Wind Energy Ireland

Lobbying Organisation Wind Energy Ireland

Date published 19 Jan, 2017

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Energy and Natural Resources

Period 1 Sep, 2016 to 31 Dec, 2016

Specific Details REFIT II Support Scheme

Intended results Extension of scheme deadlines, at the discretion of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, beyond end-2016

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Gary Healy, Chief Executive Officer, IWEA; Adam Ledwith, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, IWEA

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.

Email (6-10)

IWEA was engaged in email communication with key officials regarding an extension to the Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT) schemes/supports which are funded by the Public Service Obligation (PSO). The REFIT schemes have been designed to incentivise the development of renewable electricity generation in order to ensure Ireland meets its goal of 40% of electricity coming from renewable sources by 2020. An extension to key deadlines under REFIT II was identified as a priority for the wind energy industry.

Meeting (11-20)

IWEA held a number of meetings with key officials regarding an extension to certain deadlines under the Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT) II support scheme. Members of the Oireachtas and advisors to government were also met in order to impress upon them the need for timeline extensions.

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.

Timmy Dooley TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Eamon Ryan TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Éamon Ó Cuív TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Paul O'Brien Special Advisor (Department of the Taoiseach)

Michael Manley Assistant Secretary (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)

Ross Elwood Special Advisor (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)

Philip Nugent Special Adviser (Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government)

Stephen Lynam Special Adviser (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform)