The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Pat Rabbitte, T.D. today announced the commencement of the first phase of public consultation on the proposed Renewable Energy Export Policy and Development Framework.

Minister Rabitte said: "I have previously stated that the views of local communities must be at the heart of the transition to renewable energy. As a country we have a potential opportunity to realise significant economic benefits from trading our abundant renewable resources with other EU Member States. This consultation gives all interested parties an opportunity, at the outset, to present their views on how we should develop national policy to realise this opportunity."

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Written submissions or observations are being sought from all interested parties, including individuals and organisations, to assist in the preparation of the policy and development framework and the scoping of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report and the Habitats Directive Natura Impact Statement which will accompany the proposed policy and development framework.

The consultation documentation is available on a new section of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources website and has been made available to local authorities for display in their offices.

(CD)