The Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework (REPDF), which will have a spatial dimension, is intended to optimise the opportunities in Ireland for renewable electricity generation development on land at significant scale, to serve both the all-island Single Electricity Market (SEM) and possible potential, future export markets which may occur post-2020 at the earliest. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change, and of carbon fuel imports, to safeguard security of energy supply, are among the principal objectives of energy policy in Ireland. To meet these linked objectives will require further significant development of our indigenous, renewable energy resources. Development of the Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework is to be informed by the carrying out of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), including compiling an environmental report; an Appropriate Assessment (AA) under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, including compiling a Natura Impact Statement; and widespread consultation with the public, stakeholders and certain statutorily designated organisations. Following the consultation process, which will close on April 22, 2016, the REPDF will be finalised to provide guidance to citizens, industry, An Bord Pleanála, and other public authorities, for use in conjunction with the Planning Guidelines on Wind Energy Development and other more general planning guidance. Further details of the Framework and SEA Scoping Report are available on the DCENR website at http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/energy/en-ie/Pages/Consultation/Draft-Strategic-Environmental-Assessment-Scoping-Report-.aspx The SEA Scoping Report is available at:http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/energy/Lists/Consultations%20Documents/Renewable%20Energy/Draft%20Strategic%20Environmental%20Assessment%20Scoping%20Report.pdf