Renewable Energy Generation
Seanad Éireann — 2021-11-24
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Lynn Boylan (SF), Agricultural Panel

I welcome the Minister of State's provision of some clarity on these questions. I still encourage that the decision concerning a nationally administered fund be kept open. It is, once again, being said that the decision-making will come from the community, but the best model of community involvement is the one led by the community for the community. There is a job creation opportunity here for rural communities if we encourage people to learn skills in administration and funds management.
Turning to the State aid risk for the small inshore fishers, there are ways around that aspect. We must continue to examine that issue, and part of the solution involves port and harbour infrastructure. It also involves sustainable equipment and research into where the fish are and how to fish sustainably.
I did not get an answer regarding climate-proofing in respect of ensuring the community benefit fund will not be funding projects which will make the climate crisis worse. I ask the Minister of State to raise that issue with the Minister.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2021-11-24/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:49:51+00:00
Sitting date: 2021-11-24