Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a number of supplementary questions. It is important to acknowledge that the work is being spearheaded by the Department of the Taoiseach.

My first question is related to offshore renewable energy resources. Will Mr. Shaw assure the committee that these resources will be auctioned in the interests of the people and not given away to private consortia? That is vital to ensure they will benefit the economy.

Ms Graham made the point that in the past certain areas were frozen because development had not taken place. Is Ms Graham concerned that we are still giving out exploration licences for areas off the coast and that it could have an impact in the development of renewable energy resources in the future? We may find ourselves in the bizarre position of having to buy back these licences in order that we will not impede the development of potential offshore renewable resources.

Ms Graham made reference to planning guidance. She might take back to the Department that it approved, with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, in May 2017 the onshore renewable energy regulations for wind turbines. The guidelines have yet to be published or circulated to local authorities two years after they were agreed to.

Mr. Finucane referred to the challenge presented. It is a challenge to achieve a figure of 2.5 gigawatts for offshore renewables. If we do not achieve it, it will leave communities throughout the country that already have wind farms at a serious disadvantage. They are likely to see a doubling in size of existing wind turbines. It is unfair that they should have to carry the can for the failure to develop offshore renewable resources. Is Mr. Finucane satisfied that the figure of 3.5 gigawatts off the coast will be sufficient to meet the 70% target we have set ourselves in the light of the ongoing demand from data centres which soak up vast amounts of renewable energy?