To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) what plans he has to reduce the time taken to process planning applications for renewable energy projects, for instance onshore windfarms; and (ii) how this may be achieved.

I recognise the importance of facilitating the drive to meet the targets for renewable energy set out in the Energy Strategy and the Climate Change Act and believe that a continuing engagement is important with the renewables sector.

I am also committed to ensuring that our planning system operates in an efficient and effective way. I intend to take some time to review the progress that has been made to date and will continue to work closely with key stakeholders to collectively improve processes and increase the efficiency of the system. Progress is however dependent on the resources available to key areas of the system.