Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We know we need to act. We know the climate crisis is an emergency that has to be tackled. We want to support the Government. I spoke to the Chairman yesterday - you were there yourself. We want to have action. We know offshore is a vital cog in that but we also have the maritime area protection. I am nervous about rushing stuff like this. We want to support the Government when it comes to climate change, renewable energy and trying to meet our targets. We want to support the Minister of State on that and we know he is genuine on it. We recognise that.

I have a few other questions and one is in plain English. Will the Minister of State explain why there appears to be a dual requirement under both the Foreshore Act and the Maritime Area Planning Act and what distinctions there are between the two different consents?