Mr. Declan Meally:

On Deputy Griffin's questions regarding the ocean, the marine and the offshore and the opportunities in this regard, the Minister and Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resource issued the Offshore Renewable Development Plan in February. This sets out the approach and next actions in terms of moving forward. There is an acknowledgement that Scotland has done some work in this area. There is also an acknowledgement that this cannot happen without collaboration. For example, for Ireland and Scotland to be able to work together would require a structured approach to the development of wave energy. This would commence in test tanks, which we have in Cork, and then move to the next scale in Galway. Further testing would then be done in Scotland, ultimately coming back to Belmullet where we have the full force of the Atlantic. Nobody is ready for that full force of the Atlantic yet. Pelamis is currently considering stepping back to Galway, while others are considering going to Belmullet. There is an opportunity for collaboration but as stated by Mr. Motherway, getting full commercial or large scale ocean farms may take a number of years. The offshore renewable development plan brings the different Departments together on issues such as planning, grid, test sites, research, enterprise supports and infrastructure such off-coast ports and jetties. This infrastructure is key in terms of supporting the industry. In preparing for this over the next number of years, as per the approach set out in the plan, we are seen internationally as being in a very good space.

On Deputy Ann Phelan's point in regard to communities, a number of nursing homes in Kilkenny have come together and submitted joint applications. In terms of who is the champion, often it is a company that looks after heating upgrades and will bundle together the needs of the nursing homes in this regard. That have been some examples of this. We can engage with any of the nursing homes on how this can happen. They can also partner with the energy suppliers and offer the credits for the work to be upgraded to the energy supply companies willing to manage and co-ordinate the projects. There are different models available. Nursing homes can come together, with one taking the lead on behalf of the others, in making an application to us. It is not a case of one size fits all. There are different models available, which is the benefit of the communities initiative.

On Ultimate Cell in Kerry, this technology was on prominent display at our energy show this year. We have been working on this with officials from Portugal. We could look at this under the communities initiative and test and trial this technology with some of the transport companies. For example, local authority transport companies could consider taking this technology on board. Again, I encourage them to work with an energy supplier whereby these credits could be taken on board by an energy company. We spotted the opportunity in this regard and have given the company some ideas in regard to collaboration. This has opened the door to further discussions with it in relation to this technology.