Irish Solar Energy Association

Lobbying Organisation Irish Solar Energy Association

Date published 21 Sep, 2021

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Energy and Natural Resources

Period 1 May, 2021 to 31 Aug, 2021

Specific Details Promotion of solar PV deployment in Republic of Ireland through appropriate Government policy and regulatory framework.

Intended results Government policy and regulatory framework that is most favourable to the deployment of solar PV in ROI.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Conall Bolger

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

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Virtual Meeting (1)

Briefed Steven Matthews TD on microgeneration in Ireland and discussed Planning and Development (Solar Panels for Public Buildings, Schools, Homes and Other Premises) (Amendment) Bill 2021.

Submission (2-5)

Provision of briefing information to Senator John McGahon on the Irish solar industry in advance of debate on same during Seanad Commencement Matters. Submitted correspondence and briefing materials to Minister Ryan in relation to delivery of networks for RESS 1 projects. Submitted correspondence addressing opportunities in rooftop solar PV and potential design of Microgeneration Support Scheme to Minister Ryan. Submission to Emma Cunningham, Assistant Secretary in Dept of Finance, on CAT/Agricultural Relief on Solar Farm Leases.

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.

John McGahon Senator (Seanad)

Eamon Ryan Minister (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)

Emma Cunningham Assistant Secretary (Department of Finance)

Steven Matthews TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)