Sinn Féin blames staff shortage for delays in renewable energy planning applications

Planning staff must be tripled, and the State should fund environmental NGOs and the development of green energy according to new Sinn Féin policy document

Sinn Féin climate action spokesperson Darren O’Rourke said under-resourcing of bodies such as An Bord Pleanála, Eirgrid, and the CRU is delaying Ireland's development of renewables. File picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Ireland’s renewable energy targets will not be met unless the number of staff dealing with planning applications is tripled, Sinn Féin has warned.

The party is also calling on the Government to double State funding to environmental NGOs and to use general taxation to fund the development of green energy, as it wants to see at least 10% of new renewables community- or locally-owned by 2030.