The Environmental Pillar, a group consisting of the main environmental NGOs in Ireland, has joined forces with the two main wind and solar farm lobby groups in Ireland.

The joint statement by the environmental group, Wind Energy Ireland, and Solar Ireland agreed that meeting Ireland’s climate targets will require a significant expansion of wind and solar infrastructure, but also called for maintaining high standards of environmental protection and biodiversity.

Calls

The statement sets out five priority areas where they have called for government action is needed to enable the rollout of renewable energy in a way that aligns with environmental goals.

These include improved environmental data access, better integration of ecological considerations into infrastructure design, enhanced community and stakeholder engagement, a more efficient planning and permitting system, and investment in environmental skills and capacity.

Blueprint

Speaking on the reports launch, Karen Ciesielski, Coordinator of the Environmental Pillar, that as Ireland accelerates its renewable energy resources, it must be done in a balanced way, prioritising nature restoration while ensuring that environmental laws are upheld as we meet our climate obligations.

“This joint declaration offers a clear blueprint for how the Government can respond more effectively and urgently to the climate and biodiversity crises, calling for increased investment in environmental protection and an effective and robust planning system, with better access to environmental data, meaningful public participation and access to justice” she said.

The group highlighted the need for more resources within public bodies such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service, An Bord Pleanála, and the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority to manage increased workloads associated with renewable energy projects.