Alan Dillon
Mayo · Fine Gael · Ireland
“Landlords are generally not in a position to supervise day-to-day waste management practices within occupied properties. The Government therefore has significant concerns regarding both the practicality and effectiveness of these provisions.”
“The Government has commissioned an independent study to examine the feasibility of moving Ireland's household waste collection system from the current side-by-side competition model to a franchise-based system. That study is examining the environmental, economic, operational and consumer implications of alternative market structures.”
“If the evidence supports significant changes to the market structure, the Government will consider those recommendations carefully. If the evidence suggests improvements can be achieved through strengthened regulation, enhanced enforcement or targeted reforms within the existing framework, those options should also be considered.”
“We also want to see a well-designed waste collection system that not only delivers environmental benefits but also provides householders with the opportunity to reduce their own household waste costs through reducing residual waste, correctly segregating recyclable materials and correctly segregating organic materials.”
“We have a lack of capacity so we need to continue that, and investment certainty is really important in that regard but also to enable Ireland to meet both our national and European obligations, which are far reaching. These will all benefit from a stable and predictable policy framework.”
“Ireland requires continued investment across the waste and resource sector. We need investment in collection infrastructure, recycling capacity, material recovery technologies, organic waste treatment, digital systems and innovation. Those making long-term investments require certainty regarding Government policy.”
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“I thank the Deputy very much for his questions. I feel that one of the biggest barriers to AI adoption is not the reluctance to adopt the technology but is around awareness and understanding. This is why it is important that we get businesses engaged early in respect of how it can enhance their effectiveness, efficiencies and productivity. That is why we have the Grow Digital voucher, ensuring that experts can create digital plans and allow the technology to be embedded in a system. We are working on the AI observatory to make Ireland an international hub for AI adoption. That is very much part of the whole AI plan, and we really want to see SMEs as a success story in respect of the adoption of AI.”
“The European digital innovation hubs, EDIHs, in Dublin, Cork, Mullingar and Sligo offer hands-on support to help SMEs to understand, test and adopt advanced technologies. My Department recently allocated an additional €23 million in funding for these EDIHs to support SMEs in their uptake of AI and other cutting-edge technologies. We are building on existing supports and developing a targeted sectoral strategy to develop and drive AI adoption. Enterprise Ireland will also appoint an AI sector champion to spotlight AI opportunities, and the charter for digital inclusion will also encourage larger businesses to support smaller ones in adopting digital tools.”
“The roadshow, which is already under way, helps SMEs to understand the practical benefits of AI and digital tools, showcases real SME success stories, and highlights the LEO supports available. Having participated in one of these roadshows in Galway in April, it is very encouraging to see the high levels of interest and uptake of AI by SMEs. These supports include the Grow Digital voucher, which offers up to €5,000 to small businesses with under 50 employees to adopt digital tools like ecommerce, AI, cybersecurity, and website development. The digital for business consultancy scheme is a free service which connects businesses with expert advisers to assess needs and develop tailored plans.”
“The Government recognises that the adoption of AI and digital technologies presents a significant opportunity for Irish businesses to enhance productivity, competitiveness and innovation across all sectors of the economy. The recently published national digital and AI strategy, Digital Ireland - Connecting our People, Securing our Future, sets out a clear roadmap for Ireland’s digital and AI adoption and development in the years ahead. One of the key priorities in the strategy is fast-tracking enterprise technology adoption, particularly in SMEs, to boost productivity and competitiveness. Under the AI - Good for Business initiative, a national AI and digital awareness roadshow has been established in tandem with local enterprise office, LEO, regions.”
“Rates are a devolved function of councillors and local government but we need to modernise them in the current era and see how we can support businesses in future.”
“The challenges around rates are always contentious for small businesses and retailers in every town and city. It is not a function of the Department of enterprise to control that. Rates are a very important revenue stream for local authorities and central to delivering the required services. Deputy Dolan knows, as a former councillor, how important it is and how contentious it is for executive management to ensure it has this income stream. However, we do need to make better utilisation of how rates are proportionately absorbed by a lot of small businesses. I will undertake a review of the local enterprise offices to ensure there is more structure in place. We see rates abatement for many new businesses that may establish in towns, whereby a percentage of the full rate is forgone in the early years. That is very important.”
“I thank Deputy Dolan for his question. I know he has been big advocate of ensuring our energy system is supported and remains resilient and sustainable. Across government, through the Department of climate and energy, we are driving the delivery of renewable energy and solar PV. Through SEAI grants we have seen a huge uptake in the number of businesses that have adopted new technology in regard to solar PV and energy efficiency measures, which is very important. The SEAI does wonderful work to engage with businesses throughout the country. The cost of doing business advisory forum brings together decision-makers, enterprises and businesses, regulators and key agencies. We see work undertaken by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, on how we structure the cost of energy in terms of transparency on what businesses pay for.”
“The cost of doing business advisory forum was established in June 2025 as part of the programme for Government commitment to ensure we reduce business costs and ease regulatory burdens. This forum serves as a structured platform to bring together enterprise representative bodies and a number of sectors across Departments, State agencies and regulators.”
“Since its launch in 2024, the national enterprise hub has handled over 15,000 inquiries. Monthly volumes have grown steadily, with over 940 queries received in May alone, representing a 33% increase on the same period last year. The average response time has consistently remained within 24 hours. The hub's website has also attracted significant interest, with over 300,000 visits since its establishment. The small business unit has responsibility for the local enterprise offices and we are ensuring the LEOs are properly resourced to help small businesses. A review of the full suite of LEO supports is currently under way, while the Department and Enterprise Ireland are completing a review of applications for all LEO grants to reduce the number of questions and simplify requirements.”
“I thank the Deputy for his question. The Government continues to actively monitor cost developments across all sectors of the economy. The small business unit was established in the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment last year, fulfilling a programme for Government commitment. There are a number of tools this unit and the Department will use to enable its work, including rigorous implementation of the SME test. The SME test tasks policy makers to consider the impact that any new policy, legislation or regulation may have on SMEs and to mitigate those impacts, where appropriate. Access to grants and support programmes has been simplified through the launch of the national enterprise hub. This is hosted and operated by Enterprise Ireland and has over 250 different supports for businesses from 32 Departments and agencies.”
“A lot of work is being undertaken in our engagement with social media platforms. That includes age verification and working hand in hand with the European Commission. Coimisiún na Meán is central to the enforcement role. We have seen many investigations in recent times. I believe we need to focus on a more co-ordinated approach through European regulation. These are many global platforms that have a global reach. Ireland alone cannot take a central role. We have to work with our partners to try to alleviate this. Work is under way in many ways to protect minors and children. The issue of restricting social media for under 16s will be debated in this House and I believe we need to put protections in place. I agree with the Deputy that algorithms are central to that.”
“Through the Digital Services Act, we are focused on platforms reducing the risks with these algorithms and ensuring that we have continuous enforcement. The DSA has measures in place that are currently in existence and legislated for. They need to be enacted. That is the responsibility of the European Commission, along with Coimisiún na Meán.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising these concerns. I understand the concerns being raised and the impact recommender algorithms have on children. They are valid. Certainly, the Government takes the matter seriously. This is not simple. While it might sound straightforward to just ban recommender systems in theory, it needs to be evidence-based. There are also risks of unintended consequences. Having been a member of the media committee and having listened to many of the social media platforms, I am aware that recommender systems also form part of the solution. They do not just amplify harmful content. They are used as filters and to prioritise safety signals. They also reduce exposure to illegal and harmful material.”
“The recently published National Digital and AI Strategy 2030 contains measures that further reinforce the Government's commitment to enhancing online safety as a whole-system priority. In this context, the EU audio visual media services directive, which is the basis for Ireland's online safety code, is currently being evaluated and further measures are likely to be proposed at European level. Online safety is under the remit of the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Deputy O'Donovan. His Department is currently assessing the ten recommendations set out in the committee's report, with a view to identifying and engaging the various Departments that will have a role in considering next steps. My officials will work closely with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport in that regard.”
“Providers of online platforms are obliged to put in place measures to ensure a high level of privacy, safety and security of minors on their services, including a ban on adverts based on profiling, where the user is a minor. These online platforms and engines must also conduct a yearly assessment to identify and mitigate potential system risks associated with the design of their recommender algorithms. I know the committee's report recognises the sound foundations that are provided by the DSA and the online safety code. It also notes the investigations under the DSA that have been taken by Coimisiún na Meán. Additional information not given on the floor of the House The European Commission also has investigations ongoing into the use of recommender algorithms by a number of online platforms. This is EU regulation in action.”
“In Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán is firmly established at the heart of the online safety framework, which comprises the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, the EU Digital Services Act, DSA, and the EU terrorist content online regulation. In particular, the EU Digital Services Act contains provisions that specifically address recommender systems. Platforms must explain in plain language the main parameters their systems use to suggest content to users and provide options for users to change or influence these parameters. Additionally, very large online platforms and search engines that use recommender systems must allow users, including minors, the option to use recommender systems that do not rely on profiling.”
“I thank the Deputy for her question. Enhancing online safety, particularly for children and young people, is a whole-of-government priority. I recognise the important work of the committee, particularly the engagement with stakeholders from a wide range of backgrounds who informed the committee's recent report, which is an invaluable aid to understanding how online safety and participation can be improved. In considering the committee's report, it is important to note the significant body of legislation already in place that provides the foundation for Ireland's online safety framework, including the regulation of online platforms.”
“I thank the Deputy for his question. It is essential that any redundancy process is co-ordinated fairly, transparently and in full compliance with the law. Ireland has a strong, robust legal framework in place to protect workers experiencing redundancy. That includes a 30-day consultation process in the case of collective redundancies. There are clear obligations required on Covalen in this regard to engage meaningfully with employee representatives. Indeed, any statutory redundancy entitlements and notice protections need to be enacted. That consultation is not just a tick-the-box exercise. It needs to be genuine, meaningful and focused on mitigating job losses wherever possible. That is where our focus is currently, along with raising concerns with regard to any issues that may arise. We will continue to work with the IDA and Covalen.”
“As I said earlier, my first and overriding concern in this situation is for the workers affected and their families who are facing a very uncertain time. IDA has been very active and proactive in its engagements at senior level with this company. That is very much with the clear focus of exploring all options to minimise job losses and also support the business through this transition. At the same time, IDA Ireland is working intensively to support the impacted employees. As with any redundancies, the industrial relations mechanisms of the State step in. Inevitably, there is a process that both the Government and the company have to abide by. In these situations, we certainly do not stand back. We are eager to engage early. We are eager to engage and support workers directly.”
“IDA has also facilitated connections between interested companies and company representatives, and this work is ongoing. IDA has been engaging at a senior level with the company to ensure it is aware of the full range of IDA supports available at this time. IDA remains in contact with the company regarding recent developments.”
“My understanding is that the company has been impacted by a shift in client demand, resulting in a reduction in the volume of services required and a requirement to adjust operations accordingly. My foremost concern, and that of the Government, is the potentially impacted employees and their families during this uncertain time. IDA Ireland has established internal processes for managing potential job loss situations with its client companies. This involves proactive engagement with site leadership of the company and its parent company to explore options to avoid or minimise any job losses. In respect of impacted employees, IDA is proactively engaging across its client base to identify potential redeployment opportunities where there is a skills match.”
“The Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, is making his way back from Strasbourg and he should be joining us shortly. I will take some of the priority questions in his absence but he will be here later in Question Time. As the Deputy will be aware, on 27 April 2026 Covalen informed its employees of its intention to reduce its workforce. Covalen is a Dublin-based provider of customer experience, business process outsourcing and managed services, headquartered in Sandyford. The company provides services across customer support, operations and content moderation. Covalen forms part of the Cpl Group, an international talent solutions and outsourcing provider headquartered in Dublin, operating across multiple markets and sectors. The company operates within a global outsourcing model where activity levels are aligned to client demand.”
“I again thank the Deputy for his work to try to streamline the process. I know he has engaged directly with the SEAI on a case-by-case basis regarding the operational details. There is no lack of oversight by the Department. We are very closely monitoring the overall performance with a view to improving it. We want to drive improvements and deliver more capacity within the schemes. That in itself will provide many more of the upgrades that people desperately need and that will reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and make their homes more comfortable and cheaper to heat and run. The objective of streamlining the process, maintaining the quality and increasing the speed of delivery is why we have allocated €340 million this year. The ambition is that it will deliver more than 11,500 upgrades. That is exactly what we are focused on doing.”
“We will continue to work with the SEAI to make the process more efficient. We are very much committed to delivering twice as many upgrades annually compared with the numbers a few years ago. We will continue to do that in the months ahead.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising those important points. He has been consistent in his advocacy for improvements in waiting times for the scheme. The Minister will meet again with SEAI representatives to try to progress and build more efficiencies into the programme. We are not where we want to be. We want to make the scheme more agile. Demand for it has increased significantly, as I said, because it is fully funded. We understand the real benefits it provides to households. At the same time, the level of work involved, often amounting to full home retrofits, means these are complex projects, not quick fixes. The grants available are in the region of €31,000, which is significant. We have allocated record levels of funding to support the scheme and we have also increased contractor capacity.”
“The reduction in waiting times and increase in the number of home upgrades follows a range of measures introduced by my Department and the SEAI. They include the allocation of additional staff to the warmer homes scheme, a significantly increased budget allocation, active contract engagement management by the SEAI to increase contractor output, and actions to address ongoing supply chain pressures.”
“Some 8,139 homes were upgraded under the scheme in 2025. In quarter 1 of 2026, the average cost of upgrades under the scheme, which were fully funded, was just over €31,000. The breakdown of average wait times under the scheme in 2025 is as follows: 6.5 months for applications prior to publication of the building energy rating, BER; 13.5 months for applications for survey completed; 14.8 months for applications for contractor allocation; and 22 months for applications for work completed. The overall waiting time for applications for works completed represents a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022. In parallel with that decrease in the average waiting time, the number of homes upgraded in a year has almost doubled in the same period, increasing from more than 4,200 in 2022 to over 8,100 in 2025.”
“I thank the Deputy for his question. The warmer homes scheme aims to improve home energy efficiency and warmth for people at risk of energy poverty. It is a nationwide scheme delivering 100% funded energy efficiency improvements to the homes of people in receipt of certain welfare payments, thereby making their homes more comfortable and energy efficient and reducing their energy costs. The scheme is operated by the SEAI on behalf of the Department and is funded through carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund, ERDF. From 2019 to the end of May 2026, SEAI schemes have provided more than €1.8 billion in support to homeowners for over 268,000 home energy improvements, including more than 36,300 fully funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the warmer homes schemes.”
“That work will certainly be aligned with future forthcoming EU proposals that will be brought forward. We want to continue to invest in our grid and bring more renewables on-stream, continue to support households and businesses through SEAI supports and ensure that businesses and households are protected into the future. We have already delivered in some of these areas. We reduced the VAT rate on electricity, in line with gas, to 9%. We have also increased the fuel allowance and its eligibility, bringing many recipients of the working family payment into direct energy supports. We will continue to shape budget 2027 around the energy affordability piece, working with other Departments, such as the Department of Social Protection, for those who are at risk of energy poverty.”
“I understand the points the Deputy raised. The challenge of high electricity prices is well-understood. That is actively shaping Government policy in terms of regulatory discussions and decisions, but also how we continue to prioritise investment through price review, PR, 6, through ESB Networks and also EirGrid. That is precisely also why we have commissioned the regulator of utilities to undertake an in-depth, fundamental and multi-annual review of the electricity network tariffs. That review is very important in ensuring the costs are shared fairly right across users on the system, that households are protected, that they are not paying the most but also that they are protected from disproportionate impact, and that the tariff system supports electrification rather than acting as a barrier.”
“That is why the Minister, through the SEAI and others, is scaling up the supports. We are also scaling up our renewable electricity at pace, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, but also building a more stable, low-cost system. Through NEAT, we are also bringing forward additional measures that will continue to support households. The risk to households who do not move to electrification in that they could stay locked into expensive fossil fuels. We will look at how we can utilise best practice, be it through smart meters, looking at lower tariffs, better use, better efficiency and better supports. That is the way forward for many consumers and households.”
“I again thank the Deputy for the points he raises. I fully understand the concerns. Householders need confidence when switching to electricity that it will save them money. We have seen with the number of applications for SEAI grants but also for solar PV grants that those investments are reaping rewards. Electrification, when combined with efficiency and renewables, will lower energy costs over time for households. That is very much what we are focused on. Heat pumps in well-insulated homes reduce household heating bills. Solar PV allows households to generate their own electricity. We have seen a huge uptake in EVs and that has significantly reduced fuel and maintenance costs. These are the real drivers of ensuring that we can reduce our exposure to volatile, fossil fuel prices, particularly gas.”
“To facilitate this, a number of NEAT subgroups has been established, bringing together officials from a wide range of Departments and agencies. A period of intensive engagement to refine options for consideration by the task force is under way, with subgroups meeting on an ongoing basis. This work is also being supported by structured engagement with relevant external stakeholders. The action plan will be submitted to the Government in the third quarter of this year.”
“The SEAI had received over 15,000 applications for solar PV in 2026, to the end of April. This is a 72% increase on the total applications in 2025. Some 99% of new housing is A-rated. I recognise the importance of helping households and businesses under pressure as a result of increasing energy prices. The cross-government national energy affordability task force, NEAT, will play a key role in this regard. NEAT is working intensively on an energy affordability action plan, which will be focused on short, medium and longer term measures to support households and businesses to meet their energy costs. The action plan will be built around four key pillars: addressing the price of energy; sustainable demand and enhancing flexibility; addressing energy poverty and customer protections; and energy affordability for businesses.”
“It is anticipated that the legal proposals will aim to expedite the transition towards a more electrified, more efficient and more resilient energy system that can lower prices for consumers. For the decarbonisation pathway to be efficient, our energy system must be smart. A smart and flexible energy system will reduce consumer energy bills by reducing the amount of generation and network assets that need to be built to meet peak demand. Since 2019, capital expenditure of over €1.8 billion has delivered more than 268,000 home energy upgrades, including over 36,300 fully-funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the warmer homes scheme to the end of May 2026. A rooftop revolution is under way across Ireland. More than 112,000 homes have received solar PV grants since the scheme began.”
“I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 38 together. I thank the Deputy for his question. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, is currently undertaking a multi-annual review of electricity network tariffs. Electricity network tariffs recover the costs of developing, operating, and maintaining the networks from the users connected to the electricity networks. The review will seek to put in place a framework for how network tariffs should be structured to ensure they are in the best interest of consumers, are fit for purpose for the modern evolving electricity networks and to help facilitate a low-carbon future. The tariff review will take account of upcoming legal proposals from the European Commission on network charges which are expected to be published in July.”
“We will continue to engage with Re-Turn on how it can continue to adapt and deliver for all our communities and make it more accessible to people who require it.”
“Through the ongoing governance and reviews, we get monthly operational and monitoring data. That is reviewed by our Department. We also get quarterly governance and strategic reviews. This is part of the statutory approval process, notwithstanding the strict corporate code of practice around this scheme. In response to the Deputy's point, we will continue to bring forward new initiatives if they are raised within this House and can be practically implemented. Overall, nationally we have seen a high uptake. More than 77% of PET bottles and aluminium cans are being collected and separated. We have seen a huge uptake in regard to it. More than 2 billion bottles and cans are being processed on the island of Ireland, which is significant.”
“On accessibility, support and engagement are ongoing for those who require more adaptable Re-turn machines. The matter has certainly been brought to the attention of Re-turn and we have raised it. It is an operational issue for it. As the scheme continues to mature, more new initiatives will be included, not just through retailers but as part of the current review process. In terms of the unredeemed deposits, the huge amounts that are sitting with a return are a significant issue, but it is also an opportunity. That money does not go to profit for return. It is reinvested in the scheme around educational awareness, but also circular initiatives. Again, it is my clear expectation that these funds will continue to strengthen and improve the system, notwithstanding the fact that we need to get to a more sustainable model.”
“The approval also obliges the company to achieve two separate collection and recycling targets, namely, by 2025 to have an amount equal to 77% of products placed on the market by weight, and by 2029 to have an amount equal to 90% of products placed on the market by weight. The company will publish its annual report for 2025 in the coming weeks and will set out its performance against those targets and other metrics in detail.”
“Re-turn's approval was granted in July 2022, which means the first review was initiated in 2025, and this remains under consideration. As this is the first review since the scheme went live, a number of matters require review to ensure the continued effectiveness of the scheme. The scheme is performing very well to date. Communities around the country are making the most of this new fundraising opportunity and enjoying huge reductions in litter. The 2026 Irish Business Against Litter annual survey, which was published last week, reported cans and plastic bottles litter is down 50% since the scheme was introduced in early 2024.”
“I thank the Deputy for the question. The framework for governance and oversight of the deposit return scheme, DRS, is set out in the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2024, the ministerial approval issued under those regulations and the code of corporate governance for compliance schemes. While Re-turn is responsible for all operational and funding matters relating to the DRS, officials from my Department monitor performance of the scheme closely and meet Re-turn monthly to review progress. In addition, quarterly meetings are held to discuss strategic priorities and governance matters. I have also met representatives of the company on a number of occasions. Regulation 7 of the DRS regulations provides for a review of Re-turn's approval three years after the grant of approval and every third year thereafter.”
“I take the points the Deputy has raised. We will feed in the challenges that many households that rely on kerosene face. The task force will engage with other Departments such as the Department of Social Protection on how the fuel allowance can better support those who require it. That is exactly how this should be structured. There should not be just one published document, but a phased approach in which we see immediate measures being delivered in the budget 2027 as well as further targeted actions, which can be finalised in the winter ahead, and a clear delivery timeline for the action plan itself. I take the points the Deputy has raised with regard to his constituents, especially those in rural areas who rely on oil and kerosene. I am sure we will engage with the Minister, Deputy Calleary, and other Departments on that.”
“We want to continue to protect those who are most vulnerable. As I said, a comprehensive plan, which will come to the Government in quarter 3 of this year, will include a number of measures for those who are in energy poverty and those who need them most.”
“I thank the Deputy for his question. When we saw the huge volatility and the energy crisis that resulted from events in the Middle East, we introduced unprecedented supports. We expanded the fuel allowance for an additional four weeks, which provided some comfort for those who use home heating oil. Notwithstanding the pressures that energy costs are putting on many families and recognising the scale of the intervention that has already been delivered, we also recognise what is still required. That is why, through the national energy affordability task force, we are moving to the next phase, which is to move away from emergency supports to more long-term affordable solutions. The core driver is reducing our reliance on volatile fossil fuels, scaling up renewables and improving energy efficiency.”
“According to the SEAI, since 2019 over 17,000 homes have been upgraded in Galway alone under SEAI schemes, including over 1,400 fully funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the warmer homes scheme, and over 7,300 solar PV installations. The NEAT continues to work intensively on an energy affordability action plan to be submitted to the Government in quarter 3 of this year. This action plan will focus on short-, medium- and long-term measures, such as addressing the price of energy, sustainable demand and enhancing flexibility, and addressing energy poverty, customer protections and energy affordability for businesses.”
“Eligibility for the fuel allowance was also expanded to include those in receipt of the working family payment and there was an extension to 2030 of the reduced VAT rate of 9%, which is applied to gas and electricity. A €400 income tax disregard for households involved in microgeneration was also extended for a further three years. A record €640 million is also being provided to support the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's residential and community energy upgrade scheme this year. This includes €340 million for the warmer homes scheme, which provides fully funded upgrades for households in energy poverty. The allocation means that more funding than ever will be available to make homes warmer, healthier, more comfortable and less expensive to heat.”
“He is very welcome. Addressing energy affordability is a key priority for this Government. That is why, in June of last year, the Department established the national energy affordability task force, NEAT, to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewables commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability. The first report of the task force informed key aspects of budget 2026. That included a 15%, or €5 per week, increase to the fuel allowance, providing an additional €140 to recipients during the annual fuel allowance season.”
“If we manage renewables, we will have less reliance on gas and a stronger grid. That is exactly where Government policy now is focused.”
“I take the points the Deputy has raised. As I said, that is precisely why we have moved to a more plan-led approach under the large energy user action plan. That is in place. We predict that by the end of the decade, 30% of our energy will be focused towards digital hubs and data centres. What does that mean in practice? It means new connections will be subject to strict conditions. It will also mean that on-site or contracted renewable generation will be required. That is very much focused on a demand-led approach with flexibility. Also, system supports must be provided by operators. Most importantly, data centres are now part of the solution in regard to renewable energy projects, grid connections and energy storage. We have a huge pipeline of onshore and offshore projects coming through.”