Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for their informative and interesting submissions, which highlight the opportunities while also indicating how far behind we are. I am concerned about our ability to deliver on major projects. We in Ireland have not been successful in doing that and the projects we have spoken about today are major projects.

I have an interest in Foynes Port. I believe there is enormous potential to grow the economies of Limerick, Shannon and the entire mid-west region. After years of struggling, we are now on the cusp of a real opportunity. The opportunity for Foynes is in offshore renewables in the Atlantic and our ability to facilitate that and cope with its requirements.

Mr. Keating mentioned a number of challenges. From what he has been telling us, the challenges involve a variety of agencies. Co-ordination and co-operation between a number of State agencies is very important. The plan and its implementation are extremely complex and require a high level of bureaucratic decision-making that I have no doubt will result in much frustration. I would appreciate it if Mr. Keating would set out what he considers the principal challenges. What is the sequence of the implementation of the phases involved? He mentioned road infrastructure, which is very important. Is the Shannon Foynes Port Company satisfied with the level of buy-in from the Government and agencies for the overall plan? If he would give me some indication of the timescale involved in the various phases of the plan, I would appreciate it.