Mr. Martin Finucane:

In response to Deputy Bruton's questions, there are two aspects to developing our offshore wind resources. The first is achieving our own national ambitions, which are aiming at 5 GW this side of 2030. We have outlined the different frameworks for that. Before we have even gone to the first auction and processed the first batch of projects ready to build, we have put out a consultation looking at the next batch of projects, which closes tomorrow. We are developing a flow of projects as we go forward to ensure that industry and all the different players have time to get their order correct so they are able to be operational by 2030. On the second part of it, we are looking at the potential opportunity beyond our own national requirements. In the programme for Government a figure of up to 30 GW was identified as potential for either the export markets or going beyond where we are. We are working very closely with the European Commission in respect of the Trans-European Networks for Energy, TEN-E, programme. The new programme has a new focus on cross-border connections and potential hybrid connections where generation can link in to traditional electricity interconnectors. Ireland this year is chairing the North Seas Energy Cooperation where with a group of North Sea countries we are looking at speeding up the process of infrastructure and market development to get offshore wind moving at a quicker pace than is possible at the moment.

The unfortunate events in Ukraine and the energy response to them have very much put a new focus on engaging with the UK at national and Commission level in co-operation talks and building on the post-Brexit trade and co-operation agreement discussions that are under way with the UK in respect of cross-border energy trading. That process will definitely be speeded up as a result of this.