Community Benefit Funds under Renewable Energy Projects - Public Consultation

Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

Closing Date: 5:30pm, Friday 14th February 2025

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Community Benefit Funds (CBF) framework under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). This consultation aims to refine how local communities benefit from renewable energy projects in their area.

The review follows the establishment of the first CBFs under RESS 1, which require generators to contribute €2/MWh to support local community projects. Drawing on experiences since the 2021 Good Practice Principles Handbook, the Department now proposes updates to both the RESS 5 Terms and Conditions and the introduction of a new CBF Rulebook.

Stakeholders can participate through written submissions via email to CBFConsultation@decc.gov.ie  or by post to the Renewable Electricity Division in Dublin. Additionally, a hybrid stakeholder workshop will be held in early 2025, with details to be announced.

This consultation supports Ireland's target of generating 80% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, including 9 GW from onshore wind and 8 GW from solar capacity. The refined CBF framework aims to ensure communities hosting renewable projects benefit directly from Ireland's energy transition.

The Public Consultation Institute of Ireland (PCII) is committed to engaging citizens and empowering communities through the use of emerging technologies, which are transforming how the Government and citizens communicate and interact. PCII's mission is to bring more people into the public participatory process. Not only will this expand informed public engagement, early studies suggest that it is likely to enhance the diversity and quality of participation. View a list of public consultations currently open at https://www.publicconsultation.ie/haveyoursay