Renewable industry and environmental NGOs join forces to call for urgent Government action to align critical renewables roll-out with nature protection

Wind Energy Ireland and Solar Ireland, Ireland’s main renewable energy industry associations, have joined forces with Ireland’s leading environmental network, the Environmental Pillar, to call for a step-change in the Government’s approach to accelerating delivery of renewables and grid infrastructure, while protecting the environment. 

The declaration, jointly produced by the three organisations, sets out a number of important  targeted measures to ensure we build a zero-carbon electricity system as quickly, and as sustainably, as possible.  

Ireland must deliver legally binding cuts in our carbon emissions while also ensuring we preserve and protect our environment. This means that we need to coordinate efforts to accelerate the delivery of new wind and solar farms with an equally critical focus on how we support, and enhance, our land and marine biodiversity.

The declaration highlights that improved responses and enhanced resources are needed at all levels of Government in order to address 5 priority areas:

1. Nature-Inclusive Acceleration of Renewable Infrastructure
2. Transparent, Up-to-date and Accessible Environmental Data
3. Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement
4. Enhanced Permitting & Planning
5. Investment in Environmental Education
   
   Justin Moran, Director of External Affairs with Wind Energy Ireland, said: 
   
   “Irish people want the affordable, clean, secure energy that wind farms provide. We need to build more, and faster, but also sustainably in a way that protects, and even enhances, our natural biodiversity.”
   
   Karen Ciesielski, Coordinator of the Environmental Pillar, said:
   
   “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.”
   
   Ronan Power, Chief Executive Officer of Solar Ireland said:
   
   "Ireland’s solar industry is committed to powering a cleaner, greener future in harmony with nature. By working together with environmental organisations and policymakers, we can ensure that renewable growth and biodiversity protection go hand in hand."
   
   

Notes

1. The joint declaration produced by the Environmental Pillar, Solar Ireland and Wind Energy Ireland is available here. https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/assets/files/pdf/joint_statement_for_renewables_and_nature_for_website.pdf
2. The drafting of the joint declaration was coordinated by Friends of the Earth and stems from workshops organised by Friends of the Earth as part of the 'Our Energy Future' project.