Offaly's new green energy targets "must recognise contribution made to date"

Local TD Tony McCormack said he's "increasingly hopeful" that forthcoming renewable energy targets for each county will take into account the significant contribution already made by Offaly in this area.

For the past six months, the Fianna Fáil deputy has been raising concerns in the Dáil, and at meetings of the Oireachtas Infrastructure and National Development Committee, about proposals that could see counties effectively "reset to zero" when future renewable energy targets are being fixed.

He expressed concern that the renewable energy which is already being generated in counties such as Offaly would not be fully taken into account, and that new targets could be set which would treat those counties as if they were starting from scratch.

"Offaly has been at the heart of Ireland's energy story for generations. Today, despite our relatively small size, we are one of the leading producers of renewable energy in the country and continue to host vital energy infrastructure," said Deputy McCormack.

"It would be unfair if all of that progress was ignored and future targets were set as though Offaly was starting back at zero."

He said his concerns arose from discussions involving groups that were engaging with the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), and that this prompted him to raise the matter directly with the Taoiseach and Government Ministers.

The Fianna Fáil TD met with Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O'Brien yesterday (Wednesday) and said he left that meeting encouraged by the assurances he had received.

"My clear message has been that counties which have delivered for the country (in terms of renewable energy) should not be treated as if they are starting from scratch," he said.

"Following my meeting with Minister O'Brien, I am hopeful that Offaly's contribution to date will be recognised and taken into account. That is the fair approach and one I believe is being understood at Government level."

Deputy McCormack also welcomed recent comments from the Taoiseach, who indicated support for ensuring that the contribution already made by counties is recognised as part of the process.

The new renewable energy targets are expected to be set during the final quarter of this year and will be overseen by Minister Darragh O'Brien and Minister James Browne.

Deputy McCormack said he will continue to engage with both ministers and relevant stakeholders to ensure that Offaly receives fair recognition for the role it has already played.

"This is ultimately about fairness. Counties that stepped up early, hosted renewable energy infrastructure and helped deliver on national policy should not find themselves treated as if they have done nothing.

"Offaly has made a major contribution and that contribution must be reflected in any future target-setting process," he concluded.