Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses to the meeting. In terms of the photograph provided, while I presume the witnesses would say it is spoiled by the wind farms, others might see it as a therapeutic analysis of the wind moving in the sea.

There is no comparison between what was envisaged during drafting of the Foreshore Act 1933 and what is envisaged now given the rapid movement of science and technology. The need for update of this legislation is acknowledged. The witnesses are saying that the almost 1,620 MW already developed has been developed on an ad hoc basis. They also say that this was done because of the rigour of the Irish planning process. The witnesses who appeared before the committee prior to Coastal Concern Alliance were critical of the lack of progress in respect of marine tidal and wave energy. In their view, as wind farms are taking precedence, tidal wave generation is not being advanced. While one group said progress had been made in this area another said none had been made.

It will be necessary to look at the cumulative impact of tidal, wave and wind energy taking into account land conservation and wildlife. The 40% target has been set. The witnesses have asked that in this regard an analysis be done with other EU countries, which is not a bad idea. While we have much data in this area we do not have baseline data of the marine, which the witnesses and other people, including myself, have asked for. While there is much expertise in this area, it is spread throughout many universities. While we do have maps, we do not have baseline data of the marine base. The facilities required to gather this data from the bottom of the sea are available and can often be seen on trawlers. I do not think there is any excuse for our not having that data, although finance is clearly an issue. Given that the environment is of such importance, this type of baseline data should be available at the click of a button. We should also ensure that commercial sector operatives also play a part in the provision of this data.

Reference was made earlier by the witnesses to non-compliance with an EU directive. If it is a mandatory directive, Ireland will have to comply with it and provide for it in legislation. One of the recommendations of Coastal Concern Alliance is that Ireland do so immediately. I will undertake to do some research on that directive. Currently, once the Minister under the 1933 Act grants the licence that is the end of the matter. The witnesses stated that EU legislation states that there should be an appeals process in this regard. The first thing we must do is find out if that is mandatory.