Debate contribution: Renewable Electricity Generation Bill: Second Stage
Debate contribution by Mr Pádraig Delargy on .
- MLA
- Mr Pádraig Delargy
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 8 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Executive Committee Business
- Heading
- Renewable Electricity Generation Bill: Second Stage
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5673831
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I welcome the Bill and the progress that it represents. Often, when we talk in the House about energy production, generation and storage, the conversation becomes technical, but at the heart of the Bill is ensuring that ordinary people can feel the benefits of it and see that money in their pockets. Particularly this winter, as we face into yet another winter of uncertainty and energy volatility dictated by international events, people can take some comfort in the fact that the Minister has yet again produced a project and a Bill that will put money back into their pockets. Members are aware that developing renewable energy is one of the Minister's four key priorities and for good reason. We know the significance of renewable resources. We have a skilled workforce — one in which the Minister has again invested — and we know that communities want to see the benefit of that investment in their areas. However, what has often been missing in that picture is the legislation needed to move that forward. The Bill is part of addressing that gap. Other regions have not stood still in recent years; in fact, they have updated their legislation, supported investment and created the conditions to grow renewable energy sectors. We need to ensure that the North keeps pace with that and is not left behind, because there is potential to work across the North, as has been mentioned by other Members, to address regional imbalance and to work on an all-Ireland basis. There is the potential for that, but that is different from the isolationist position that the DUP and previous DUP Ministers have often espoused. We have the opportunity to work on an all-Ireland basis and be a net generator of electricity and energy. The latest figures produced by the Department for the Economy show the important contribution that renewable electricity is making already. In June 2026, renewable energy accounted for 53% of the energy used in the North — an increase from 47% just last year. That progress should be welcomed, but it is clear that there is scope to do more when we have the right framework in place. The Minister's focus has always been on delivery. People expect us to get on with the job, create the conditions for investment, strengthen energy security and support local economic growth. That is why it is so important that the development of energy does not simply benefit companies or large investors. Communities that host the infrastructure should see real and tangible benefits. Whether that is through community funds, local opportunities or wider economic activity, people should be able to see the value of the projects in the places in which they live and work. I will touch on the comments that Sinéad made. This is a great opportunity for regional balance, because the communities that host much of the infrastructure are often the communities that are most economically isolated. This is an opportunity to enhance their economic offering. We also have to recognise the reality of the time frame, because two years of the mandate have already been lost. That is time that cannot be recovered, despite the work that has continued to bring forward legislation and progress key priorities. Contrast the eight pieces of legislation brought forward by Sinn Féin Ministers in the past two years with the one piece of legislation brought forward by the Department for the Economy in the past 10 years. That is stark. The Bill is another example of that work. It is practical legislation that will put in place the conditions needed to further renewable energy development, and it will help to ensure that the North is not playing catch-up and can, in fact, be a leader in this field. I am pleased to support the Bill, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that it will have for communities, homes and businesses across the North.
655 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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