To ask the Minister for Infrastructure pursuant to AQW 17973/17-22 and considering that planning applications need to be put in place soon to contribute to Northern Ireland’s 2030 energy target, whether she will (i) consider bringing forward timelines for her review; and (ii) engage early with industry.

(i) To date, the planning system has made a positive contribution in helping to achieve and exceed Northern Ireland’s renewable electricity target for 2020 and this will continue under the current policy while the new policy is developed. This is a complex policy area which needs to take account of emerging technologies, multiple stakeholders and inter-relationships including the Department for the Economy (DfE) led Energy Strategy. I therefore, want to ensure that the new policy is developed in a robust and careful manner, taking appropriate time to understand and address the complexities and with sufficient stakeholder engagement in line with established policy making best practice. Taking this into account, my aim is to issue a public consultation draft revised policy by March 2022.

(ii) Since taking office I have engaged with a broad range of stakeholders on planning matters, including in relation to renewable and low carbon energy. A vital part of best practice for policy development includes engagement with key stakeholders. Officials are preparing a submission on the detailed scope and timeframe for this review and my Department intends to engage formally with a wide range of stakeholders, including the renewable energy industry, environmental interests, other central government Departments, local government and community interests prior to public consultation on any new draft policy.