State (Department of Education)
Noel Grealish
Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Paschal Donohoe
Minister (Department of Finance)
Peter Burke
Minister (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)
Sean Canney
Minister of State (Department of Transport)