Mr. Garrett Connell:

The Oriel project is a good example of the progress that has been made in offshore wind development in Ireland. It was established in 2005 to develop a wind farm off the north-east coast. We have made significant progress in planning and permitting since that date. We received a grid connection offer from EirGrid under the Commission for Regulation of Utilities' gate 3 connection programme. When we reach full development, we will have a capacity of up to 330 MW. With the efficiencies that are available from the strength of the wind offshore, that should allow us to generate up to 1.2 TWh per year of electricity, which is equivalent to approximately 300,000 homes' annual demand. It would enable us to reduce our carbon emissions by 600,000 tonnes per year, which is significant.

The Oriel programme is the right size to kick-start the offshore sector in Ireland and, since it is well progressed through the planning and grid connection processes, is ready to go. We involved a strategic partner group last October, a Belgian specialist in offshore wind development. The specialist is positive that, with the finalisation of permit and tariff schemes, it will take two years from the finalisation date for the wind farm to become fully operational.