Mr. John Finnegan:

Deputy Ó Cathasaigh gave a clear explanation of a problem the islands will face, which will also be faced all over the country. As we try to reduce carbon, we increase our reliance on electricity, with transport and heating becoming electrified. The issue the Deputy described will be faced in many communities. That is why that headline figure of €4 billion for investment in the network was arrived at and allowed by the CRU. We will have to work with ESB Networks and EirGrid, which are doing the planning and upgrades to make sure the network will be fit for purpose in this new low carbon, high electricity world for which we are planning. The Deputy's point is well made. The islands will feel this first, being the remotest part of the country, but it is a nationwide issue. The big challenge facing grid developers and operators is to ensure we are ready for this new low carbon world.

Deputy Conway-Walsh is right that these are general issues for the islands. Hydrogen is of significant interest to the Department. We are looking at it this year and will take the first steps on a strategy. The climate action plan states hydrogen will play a significant role in future. It is a developing technology. Our EU partners are also starting to look at its potential. I note the clean energy for EU islands initiative published an interesting study of energy in the Aran Islands. It is striking that half of the island community's carbon footprint is from the ferry. If there is a solution to decarbonise the ferry, that-----