Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Keating for his statement. This part of the meeting is confined to one hour, so I propose that each member of the committee takes two minutes to address questions to the witnesses. That will ensure we get through all the questions. We may then have time for a second and third round of questions.

When we talk about the west coast offshore potential, we are really talking about Ireland starting to play a role in providing clean energy for Europe and the global market. Given the crisis we have in Europe, it is all the more pertinent now that we figure out how to do this as quickly as possible. We organise these sessions thinking very much along the lines of our climate obligations, but what is happening in Ukraine now and the resulting energy security crisis has put our work centre stage. It is a coincidence the witnesses are here today because this meeting was scheduled before things kicked off in Ukraine. Nevertheless, though, the presence of Mr. Keating and Mr. Hallissey is very timely, as was the attendance of our witnesses in previous weeks and as will be the appearance of our other witnesses in the weeks to come.

Will Mr. Keating and Mr. Hallissey talk about the bigger opportunity in this regard? Shannon Foynes will play a role in bringing in energy from offshore wind resources to Ireland to meet our own needs. Our witnesses have forged a vision and a path that looks to that bigger scale of development that is possible. We used to talk about this aspect as a post-2030 opportunity, because that was what we used to see as being the realistic timeline. With everything going on now, though, not least the climate crisis but also the energy security crisis, it seems we need to accelerate and expedite the existing potential. Shannon Foynes Port, along with the Port of Cork, will play a crucial role in realising this endeavour.

Will the witnesses speak about this larger perspective and what is required to realise the potential in this regard? I note Mr. Keating stated in his concluding remarks that it was "imperative the scope of phase 2 is broadened beyond grid-connected offshore wind". He is talking about producing green hydrogen and ammonia, offshore or onshore, not for conversion to electricity here but for transport overseas. It is an interesting and exciting idea. Perhaps Mr. Keating can speak to this bigger opportunity and say how realistic he thinks it is, how quickly he considers it can be achieved and what needs to be done to achieve that outcome.